Top Destinations, Culinary Highlights, and Accommodations in Greece’s Trendy Hub, Thessaloniki

Following Athens, Thessaloniki ranks as Greece’s largest city—but for locals and savvy travelers, it’s unparalleled in its culinary scene, festivals, and rich culture. With a vibrant student population of 150,000, courtesy of the largest university in Greece and the Balkans, Thessaloniki radiates a lively, carefree atmosphere.

Don’t miss these highlights in the city center.

Activities to Enjoy

Visit the Museum(s)

As one of Greece’s largest and most significant museums, the Archaeological Museum provides an excellent overview of contemporary Thessaloniki. Launched in 2022, the innovative “Museum on the Go” app invites visitors to explore select artifacts within the exhibits and is available in 12 languages. The Jewish Museum showcases historical Jewish newspapers, traditional attire, and gravestones from the former Jewish cemetery. MOMus comprises four museums in Thessaloniki along with Athens’s Museum Alex Mylona, featuring a diverse array of collections from photography to Russian avant-garde art.

Visit the Market(s)

Once the city’s vibrant hub since its opening in 1930, the Modiano Market reopened in late 2022 following extensive renovations. It now serves as a food haven, with bars, restaurants, and bakeries (including the popular 72H Artisanal Bakehouse) alongside vendors offering honey, wine, nuts, and delicacies from Lesbos and Crete. After stocking up, take a short walk to Kapani Market for even more; this open-air space features lively vendors selling fresh fruits, fish, spices, sweets, olives, and kitchen essentials, so be prepared for a bustling atmosphere. Inside, Stou Mitsou is a fantastic spot for small plates and drinks.

Dining Recommendations

Giannoula

Address: Kassandrou 50 | View on Google Maps

This family-owned taverna excels in traditional Greek cuisine. Share dishes like kolokithokeftedes (zucchini fritters), grilled meats, fresh salads, and fried cheese, then enjoy tunes from Stelios Kazantzidis on the vintage jukebox.

Blé Vin

Address: Geor. Stavrou 14 | View on Google Maps

With an extensive wine selection, the stylish Blé Vin focuses on local grape varieties and seasonal produce.

Poster

Address: Siggrou 6 | View on Google Maps

This restaurant’s innovative, ever-changing menu celebrates Thessaloniki’s rich culinary heritage: think calf’s tongue paired with ras el hanout salsa and charred calamari drizzled with tahini.

Deka Trapezia

Address: Str. Kallari 4 | View on Google Maps

Situated near the White Tower, Deka Trapezia is popular for its small plates crafted by chef Manolis Papoutsakis, featuring dishes like lamb meatballs, shrimp ravioli, and grilled green beans.

Bougatsa Bantis

Address: Panagias Faneromenis 33 | View on Google Maps

Famed for its flaky bougatsa pastry, this charming café has earned its reputation as a beloved local institution.

Mezen Salonica

Address: Rogkoti 3 | View on Google Maps

As a tsipouro tavern, Mezen Salonica pairs the traditional grape-distilled spirit with delightful snacks like house-smoked feta and crispy fried mussels.

Hamodrakas

Address: M. Gagili 13 | View on Google Maps

Established in 1926 along the waterfront in Kalamaria, this restaurant serves exquisite fish dishes alongside stunning sunset views of the Aegean Sea.

Akadimia Art Restaurant

Address: Ag. Mina 3 | View on Google Maps

Located near the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, chef Kostas Markou offers traditional Greek cuisine, as well as Sephardic specialties available upon request.

Mourga

Address: Christopoulou 12 | View on Google Maps

Featuring handmade ceramics, artistic decor, and a vibrant open kitchen, Mourga embodies the creative culinary landscape of Thessaloniki.

Where to Stay

MonAsty

Reflecting Thessaloniki’s history, this Marriott Autograph Collection hotel opened in 2022 just a minute’s walk from Aristotelous Square. Its stylish 91 rooms and 9 suites feature elegant arches and a mix of textures, with colors inspired by Byzantine art—think cream, blush, brown, and bronze. Amenities include a ninth-floor outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a rooftop bar.

Vanoro Hotel

Located in a former tobacco warehouse from 1937, the Vanoro preserves its art deco façade, recognized as a cultural landmark by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The 45 bright, minimalist rooms boast contemporary design, while the Anza Kitchen & Bar serves breakfast all day. The historic Ladadika district, known for its vibrant bars and restaurants, is a short 10-minute stroll away.

Electra Palace Thessaloniki

Featuring a distinctive curved façade that blends classical and Byzantine design, the 138-room Electra Palace has stood as a city landmark since its opening in 1972. Following an extensive 18-month renovation starting in 2020, its hallways and public areas now showcase works by prominent Greek artists, thanks to a collaboration with the Metropolitan Organization of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki (MOMus). The Orizontes Roof Garden, offering views of Aristotelous Square, is a favored spot to relax for an hour (or three) while enjoying a frappé.