Something of an unwritten yet faithfully upheld rule for the city’s smartly-dressed men and women is to never be seen in last year’s fashion. This is a city where appearance matters. It is a custom that has endured since the previous century when the cosmopolitan tastes and styles of the urbanites that traditionally resided in the center served to define the dress code, including that of suburbians converging downtown to shop or go out.

Yes, Thessaloniki is arguably Greece’s best-dressed city. You cannot but notice it on thoroughfares like Tsimiski, Proxenou Koromila and Mitropoleos – including the side streets hemmed in between where the ‘sacred ritual’ of shopping is conducted. Chic and imaginative in terms of their apparel choices, Thessalonians stand not only out for their careful attention to detail, but also for the sheer amount of time they spend looking, trying on and selecting the right look – affirming their reputation as champions of the style game.

The layout of the downtown shopping district is especially conducive as it brings together an array of styles and new trends within a relatively small area. From the multinational brands found in large department stores to designers’ studios and small boutiques, the city center is nothing short of a shopaholic’s paradise! For a crash course and to keep your bearings, start at Tsimiski Street, where you will find everything in global apparel, footwear and beauty brands, both casual and formal.

The Attica department store at No 48-50 houses popular brands in men’s and women’s fashion, with exclusive shop-in-shop outlets. Likewise, Intervista at No 71 has been a staple of timeless looks from leading fashion houses for the past 50 years. The trifecta on Tsimiski is completed with an obligatory stop at Notos Galleries at No 24 for an array of international brands and products. Check out the latest collection for men at Navy & Green, beautifully crafted and designed, both at Notos Galleries and Attica.  And for the ladies, a stop at Hondos Center on 9 Aristotelous Square is a must. The company is synonymous with all things beauty-related, from cosmetics and fragrances to apparel.

A stop at Max & Co at No 72 should also be included as it is a famous crossroads of styles and fresh ideas. And for the ladies, a stop at Hondos Center on 9 Aristotelous Square is a must. The company is synonymous with all things beauty-related, from cosmetics and fragrances to apparel.

Max Mara at 54 Mitropoleos Street, a parallel road a little further down towards the sea, boasts classic selections for the femme fatale. Apart from its namesake brand, it also carries Marella and Marina Rinaldi, as well as selected pieces from international fashion houses. The philosophy here is different from Tsimiski and focuses on a small-is-beautiful approach, with cozy boutiques. Heading closer to the sea, the Proxenou Koromila and Praxitelous crossroads deserves careful exploration, especially if you’re looking for original pieces by local designers, such as Rania Xanthopoulou who remains one of the most sought-after local names in women’s fashion since launching her first collection in the 1980s. Her studio is at No 41, Proxenou Koromila Street, amid dozens of small stores specializing in the boho look – in keeping with the street’s decades-long history as a bastion of Thessaloniki’s bohemian and rock n’ roll side. At Margo Fashion Boutique at No 42 you will find the creations of Pella Christina Papachristou, the hottest new name and the ultra-talented designer of the PCP collection, whose leggings in particular are a must for every Thessaloniki woman exploring the urban girl look.

All of the above-mentioned streets are lined with cafés and bars, since another unwritten tradition is to combine shopping outings with stops for a quick espresso or a slow aperitif. Most importantly, don’t forget the chill-out rule that pervades the life philosophy in Thessaloniki, so take your time and enjoy!