If you don't count the Greek islands, Thessaloniki is probably the second most popular tourist destination behind Athens and you can see why: by the sea and full of life.
We stayed at Mandrino Hotel. It's cosy and very modern, interior design-wise, and the whole vibe was very warm and positive. The rooms are small but adequate, with a nice balcony that had an old cinema-like hotel right across the street.
We stayed at Mandrino Hotel. It's cosy and very modern, interior design-wise, and the whole vibe was very warm and positive. The rooms are small but adequate, with a nice balcony that had an old cinema-like hotel right across the street.
The hotel outside my window
Day 1:
The next day in the afternoon we went to see the famous Umbrellas-ellas-eh. The sculpture was designed by Giorgios Zoggolopoulos and was exhibited for the first time at the Venice Biennale in 1993. It's very commanding and impressive and has a crowd surrounding it almost non-stop. You know what else is great? Thessaloniki around Christmas time, where Aristotelous Square becomes a Christmas fair full of lights. It gives you the opportunity to take amazing pictures.
For dinner, Ouzo ston Pinaka without a doubt. The tables outside are in the pedestrian zone, mixed and blended with the tables of the other nearby taverns and all together they create an outstanding energy. You immediately feel the Greek hospitality and its very heart-warming.
The next day in the afternoon we went to see the famous Umbrellas-ellas-eh. The sculpture was designed by Giorgios Zoggolopoulos and was exhibited for the first time at the Venice Biennale in 1993. It's very commanding and impressive and has a crowd surrounding it almost non-stop. You know what else is great? Thessaloniki around Christmas time, where Aristotelous Square becomes a Christmas fair full of lights. It gives you the opportunity to take amazing pictures.
For dinner, Ouzo ston Pinaka without a doubt. The tables outside are in the pedestrian zone, mixed and blended with the tables of the other nearby taverns and all together they create an outstanding energy. You immediately feel the Greek hospitality and its very heart-warming.
Day 2:
Again at the seafront, now for a walk by the White Tower and a cruise (with a pirate ship, no less). The present tower replaced an old Byzantine fortification that the Ottoman Empire used as a prison. When, in 1912, Greece reclaimed the city, the tower was substantially remodelled, and its exterior was whitewashed. White Tower has been adopted as the symbol of the city. You really want nothing more but to wander around the seafront, maybe enjoy your coffee or food at one of the many spots.
Crepes at Valentino. Let me tell you some things about Valentino; it has the best crepes in the city and they're humongous. White chocolate, strawberries and biscuit for me to go, and the instructions are "You Press, You Suck, You Bite" and truth is, you must follow them otherwise it drips and now the whole thing sounds very dirty so I'm gonna stop. Incredible crepes, people, focus on that.
Again at the seafront, now for a walk by the White Tower and a cruise (with a pirate ship, no less). The present tower replaced an old Byzantine fortification that the Ottoman Empire used as a prison. When, in 1912, Greece reclaimed the city, the tower was substantially remodelled, and its exterior was whitewashed. White Tower has been adopted as the symbol of the city. You really want nothing more but to wander around the seafront, maybe enjoy your coffee or food at one of the many spots.
Crepes at Valentino. Let me tell you some things about Valentino; it has the best crepes in the city and they're humongous. White chocolate, strawberries and biscuit for me to go, and the instructions are "You Press, You Suck, You Bite" and truth is, you must follow them otherwise it drips and now the whole thing sounds very dirty so I'm gonna stop. Incredible crepes, people, focus on that.
In general, Thessaloniki was a true inspiration. The whole place is full of energy and art, it could be the sea, it could be people's vibes, if I'm honest I fell in love with this city and if I should the Athens vs Thessaloniki debate, I'm all for team Salonica. And when you walk at night in the main street, you feel that energy even more.
You go there if you want to feel peace for a few days, if you want to have fun, if you want to run away for a while. You might not fall in love with Thessaloniki like I did, but it will sure worth it.
You go there if you want to feel peace for a few days, if you want to have fun, if you want to run away for a while. You might not fall in love with Thessaloniki like I did, but it will sure worth it.
