Coffee culture is one of the things that defines Thessaloniki, which is said to have more bars and cafés per capita than any other European city. With its center usually packed with students, tourists and professionals who savor their daily ritual of a coffee break, it would be no exaggeration to say that much of the city’s everyday life is experienced over a cup of coffee. Time and weather permitting, a coffee break can be combined with a leisurely walk along the streets of one of the increasingly popular car-free zones in the center and a visit to one of the many interesting shops along the way.

Enjoy a cup of well brewed mocha or perfectly prepared cappuccino while taking in the sea view at the legendary Thermaikos Café (21 Nikis Avenue), in the elevated art-deco lounge of Café Palermo in 1920s style (8 Aristotelous, 1st floor) or in the lively Pastaflora Darling, recommended for vintage and retro lovers (6 Zefksidos).

Enjoy a relaxed walk, a cup of coffee or a cocktail on trendy and always vibrant Zefksidos and Iktinou streets, or on Aghias Theodoras and Georgiou Stavrou, where among other things you can visit the Les Yper Yper underground art space (4 Georgiou Stavrou) or grab a slice from Pizza Please in case you get hungry (9 Georgiou Stavrou).

Near the church of Aghia Sophia, look out for the independent bookstore Read (6 Stefanou Tatti) with a fascinating new section where you can find a great selection of graphic works, along with independent fanzines and limited editions.

 2 Object Repair (6 Ioustinianou) sells recycled or redesigned retro furniture and decorative items, while Τo Pikap (57 Olympou) is a favorite haunt of vinyl fans and collectors, where you can browse through vintage records and clothes.