Thessaloniki has long been Greece’s great urban secret: a university city with a famously relaxed tempo, a food scene that rivals Athens, and a creative spirit woven into its streets. Now, that reputation has been given an international boost. Time Out has just released its annual ranking of the world’s “coolest streets” for 2025, and Thessaloniki’s Olympou Street has claimed a coveted spot – 8th globally and an impressive 3rd in Europe, edging out the likes of Rue des Gravilliers in Paris, the Via Panisperna in Rome, and London’s “Gooner heartland” Blackstock Road. Only Porto’s Rua do Bonjardim and Berlin’s canalside Maybachufer placed higher on the continent.

Of course, for many Thessalonians, this recognition simply confirms what they already know. Olympou Street captures the city at its most authentic: unfussy, cultured, culinary-driven, and effortlessly cool. Set just “steps from the university quarter, it’s where the city’s historic elegance meets vibrant, student-driven energy,” writes contributing author Demetrios Ioannou. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan – an essential criterion when exploring a city, according to Time Out, which champions the art of “getting lost in the streets” rather than its guidebooks or Google Maps.

By day, Olympou Street is a gently bustling mix of handsome neoclassical buildings, vintage shops, and small art spaces. One of the anchors of its contemporary character is “To Pikap,” an all-in-one hangout that functions as a coffee bar, independent record label, micro-gallery, and web radio station. It’s the sort of hybrid venue that speaks to Thessaloniki’s DIY cultural streak – creative, collaborative, and always welcoming.

As the sun starts to dip, the street reveals its other identity. Tables spill onto the pavement, the air fills with the scent of grilled meats and meze platters, and the soundtrack shifts toward indie tunes and low-key conversation. Time Out highlights a beloved taverna as a must-try: “Do like the locals and pull up a seat at a traditional taverna – you can’t go wrong with ‘Kits kai S’ Efaga.’” Craft beer fans gravitate to spots like “Valitsa,” and there’s always a new pop-up, event, or impromptu gathering happening somewhere along the block.

Food is, unsurprisingly, at the heart of Olympou’s appeal. Ioannou gives shout-outs to “Salumeria del Greco” for meze and wine, and to “Koru,” a small bistro that blends tradition with modern technique – very Thessaloniki in its ethos. And for night owls, the 24/7 institution “Tsarouchas” is never far away, serving hearty soups and stews that locals swear by – the “ultimate hangover cure.”

Coffee lovers are also spoilt for choice. “Stori,” “Go With The Flow,” and “Grass Hopper” shift effortlessly from specialty brews during the day to signature cocktails at night, while “In Rock” offers a completely different mood with its wood-and-brick interiors and generous beer list.

Beyond eating and drinking, Olympou is an ideal starting point for exploring the layers of Thessaloniki’s history. The archaeological site of the Roman Agora sits a short stroll away, and the nearby “Bit Bazaar” remains a magnet for vintage hunters, bargain seekers, and those hoping to uncover a unique keepsake.

For visitors planning a winter or spring escape, Olympou Street offers a snapshot of why Thessaloniki continues to surprise and delight travelers: it’s approachable yet sophisticated, lively yet laid-back, and rooted in a deep sense of place.