Sitting inside the National Theatre, Alma de Café lets you enjoy your meal surrounded by frescoes and chandeliers, a marble checkerboard floor and pale green walls decorated with paintings and portraits. Their signature Café 7 Provincias is made with grains coming from different provinces of Costa Rica, and can be coupled with snacks like quiche and crepes.

Dulce Junio Café not only has some of the best coffee in San Jose, but also offers you great variety of desserts. Try the creme de menthe chocolate cake — it comes with a frosting of rich fudge-like chocolate topped with a mint frosting that balances out the sweetness perfectly. For lunch, get the huge curry chicken sandwich made with the perfect focaccia bread. Dulce Junio's inner courtyard is a a quite space to enjoy a coffee and brief rest while out walking around the city neighbourhoods.

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. Kapani Market, the oldest open public market in Thessaloniki, focuses on Greek delicacies, traditional cafes, tavernas and bakeries. Right 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 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. Last but not least, 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, so come early.