Thessaloniki: 6 Creative Locals Offer Their Own Tips

By Olga Deikou, John Papadimitriou | February 12th, 2025

Six creative Thessaloniki locals share their best secrets and favorite things to do in the city.

Pella Christina Papachristou

Creative Director PCP clothing @pellacp

Cultural Destination

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki offers more than just a journey through historical treasures; its beautiful lounge café is a hidden gem. Ideal for relaxed conversations or quiet reading under the trees, this inviting space adds a contemporary touch to a classic setting.

Only in Thessaloniki

If you’re looking to disconnect, try the Hammam Baths at the Makedonia Palace Hotel. This heavenly retreat, one of the largest hammams in Greece, is known for its soothing ambiance and kind staff. End your visit with a delightful hibiscus tea and a rose-flavored loukoumi.

Night out

For a laid-back evening, start with a drink at Piece of Cake (19 Chrisostomou Smirnis), followed by a casual beer at Bulldogs & the Beast (1 Alexandrou Svolou). Finish at La Doze (1 Vilara) with its funky music, or head to Stereo (3-5 Dimarchou Vamvaka) for classic ’80s hits spun by Dimos.

Guilty Pleasure

The Vanilla Gelateria (129 Mitropoleos) offers handcrafted ice cream by Louizos, and the blood orange flavor, if available, is a must-try. The pistachio is equally irresistible!

Shopping Therapy

Elegance Plus (86 Tsimiski) on Tsimiski Street is a concept store where you’ll find everything from unique clothing and lingerie to stylish home gadgets. It’s the perfect place for thoughtful gift shopping.

Tenia Menegaki

Owner of Apodec @apodec

Cultural Destination

The recently renovated MOMus Museum of Contemporary Art is an essential stop for art lovers. Explore its stunning collection and appreciate how the artwork interacts with the outdoor surroundings, all while basking in the light that fills the space. Don’t forget to indulge in a coffee at the museum’s new café, the perfect end to your visit.

Only in Thessaloniki

Just a short drive from the city center, the Kalochori Lagoon offers a unique blend of industrial and natural beauty. Imagine elegant flamingos against the backdrop of smokestacks and rustic wooden mussel-farming huts perched over the lake’s waters – truly one of Thessaloniki’s hidden gems.

Night out

De Facto (19 Pavlou Mela) has long been a cherished destination. Cozy and inviting in the winter, it’s an ideal spot for people-watching.

Guilty Pleasure

Deligeorgakis’ (58 Aghias Sofias) sweet treats are iconic. Since 1943, they’ve been known predominantly for their loukoumi, but you must also try their marrons glacés, especially in the autumn, which is chestnut season.

Shopping Therapy

Akivernites Politeies, a cooperative bookstore and café (28 Alexandrou Svolou), is a true treasure trove. There’s joy in discovering books in their carefully curated selection, and you’ll most likely leave with a new magazine or a beautifully crafted notebook.

Prodromos Monastiridis

Marketing Director of the Τhessaloniki Concert Hall @prodromos_monastiridis

Cultural Destination

The Rotunda combines the city’s many different faces; look carefully for some of the many ancient Greek, Roman and Ottoman elements that still grace the city. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a concert there!

Only in Thessaloniki

Walk downhill from Yedi Kule, formerly a prison and now a museum, enjoying scenic views of the city as you head for Portara at the edge of the Old City. Head to Moni Vlatadon and then Agiou Dimitriou Street. You’ll see different periods of the city’s history reflected in historic churches, monuments, secret gardens and other sights that you pass.

Night out

Gourmet food, traditional Greek cuisine and street food treats can be found on streets such as Palaion Patron Germanou, Iktinou, Zefxidos and Pavlou Mela, as can lively spots for good music! Check out the bar Vogatsikou 3 (at that address) for great cocktails, L’Autre Café for a relaxing drink (8 Grigoriou Palama), Urban for music and beers (7 Zefxidos), and Local (17 Palaion Patron Germanou) for fine food and Greek wines.

Guilty Pleasure

Neos Galerios (3 Apellou), once a historic Thessaloniki café, is now a gourmet destination in the heart of the city.

Shopping Therapy

The store Artpeckers (12 Valaoritou) is where to find inspired accessories from two exceptionally creative artists. The art space Ro Gallery (5 Romanou) is home to exhibitions, events, and some of the city’s best designers.

Alexis Nikou

Graphic Designer @alexisnikou

Cultural Destination

Explore Thessaloniki’s lovely galleries and art spaces, meticulously curated to breathe new life into the city’s neighborhoods. The Eye Altering Gallery (2 Paikou) is on a quiet lane in the Fragomahalas area, and Pinakotheke (38 Karipi) is just a little further along pedestrianized Karipi Street.

Only in Thessaloniki

Above Egnatia Street, you’ll find an authentic yet modern side of the city. Stroll past charming antique shops on Tositsa Street to reach ESTET (78 Olympou), a new gem from Dimitris Vlassiou and Vasilis Chamam. Enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich with a tasty coffee; if you’re lucky, you might meet Laika, Dimitris’ adorable dog.

Night out

Head to Beetroot Cafe (8 Syngrou) for live jazz performances. If you’re a jazz fan, this is the place for you!

Guilty Pleasure

There’s nothing like sharing tsipouro with friends at Bakiri Café (23 Chalkeon), run by the wonderful Mr. Makis. You’ll fall in love with mini burgers and spicy peppers while lounging in a director’s chair.

Shopping Therapy

Tempera, a haven in the city center (44 Ermou), is a magical world full of art supplies, stationery, inks, and endless creative tools. I go with my daughters, and we always lose track of time!

Nikos Nyfoudis

Restaurater @nyfoodies_nikos

Cultural Destination

Just 18 kilometers from Thessaloniki lies Hortiatis, a member of Europe’s Martyred Cities Network; more than 100 villagers were executed here during the German Occupation. There’s a Roman Aqueduct, and a restored Byzantine church, too.

Only in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki boasts a remarkable seafront. The stretch from Pier A to the Music Hall offers an inviting uninterrupted walking experience. This promenade is a captivating destination for visitors.

Night out

Thessaloniki’s nightlife thrives on Iktinou, Zefxidos, Olympou and Filippou streets. My favorite spots here include Elephantas (2 Filippou) for drinks, Pinch (14 Iktinou) for breakfast, Tiffany’s 1905 (3 Iktinou) for wine and dining, Urban (7 Zefxidos) for beer, and Cin Cin (22 Iktinou) for cocktails.

Guilty Pleasure

The city’s legendary Trigona Panoramatos – flaky filo cones with custard cream – and Armenovil, a semifreddo ice cream dessert, are cultural treasures. Find them at Tasos (16 Komninon, Panorama).

Shopping Therapy

A great bottle of wine is the ultimate keepsake. The city has many excellent wine shops: Moby Dick or the Whale (5 Morgentau), My Cava (86 Georgiou Papandreou), Destilado (9 Lori Margariti), and Winehouse (7 John Kennedy, Pylea).

Vasiliki Gerovassiliou

Marketing Specialist at Ktima Gerovassiliou @vasiliki_gerovassiliou

Cultural Destination

To truly experience Thessaloniki, you must explore it on foot. The Walking Tour Thessaloniki team offers walking tours of Ano Poli and the stretch running from the White Tower to the Port, revealing the art, history, and stories that make this city unique.

Only in Thessaloniki

Every November, the city comes alive with the energy of the International Film Festival. No matter how many films you see, you always crave more – this event lights up all of downtown Thessaloniki.

Night out

My evenings often start with a relaxing gin and tonic and good music at Piece of Cake (19 Chrisostomou Smirnis) and end at Souel Wine Bar (16 Pavlou Mela) with a glass of wine and lively discussions.

Guilty Pleasure

A stuffed burger from Snack Grill Express (7 Malakopis) in Toumba. This place feels wonderfully retro and is cherished by its devoted patrons.

Shopping Therapy

Oenovated (17 Sinopis) seamlessly blends street style with a passion for wine. This unique brand features trendy, wine-themed apparel and accessories, as well as aromatic candles in recycled wine bottles.