By on 17-07-2015
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Thessaloniki is a wonderful holiday destination, full of beauty, energy and with a long historical background. Being the second-largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki is a modern cultural center with a lot of sightseeing and many entertainment options.
Some of the best places to visit in Thessaloniki include the famous Aristotle Square, the celebrated White Tower, and Ladadika, the best spot for nightlife and dining. Most sights in Thessaloniki are very close to the city center, so the ideal way to explore them is to walk.
Aristotle Square
Take a walk around Aristotle Square and enjoy a coffee in the lovely sea view cafes or a drink in the many chic bars. This is the most popular meeting point for all ages in Thessaloniki with several modern cafes, candy shops, restaurants, and many vibrant bars and clubs.
Aristotle Square is also of great historical and architectural importance, as it was designed after the devastating fire of 1917 and has elegant mansions. It is located in a strategic point close to all sightseeing and offers views to the Thermaic Gulf and Mount Olympus.
White Tower
One of the best places to visit in Thessaloniki is the White Tower, a big circular tower, located along the Beach Promenade. The White Tower was originally used as a fort, then as a prison and garrison, dating back to the 16th century. Today this is the most photographed spot of the city.
Church of Saint Demetrius
A very significant Byzantine monument and, among the best places to visit in Thessaloniki, is the church of Saint Demetrius, a fine example of the city’s religious history and architecture. The temple was founded by the Byzantine emperor Constantine in the 4th century on the ruins of Roman baths and, though it has endured a lot, it is well-preserved. There are also alleys underneath the church, which lead to the Crypt of Saint Demetrius, which are actually open to the public.
Ladadika for nightlife
Holidays in Thessaloniki can never be complete without a visit to the quaint neighborhood of Ladadika. This historic place close to Aristotle Square is accessible only to pedestrians and is perfect for walking among impressive buildings and having a traditional lunch or dinner in a tavern.
Ladadika is also a popular meeting point for locals and tourists. There are many nice lounge bars around the district, as well as lively clubs, playing every kind of music and organizing all night long parties.
Mediterranean Cosmos for shopping
For an exciting shopping experience or a family day out in Thessaloniki, visit Mediterranean Cosmos, a large retail and entertainment complex, located just outside the city, at a distance of 5km from the international airport. This is a very popular destination both among tourists and locals, as it offers shopping venues, beauty parlors, excellent dining and entertainment options for all ages.
Mediterranean Cosmos was constructed and inaugurated in 2005 and is a big shopping mall, including about 200 department stores, many restaurants, and cafeterias. Recreation and fun await in this fantastic mall with 11 multiplex cinemas, an amphitheater for events with capacity for 400 people, and kids playroom.
