Planning notes for Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece and capital of the Central Macedonia region, was founded in 315 BCE by King Cassander of Macedon. He named the settlement after his wife, Thessalonike, the half-sister of Alexander the Great. Its location on the Thermaic Gulf established it as a major port and a strategic station on the Roman Via Egnatia. The city’s historical heritage is defined by three primary eras: Roman, Byzantine.

Must-try foods nearby

• Bougatsa
  The quintessential Thessaloniki breakfast pastry, made with thin, handmade phyllo.
• Trigona Panoramatos
  Originating from the Panorama district, these triangular phyllo cones are soaked in syrup and filled with a rich, silky pastry cream.
• Soutzoukakia
  Oblong, spiced meatballs that are a staple of the city’s Smyrna-influenced culinary heritage.
• Koulouri Thessalonikis
  A simple yet iconic sesame-crusted bread ring. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Patsas
  A traditional tripe soup that has a cult following in Thessaloniki as the ultimate 'hangover cure.

When to go: The best time to visit Thessaloniki is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to mid-October).

Local tips

• Use the new contactless payment system on buses and the metro by tapping your card or phone, as cash is no longer accepted on board.
• Embrace the local dining rhythm by ordering several small 'meze' plates to share with the table rather than individual main courses.
• Avoid using the 'moutza' gesture—extending your palm toward someone's face—as it is considered highly offensive in Greek culture.
• Expect a complimentary small dessert or a shot of local spirit like tsipouro at the end of your meal, which is a standard gesture of hospitality.

What travelers are noticing

• Thessaloniki Metro Expansion: The new Kalamaria extension is set to open in summer 2026, adding five stations and significantly boosting the city's eastern connectivity.
• Waterfront Deck Transformation: A major 1,100-meter wooden deck project is trending as it enters its final construction phase, extending the iconic promenade between the White Tower and the port.
• Western Cultural Hub: The redevelopment of the historic Fix brewery and the official launch of the Holocaust Museum of Greece are transforming the city's western gateway into a viral cultural destination.

Extra place context

• Ergon Agora
  An impressive modern food hall and restaurant combining a curated Greek market with high-quality Mediterranean dining and a famous brunch.
  food
• Diagonios
  A legendary city-center meat restaurant since 1977, renowned for its handmade soutzoukaki and meticulously prepared gyros.
  food and Soutzoukakia
• Choureál | Choux & Profiterole
  A specialized patisserie where profiteroles are assembled fresh to order with high-quality chocolate and customizable fillings.
  food
• Derlicatessen
  A trendy street food spot that reinvented the souvlaki experience with high-quality meats and unique options like 'dikano' (double) skewers.
  food