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White Tower: Thessaloniki’s landmark dates to the 15th century AD and was initially part of its fortifications. It got its name when a condemned man whitewashed the entire building to save his life!

Arch of Galerius: One of Thessaloniki’s most famous monuments and typical of Late Antiquity, the Arch of Galerius, or Kamara, an octopylon (eight-pillared gateway) with 4 sturdy central piers, was built to celebrate the victory of the Roman tetrarch Galerius against the Persians in 305 AD.

Rotunda: The Rotunda, an impressive cylindrical 4th century structure, one of the few of its kind, was built along the lines of the Pantheon in Rome. Today it is a venue for temporary exhibitions and events.

Roman Forum: In the western part of the city, at the junction of Olympou and Filippou streets, you will come across the 2nd century Roman Forum. Today, only the arcade, square and bathhouse survive, along with the Odeon, which is still in use as an open-air theatre.

Church of St Demetrios: Located on Hagiou Dimitriou Street, the church dedicated to Saint Demetrios has a special significance for the city, as it is built on the spot where the city’s patron saint was martyred during Roman times. Beneath the church there is a crypt and a museum where Early Christian and Byzantine sculptures and other artefacts discovered during excavations are displayed.

Archaeological Museum: With artefacts from prehistoric, Classical and Hellenistic Macedonia, the museum’s rich collection covers more than 200,000 years of history.Address: M. Andronikou 6, 2310 830538

Museum of Byzantine Culture: A place with a style all its own, which transports visitors to the mystical atmosphere of the Byzantine Empire through its 2900 exhibits: frescoes, mosaics, icons, priceless ecclesiastical vessels, jewellery, as well as sundry humble everyday objects. Address: Leoforos Stratou 2, 2310 868 570, www.mbp.gr

State Museum of Contemporary Art: Located in the northeast wing of the Moni Lazariston complex, it is home to the Costakis Collection, with its 1275 works by major Russian avant-garde artists including Chagall, Kandinsky, Malevich and Rodchenko.Address: Kolokotroni 21, Moni Lazariston, 2310 589140-141 & 143, www.greekstatemuseum.com

Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art: Built to house the large collection of works of art donated by Alexandros Iolas, and now, as the result of much effort and an enormous love of art, housing over 2000 works by artists such as Takis and Tsoklis, Oppenheim and Joseph Beuys.  Address: Egnatia 154 (in the Thessaloniki International Fair grounds, 2310 240002, 281212, www.mmca.org.gr

Alaca Imaret Mosque: Its curious shape, colourful minaret and mysterious ambience take visitors 6 centuries back and make Alaca Imaret one of Thessaloniki’s most impressive historical and cultural attractions. Built in 1484 by Inegöllü Ishak Pasha bin Ibrahim, the “colourful poor house”, named for the multicolour lozenge-shaped stones decorating its minaret and for the poorhouse that operated next to the mosque, now operates as a venue for exhibitions and various other events.Address: Kassandrou 91 - 93, 2310 278.587.

For many Thessaloniki’s shopping district is the best in Greece. The cosmopolitan air of Europe, the Balkans and the Orient combine in a unique melting pot where you can discover literally anything and at prices scandalously lower than those in Athens. The hottest shopping spots in both prices and class are found on Proxenou Koromila Street, Thessaloniki’s … Via dei Condotti, with the trendiest shops and original pieces by local designers.

Enjoy your coffee on Nikis Avenue with a view of the city’s port. Visit the tsipouro taverns in Athonos Square and stay out all night at the bars and meze places in the Ladadika district.

Try the sweets: Yes, sweets are a real attraction in this city which does not know the meaning of the words “low calorie”! Try the famous Panorama trigona, syrup-soaked pastries and baked goods as well as bougatsa with a sweet or savoury filling.

Both a meeting point and a cultural and business hub, Thessaloniki hosts a wealth of events, festivals and exhibitions.

• Thessaloniki International Fair Held every September it is undoubtedly the biggest exhibition event in the country and one of the most important in the Balkans. Since it was founded in 1926 it has been the platform of significant political, financial and commercial developments.  
• Dimitria Festival: The internationally renowned festival held every October brings important concerts, theatre and dance productions to the city, filling the streets with verve and creativity.
• Thessaloniki International Film Festival The top film festival in southeast Europe. Since 1960 when it was launched it is constantly evolving, bringing a large number of cutting-edge indie films (foreign and domestic) to Thessaloniki every November, and accompanying the glamour of the silver screen with various other events... not to mention great parties.
• Thessaloniki International Book Fair Held every spring since 2004 in the TIF-HELEXPO fairgrounds, it presents contemporary publishing from all over the world.
• For the youthful crowd, Reworks Festival is an audio-visual fiesta of music and contemporary art which is held each September and is considered one of the best of its kind in the Balkans.

Getting to and from the Airport in Thessaloniki

Aegean Airlines operates through Macedonia International Airport. Thessaloniki’s airport is located approximately 13 km from the city centre. To get to and from the airport take city bus line No 78 which operates 24/7. A single ticket costs 1 euro and the journey takes 35-50 minutes (www.oasth.gr). If you want to take a taxi, the fare to the city centre is approximately 12-35 euros and takes about 20 minutes.