A fascinating thing about Thessaloniki is that one can experience monuments from all the different periods: from Ancient Greece and Macedon Empire to the Roman Empire to the Byzantine Empire, to the Ottoman Empire to what is now modern-day Greece.
(1) The White Tower of Thessaloniki is a prominent historical landmark and symbol of the city of Thessaloniki in Greece. It is a cylindrical tower located on the city's waterfront along the Aegean Sea. The White Tower has a history dating back to the Byzantine period, although the current structure is believed to have been constructed during the Ottoman Empire, likely in the 15th century. It is one of the few remaining structures from the city's Ottoman past. Over the centuries, the White Tower has served as a fortress, a prison, and even a place of execution. Its original purpose was likely defensive, as part of the city's fortifications. Later, during the Ottoman rule, it was used as a prison and gained its name "White Tower" due to the whitewash applied to its exterior.
(2) The Archeological Museum: https://www.amth.gr/en
(3) The OTE Tower (located behind the Museum) is a modern telecommunications tower. It is a distinctive landmark that serves both functional and recreational purposes. The OTE Tower stands at a height of approximately 76 meters (249 feet). It is situated in the eastern part of Thessaloniki, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings and has an observation deck and a rotating skyline café-bar.
(4) Leoforos Nikis and Tsimiski Street are two of the busiest roads in Thessaloniki. Leoforos Nikis is located at the waterfront overlooking the harbor and one can find many restaurants and bars along it. Tsimiski has more retailers (clothes, accessories, perfumes etc.). One can choose either street to go towards Aristotelous Square which is the main square of Thessaloniki. There’s a famous pastry shop called Trigona Elenidi which makes only one kind of a pastry and it is delicious – definitely worth visiting! Another famous pastry shop named Terkenlis can be found across Thessaloniki (one of the locations is where Tsimiski meets Aristotelous Square) and has several Greek pastries!
(5) Aristotelous Square (Plateia Aristotelous) is the main central square of Thessaloniki. It is one of the city's most iconic and vibrant public spaces, known for its grandeur, architectural elegance, and its role as a hub for social and cultural activities. Usually there are a lot of pigeons there if you want to feed them! Also around the square you can find several cafes, bar, restaurants, some of which are located in rooftops of hotels like Electra Palace. Going north from there you can find two of the largest food markets in Thessaloniki: Agora Modiano, a renovated modern market and further up is Kapani market, a more traditional market where small vendors sell anything from seeds, olives and oil, to toys and religious artifacts. Most places are closed on Sundays (not including bars-restaurants).
(6) Nearby you can find the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki (https://www.aejm.org/members/jewish-museum-of-thessaloniki/) and learn more about the Jewish population of Greece.
(7) From the White Tower you can go north and find the Arch of Galerius and Rotunda. The Arch of Galerius, also known as the Kamara, is a historical monument and an important architectural and historical landmark that dates to the Roman period. The Arch of Galerius was built in the early 4th century AD during the reign of the Roman Emperor Galerius. It was constructed as part of a larger complex that included a palace and a triumphal road connecting the palace with the city's Roman forum. The Arch of Galerius is closely associated with the Rotunda, a massive circular building that was originally intended to serve as Galerius' mausoleum. Later, the Rotunda was repurposed as a church and then a mosque, showcasing the building's cultural evolution over the centuries.
(8) The Holy Church of Saint Demetrius is a significant religious and historical monument dedicated to Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of the city, and holds both religious and cultural importance. Saint Demetrius, was Christian martyr who is considered the protector of the city and is celebrated annually with a grand feast known as the "Dimitria" festival. The original church on the site is believed to have been built in the 4th century AD, shortly after the Roman Empire officially embraced Christianity. The interior of the church is adorned with exquisite mosaic artwork that dates back to the Byzantine period. The mosaics depict scenes from the life of Saint Demetrius and other religious subjects. Beneath the main church, there is a crypt that houses the relics of Saint Demetrius. The crypt has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries and is a place of reverence for both locals and visitors.