Poulcheria Papadopoulou

Discovering Thessaloniki, Greece Greece has a lot of beauties to see and a lot of things to do. Despite the political and financial turbulence going on at the moment, Greece is one of the countries offered to take in a spectacular view either of the mountains or the innumerable beaches and the sea that lies endless. Thessaloniki, described by some as “The Hippiest City in Greece”, is no exception. For the lovers of museums, history and archaeological discoveries, Thessaloniki has a lot to offer to quench the thirst of even the most demanding enthusiast. There is a number of diversely themed museums some of which are the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of War, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and there are even museums such as the Chocolate Factory and Museum that will satisfy your taste buds and the Thessaloniki Cinema Museum for a little Greek cinema history. However, Thessaloniki is not just another place to visit see the museums and leave with the impressions that you didn’t experience the city in the way you should have. Thessaloniki is all about the backstreets and the hidden alleys that put forward unrevealed beauties in every turn you take. This is the experience you need to have to connect with the locals and leave the city having had fun and made new friends for life! That being said, and as a local of Thessaloniki, there are a few places that once visited can make travelers appreciate the Greek culture even more in depth. Cafes Thessaloniki is a very well-known place, at least in Greece, for the thousands of cafes that it provides. It’s the city of coffee and relaxation for many and that is totally justified. One of the coziest places that you can visit, and which I personally love, is a little tea place called To Tsai (Tea). Located in an alley in the city centre this lovely tea shop is a great way to spend your time especially in the winter. It serves all kinds of tea but also coffee and drinks. In the menu the owners have included homemade sandwiches, salads and other dishes that they serve with care and a big smile. A total must for everyone who would like to experience the Greek hospitality and service. Another quaint and hidden coffee shop is the I Heart Café located near Rotonda. Stepping into the coffee shop you get a warm feeling that the people and the small place have to offer. Apart from the welcoming service there you also have the chance to feel like at home as it looks like it’s being inhabited with paintings on the walls and sofas where you can sit and enjoy your drink while there are some books here and there for you to read. Mon Frere could not be missing from the list of course. This little cozy all-white coffee shop might be located in the city centre, but the corner where it’s at is a very quiet one. You can enjoy your coffee, chocolate, tea or any other beverage along with delicious pastry. If you love it, which I am sure you will, you can stay a little longer at night and order your drink there as well. The staff is always happy to be of assistance. Another small and lovely coffee shop in Thessaloniki is called Piece of Cake. Again it is centrally located, but not many people know about it as the alley where you can find it doesn’t allow for many cars and pedestrians. You can enjoy your coffee there with a cupcake of your choice and what is very attracting to the eye is that its bar is made out of books! One of the trendiest coffee shops in Thessaloniki that turned out to be a big hit is called Circus6 and apart from a coffee shop it turns into a bar at nights. What differentiates it from other bars or coffee shops is that at night unplanned parties might take place as some of the owners of Circus6 are among the best Djs of Thessaloniki! Restaurants One of the things that are worth doing in Thessaloniki, and generally Greece, is eating. There are so many little places that you can discover in the city and outside of its center, each with a different style, all filled with service pleasure and good food. One of the places that you shouldn’t miss is “Kastra” (Towers). This area located a little bit out of the city center is a quaint location from which you can have a view of the Thermaikos bay and the whole city which is breathtaking when seen from high up. If you walk a bit around “Kastra” you will find the great Byzantine walls inside which you can find a cozy place called Tiho-Tiho (Wall to Wall). This is idyllic for food and drinks at any hour of the day. You can enjoy your coffee and drinks and if you think you are getting hungry you can order something from their nicely catered menu. What you will want to do in Greece to get the feel of the culture is eat and drink at the local taverns and “ouzeries”; which means that while in Thessaloniki you have to visit Ladadika. This area is known for providing diversity in entertainment. There are the little traditional taverns with live music, all worth visiting and all close to one another. You can drink tsipouro and ouzo and other traditional Greek drinks that are for strong drinkers and accompany them with meat or fish and other “mezedes”. You can listen to traditional Greek live music and fill up on Greek culture! There is so much variety and that’s why anywhere you walk you will always find something on the way to satisfy your taste! Just give it a try! Nightlife Known for its nightlife, Greece will not disappoint you in that sector either. Just like cafes and restaurants, everywhere you turn your head you will see a bar welcoming you! There are wine places where you can drink wine or “rakomelo” at very cheap prices and you will probably leave that place light-headed (if not drunk) unless you are careful. One of those places located in the city center behind Rotonda is “Rastoni” and around it there are many others springing up. One of the entertainment complexes worth visiting, apart from Ladadika, is also “Mylos”. In it you can find galleries, bars, cafes, restaurants and theatres and you also have the chance to listen to live music. If you are interested in clubs there are places outside the city centre, such as the W Nightclub or the Fix community, with dancing shows, club music and live music shows. And of course for those interested in salsa dancing, as I am, Thessaloniki houses “La Rosa Negra” latin club where you can dance till the morning hours. A definite must for salsa dancing lovers! Thessaloniki might be a small place to be, but it won’t leave you hanging as far as entertainment is concerned. Taking a stroll in Aristotelous square towards the White Tower or on any other street can bring all kinds of excitement and surprises. You never know when you might end at a party with all kinds of people wanting to meet you and show you their city! These are only a few things that this city has to offer! There are so many others that may catch your interest or be available at the last moment and depending on when you visit. If you are open to anything you are about to embark on the right journey towards the right place… Come explore it with me and be prepared to eat, drink and party a lot! Come join me and my friends and see how the locals live here! You never know what may await you around the corner! What is the lifestyle like? Living in Thessaloniki is all about relaxation when your schedule allows it. There are so many places to go to for a walk or coffee and drinks that help you relax after a stressful day. Everything is open long hours and that means that you can always do something instead of just sitting at home. With the sea always near you can always take a stroll and think about summer where Greece transforms into another place, full of life and all kinds of people and locals who open their hearts to you and show you what Greek hospitality is all about!