population: 0.79 million

extension: 231.8 square kilometers

Museums

A great museum to visit in Thessaloniki is the Museum of Byzantine Culture. If you enjoy visiting museums, you may also want to check out the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and the State Museum of Contemporary Art.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat in Thessaloniki according to locals are:

1. Souvlaki: Grilled meat skewers usually served with pita bread, salad, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce.
2. Gyro: Roasted meat typically pork or chicken, served in a pita wrap with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce.
3. Moussaka: A baked dish made with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce topped with grated cheese.
4. Baklava: A rich, sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup.
5. Spanakopita: A savory pie filled with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs wrapped in phyllo dough.
6. Feta cheese: A crumbly cheese made from sheep's milk, often served as a starter or in salads.
7. Taramasalata: A dip made from fish roe, lemon juice, olive oil, and bread crumbs, commonly served as an appetizer.
8. Greek Salad: A classic salad made with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and oregano.

Activities

Here are a few fun activities that locals enjoy in Thessaloniki:

1. Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade known as Nikis Avenue, which offers stunning views of the Thermaic Gulf.

2. Visit the open-air market of Modiano, where you can find fresh produce, spices, and traditional Greek products.

3. Explore the Ano Poli neighborhood, a historic district with narrow streets, old houses, and traditional tavernas.

4. Go for a hike on Mount Olympus, located just a short drive from Thessaloniki and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

5. Attend a concert or performance at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, a modern venue that hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year.