Thessaloniki is a Greek port city on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. Evidence of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history remains, especially around Ano Poli, the upper town. Much of the city center was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1917. The rebuilt 20th-century city has a modern European layout. There are so many beautiful churches dotted around so be sure to hunt for them.

Note: Some museums close as early as 2pm, so plan ahead. Everything is really walkable and you can cover it in one day if you wish!

Here are the key things to visit:

1. Roman Forum
2. Agios Dimitrios 
   

   
3. Rotonta
4. Kamara Arch
5. Church Panagia Dexia right opposite the arch 
   

   
6. The White Tower along the harbour front
7. Try a funky boat tour, you have a few to choose from! Not sure where they go but they definitely caught my eye.
8. Alexander the Great statue further down from the White Tower
9. Continuing walking along the harbour beyond the statue towards the famous umbrellas, artwork by Giorgos Zongolopoulos made in 1997. 
   

   
10. Metropolitan Church of Saint Gregory Palamas
11. Aristolelous Square. I would recommend visiting at night, it’s much prettier and you will also get a chance to see bboy’s busking.
12. Ladadika an area filled with restaurants and bars, again great for the night
13. I ate at Neotabepna (not even sure if that’s the right name but look out for this restaurant based on my photos and definitely try Greek pasta!). They call it Orzo and it’s a much better version of risotto as you still get the chewy pasta texture. 
    

    

    
14. The best Gyros you will ever have, the name is in Greek so again just look out for the word that matches the photo and it’s on Ptolemon street, around the corner from the hostel I stayed at. 
    

    

    

     

15. Stay Hybrid Hostel was excellent. Air-conditioned room, much needed for the Summer, spacious and clean. Plenty of common room areas and in the heart of the city.