Markets — The Old & The New

The region of Halkidiki lies southeast from Thessaloniki. It is known for its jutting peninsulas, Mediterranean forests and sandy beaches in warm, sheltered bays. The region is often described as having three 'legs' — Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos peninsulas. Kassandra, the westernmost peninsula, is the most developed, offering modern resorts and nightclubs. Sithonia, also known as Longos, offers over a 100 beaches, cute villages and is a popular destination for families. Athos is an important centre of Eastern Orthodox church. Its main point of interest, Mount Athos, is home to 20 monasteries.

While exploring the historic Ano Poli — the Old City or Upper Town — you will stumble upon the old city wall and the Heptapyrgion. It is a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress. You can pay to see the renovated interior part, which used to serve as a prison in 1890–1990. It's not a must thought: enjoy your urban hike up to the monument, check out the panoramic views and sip a frappe in one of the charming cafes in the area. Edy Kulѐ or Eptapirgio (Seven Towers) is a medieval fortress with towers in the northeastern part of Thessaloniki. Despite its name, the fortress has ten towers. The fortress was built in the IX century, and some parts of it were built later. Like the White Tower, it was used as a prison from the late 19th century to 1978.

Thessaloniki's waterfront is a long boardwalk that stretches about 4.5 km, all the way from the First Pier to the Thessaloniki Concert Hall. Enjoy a stroll, a jog or a a bike ride, ideally in the morning or closer to sunset. You'll make your way past the Ladadika district, the White Tower and Alexander the Great statue, parks, gardens and sports facilities. Ornate boat tours departing from around the White Tower give you an opportunity to see the city from a new angle.

The mythical Mount Olympus can be seen on the horizon from the waterfront in Thessaloniki. Many visitors choose to spend a day on a trip to the ancient Dion and Mount Olympus. You'll see the Dion Archaeological Park with city ruins dating from the 6th century BC and the most important spot in Greek mythology itself. If you're looking to go on a hike, there are guides that will take you along Enipeas Gorge in the foothills of Mount Olympus with spectacular waterfalls, numerous endemic species and picnic opportunities.

Exploring local markets is an excellent way to discover the city's culture. Foodies will appreciate seasonal fruits and veggies, regional cheeses and street food. Additionally, you can find anything from modern necessities of life to artisanal handmade cosmetics. Here are some of the main markets you should check out: Kapani Market — the oldest open public market in Thessaloniki. Focused on Greek delicacies, traditional cafes, tavernas and bakeries. Smack in the city centre, it sprawls over several pedestrian streets and some parts are covered. Athonos Square — a spot for small traditional shops that offer spices and food products, handmade patio furniture and wicker crafts. Some jewellery, clothing and craft designer shops have sprung up in the last few years. Modiano Market — was built in the 1920s and resembles some Parisian markets. Here you'll find traditional food items and a good selection on modern and old-fashioned tavernas. Bezesteni Market — a former Turkish bath with from the 15th century now houses clothing, florist and jewellery shops. You can take the stairs to the attic and have a closer look at the six domes. Worth a visit for the architectural value alone. Martiou Market — takes place every Saturday at Martiou, a neighbourhood in the eastern part of the city. Fishermen bring fresh catch from the Northern Aegean and from around the Halkidiki region. Fish of all sizes, mussels and octopuses won't stay on the counters long! Come early.

Aristotelous Square is the most impressive square in Thessaloniki. It features buildings with monumental architecture inspired by European and colonial models, cafes, shops and restaurants. It is the focal point in big celebrations, such as the coming of the New Year, and is the de facto meeting place during the day. The history of Aristotelous Square began with the Great Fire of 1917 that destroyed two thirds of the city. The French architect Ernest Hébrard designed Aristotelous Square to serve as an end of a monumental axis for Thessaloniki that would stretche from the seafront to Dikastirion Square and the Roman Forum. The final design, build in the 1950s, is a lot more stripped down than Hébrard's original proposal, but still has significant architectural value.

Unique in Greece, the Rotunda is a cylindrical building from the early 4th century AD. The mosaics inside are really impressive. The Rotunda is a massive circular structure (built in 306 AD) with a masonry core. Through its long history, it has gone through multiple periods of use and modification as a polytheist temple: a Christian basilica, a Muslim mosque, and a Christian church once again. A minaret is preserved from its use as a mosque, and ancient remains are exposed on its southern side. Some Greek publications claim it is the oldest Christian church in the world! These days, the Rotunda is primarily an archaeological site, where visitors can see some remaining Christian mosaics and feel the weight of history.

In addition to The Rotonda, this is one of the two most characteristic monuments in town. The Galerius arch is situated close to the eastern city wall, a short distance from the Kassandreotiki gate. The 4th-century AD Roman emperor Galerius commissioned both structures to show off his power. A road used to run through the arch, past the Rotunda and on to the palace to the southwest. The arch is composed of a masonry core faced with marble sculptural panels celebrating a victory over the seventh emperor in the Sassanid Persian Empire. About two-thirds of the arch is preserved. Colloquially, the monument in known as Kamara (Καμάρα) — that's Greek for 'arch'.

The Ancient Agora and the Roman Forum — two names, same place. Right in the city centre, you will find this important and fascinating archaeological site, which once was the roman heart of the ancient city. It was first built in the late 2nd century AD and was dug up by accident in the 1960s. Grab a coffee from one of the many cafes located close by and enjoy the view.

Built as a miniature of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople in the 7th century, the cathedral contains beautiful Byzantine frescoes and mosaics. Agia Sofia is one of the oldest churches in the city still standing today and is included as a World Heritage Site on the UNESCO list.

OTE Tower is a 76-metre-tall whimsical tower located within the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center. In addition to being a gleaming monument to 60s design, the tower is also home to a revolving Skyline cafe-bar. The venue operates year-round, offers coffee, signature drinks and a small selection of small bites. After dark, there is live piano music. Skyline organises special events for Christmas and New year's Eve, should you visit Thessaloniki in winter.

The Noesis is a welfare, non-profit cultural and educational foundation that promotes Technological Culture to kids and adults. The centre is divided into sections: the main exhibition, planetarium and simulator. Noesis caters to a diverse audience. Some will be excited by the classic cars exposition. Interactive science exhibits are a must. The Ancient Greek science hall presents a history of inventions. Visitors note that some video exhibits might be a bit too exciting for children under 5 years old.

Be sure to snap a selfie with Alexander III of Macedonia on a rearing horse! This modern statue of one of the most famous and influential Ancient Greeks mounted on Bucephalus, his famous horse, overlooking the Thermaic Gulf at Thessaloniki.

Zeitenlik is an Allied military cemetery dedicated to those who fought for freedom during the World War I. The cemetery is subdivided into French, Serbian, Italian, British Commonwealth, and Russian sections. Zeitenlik is the largest memorial park in Greece and is located about 1.5 km from the city centre of Thessaloniki.

The Pasha Gardens is a little-known gem near the old town of Thessaloniki. Half-demolished whimsical ruins are spread across the garden, granting it an air of mystery — it is no surprise numerous myths and fables have stemmed from here. The park's imaginative, Gaudí-esque architecture centres around an ornate fountain encircled by a tunnel leading nowhere.