Beyond the Guidebook: Thessaloniki According to 6 Insiders

By Stavroula Kleidaria | January 22nd, 2026

Six locals share their favorite bars, restaurants and hidden corners of Thessaloniki.

Athan Dapis

Cultural destination

The MOMus museums (at the port, the TIF and the Lazariston Monastery) always have interesting exhibitions; the Byzantine Museum is an architectural masterpiece, designed by architect Kyriakos Krokos.

Only in Thessaloniki

You can see up to 15 UNESCO cultural heritage monuments, most within walking distance of each other. From the Church of Panaghia Chalkeon (2 Chalkeon) with its splendid architecture to the Church of Aghioi Apostoli (1 Olympou) with its frescoes and mosaics, they are all so important.

Night out

I prefer quiet places such as Philia (Navarinou Square) or Purovoku (3 Karipi), which has taken cocktails to another level entirely. My “nightcap” is often a sandwich from Kantina Othonas in Nea Paralia.

Favοrite coffee place

The colorful atmosphere at Piece of Cake (19 Chrysostomou Smyrnis) goes perfectly with its very good coffee and delicious cakes. Must-tries are the red velvet and the carrot cake. A timeless classic is the Kitchenbar at the port, with the most beautiful views of the city.

Sunday ritual

On Sundays I wake up late. I usually have my coffee, and later my lunch, at Kappu (16 Palaion Patron Germanou) before I head to Toumba Stadium to watch PAOK play.

Ismini Tornivouka

Director of Operations Tor Hotel Group, @isminious

Cultural destination

The Museum of Byzantine Culture is Thessaloniki’s quiet jewel, a serene, beautifully curated space that reflects the timeless spirit of Byzantine art. It’s where you feel the city’s soul most deeply: contemplative and eternal.

Only in Thessaloniki

A walk on the New Waterfront captures the best of Thessaloniki: the sea breeze, the light, and the rhythm of the city. A koulouri or a creamy bougatsa in hand completes the ritual. But what truly defines the city is how easily you run into friends there.

Night out

Dinner at Olympos Naoussa is pure Thessaloniki elegance, a legendary restaurant recently revived. And then there’s Gorilla Bar (3 Veroias): vibrant, eclectic and full of life, the kind of place where everyone somehow knows everyone else.

Favοrite coffee place

Shed (11 Patriarchou Dionysiou) and Peach Boy (44 Ermou) are my go-tos. Both capture the modern Thessaloniki spirit: creative, stylish and effortlessly welcoming.

Sunday ritual

Brunch with the kids at Ergon Agora (42 Pavlou Mela) is our family tradition. Lunch at Clochard (10 Komninon & 23 Mitropoleos) is a timeless Thessaloniki experience.

Lambrini Stavrou

Co-founder of the fashion brand Ancient Kallos, @labrini_stavrou

Cultural destination

Every November, Thessaloniki hosts its International Film Festival, with premieres, screenings and discussions that celebrate contemporary cinema. It’s become a key event for film lovers and creators alike.

Only in Thessaloniki

What I love about Thessaloniki is how quickly you can connect with people. Ten minutes for a quick coffee at Proxenou Koromila to meet a friend, then a walk by the sea, and somehow the day already feels full.

Night out

I’m very much a summer person, and one of my favorite spots is the rooftop of the ON Residence hotel (5 Nikis), with the city stretched out below. In winter, if there isn’t a good play to catch, I usually head to Le Cercle de Salonique (7 Vasileos Irakleiou).

Favοrite coffee place

It’s hard to choose just one. I go to Tom Dixon (6 Chrisostomou Smirnis) for the interiors; it’s a place where design becomes part of the experience. Local (17 Palaion Patron Germanou) is my go-to spot with friends, where a coffee easily turns into drinks.

Sunday ritual

Sundays often start with brunch at the Hyatt Regency; it’s my little weekend indulgence. Refined flavors, great coffee and an easy, relaxed atmosphere.

George Doras

Founder of Le Cercle de Salonique, @georgedoras

Cultural destination

The city’s multicultural past is still visible as you walk through it. The Roman Agora feels like an open-air museum, but even more exciting are the small galleries and artist-run spaces such as Volume R Concept Space (24 Paparigopoulou) and French Fries – French Kisses (12 Pavlou Mela).

Only in Thessaloniki

Even on a bad day, Thessaloniki’s sunset can lift your mood. After seven years here, I still catch myself taking photos of it. It’s the only city where I never get tired of watching the sun sink into the sea.

Night out

Thessaloniki’s nightlife never disappoints; there’s something special for every taste. Folki (5 Stratigou Makriyianni) is a unique little wine bar full of thoughtful details and youthful energy. For aperitivo lovers, Giulietta Spritzeria (33 Palaion Patron Germanou) serves superior spritzes.

Favοrite coffee place

A coffee spot I appreciate for its quality and for a minimalist vibe that reminds me of Japan is Hue (38 Filippou), with its own in-house roastery. When I need a little city break, I go to Estet Café (78 Olympou) for a coffee and their signature cheese sandwich with homemade coffee-sriracha sauce.

Sunday ritual

Sunday is my breakfast-in-bed day, usually with a classic Greek breakfast from Paradosiako (27 Aristotelous), a Thessaloniki staple for over 25 years, but I will leave the house for dessert at the Pink Dot Café at Apollonia Center.

Konstantinos Matheas

Architect, @kmatheas

Cultural destination

Every stroll through Thessaloniki feels like a privilege, and you don’t need a map. There’s something magical about wandering around the center. A simple walk from Ano Poli down to the sea is enough to feel the city’s grandeur as you drift through time and soak up its stories and secrets.

Only in Thessaloniki

Υou can wake up and go for a morning walk or run along the New Waterfront, a project that’s transformed the city, and watch the sun reflect off the anchored ships and port cranes against the majestic backdrop of Mt Olympus, once home to the gods of ancient Greece.

Night out

Thessaloniki’s nightlife caters to every taste and I’ve recently become fascinated by the historic Vardaris neighborhood. The triangle formed by Aghiou Dimitriou, Karaoli & Dimitriou ton Kyprion and Lagkada streets is now dotted with new bars and eateries.

Favοrite coffee place

Pelosof (22 Tsimiski) stands out among Thessaloniki’s coffee destinations. Located in the inner courtyard of a historic downtown building, it has added contemporary design elements to the original grandeur of the building.

Sunday ritual

Instead of settling in a café or heading out for brunch, I grab a koulouri or bougatsa and make my way to Pier 1 at the port. There, I sit with friends on the dock, as gentle sea breezes sweep across the Thermaic Gulf. It’s a simple ritual, but it captures the city’s unhurried weekend pace.

Synthia Sapika

Journalist, General Director ERT3, @synthiasapika

Cultural destination

At the Venizelou metro station, you’ll see remains of the Decumanus Maximus, the east-west Roman road, and hear echoes of the city’s ancient commercial splendor. The Kostakis Collection at Moni Lazariston (21 Kolokotroni), a priceless art legacy, is just a part of the MOMus museum network.

Only in Thessaloniki

Take a boat ride and see the city from the sea. As the poet says, “Only from the water should Thessaloniki be seen; never dare to look at her from the land.” Back on land, wonderful will lead you to the Trigonion Tower and the Yedi Kule.

Night out

I love concerts at Mylos (56 Georgiou Andreou) with international bands, small theatres staging independent productions, intimate live gigs in bars scattered throughout the center, and having drinks with my friends at hangouts such as Souel (16 Pavlou Mela).

Favοrite coffee place

Unfortunately, I no longer have the luxury of lingering over coffee for hours. Ιf there is one place to mention, however, it’s the city’s oldest café-bar, De Facto (19 Pavlou Mela), the place where I spent my teenage years.

Sunday ritual

My mother says that if you want to know a city, you should visit its cemeteries. Zeitenlik, an Allied military cemetery and WWI memorial park, is the largest military cemetery in Greece.