Our journey brings us to one of Thessaloniki’s most authentic spots – Kapani Market (or Αγορά Βλάλη)! If you’ve ever wondered where to truly feel the heartbeat of the city, look no further. Located right in the city center, Kapani is a bustling marketplace where tradition meets modernity. The market’s name, “Καπάνι,” comes from the Turkish “Un-Kapán,” meaning flour market, a nod to its long and rich history. Did you know that during the 1821 Revolution, prominent figures were executed right here in the market? Pretty intense, right? But today, it’s all about spices, handmade goods, clothes, and the most amazing local cafés and meze spots! As you walk through the charming arcades of Modiano and Kapani, you’ll be transported back in time while enjoying the modern-day hustle. The vibrant streets are lined with every kind of shop you can imagine, and even if shopping isn’t your thing, just grabbing a coffee and soaking in the energy of this space is an experience itself.

If you’re in Thessaloniki, Modiano Market is an absolute must. This isn’t just a market—it’s a journey through time, flavor, and culture all in one buzzing space. Built in 1925 after the massive 1917 fire, this place rose as a symbol of resilience and community. Designed by architect J. Oliphant and engineer Eli Modiano (yep, that’s where the name comes from), it became the city’s beating commercial heart. Today, the energy here is electric. Over 75 shops line the halls—from colorful fruit stalls and Greek bakeries to gourmet delis, Turkish sweets, and a bar pouring only Greek craft beer Upstairs? Cozy dining spots where traditional flavors meet modern foodie trends. Perfect for grabbing a bite and soaking in the vibes from above. Whether you’re here to shop, snack, or just wander, Modiano is all about connection—between people, cultures, and eras. Right in the center of Thessaloniki A slice of history you can walk through (and taste)

Leaving behind the vibrant stalls of Modiano Market, we roll into the open beauty of Aristotelous Square—one of Thessaloniki’s most iconic and unforgettable spaces. Right away, the energy shifts. Here, history and modern life blend effortlessly. Neoclassical buildings rise around you, like the majestic Electra Palace Hotel and the legendary Olympion Cinema—a venue that’s hosted film festivals, premieres, and generations of memories. But this isn’t just a pretty square. After the devastating fire of 1917, Thessaloniki had to rebuild—and French architect Ernest Hébrard was chosen to redesign the heart of the city. His vision? A grand square that opened to the sea, framed by elegant symmetry and Mediterranean charm. And today, it still feels exactly like that—a breath of fresh air in the middle of the city.

Let’s take a step back in time and explore one of Thessaloniki’s most iconic landmarks: the White Tower. This 15th-century beauty is not just a monument; it’s a symbol of the city’s resilience, transformation, and rich history. Built in 1430, right after Thessaloniki fell to the Ottomans, this tower was originally part of the city’s defensive walls. Positioned at the eastern end of the sea wall, it stood guard, one of three towers protecting the city from the sea—part of a formidable fortress complex.

Let’s step into a place where history and culture have collided and transformed: the Royal Theatre of Thessaloniki! A building that’s not just a theatre, but a symbol of the city’s resilience and rich artistic legacy. Built in 1940 by architect Konstantinos Doxiadis, the Royal Theatre was initially designed as a summer stage for the National Theatre of Greece in Thessaloniki. The grand opening in July 1940 saw a breathtaking performance of Shakespeare’s Richard III, starring the legendary Alexis Minotis.

One of Thessaloniki’s most iconic landmarks awaits us—the Alexander the Great Statue! Located near the White Tower along the city’s stunning Nea Paralia, this towering monument is more than just a statue; it’s a powerful symbol of history, legacy, and military brilliance. Standing 6.15 meters tall, this magnificent bronze equestrian statue is the tallest of its kind in Greece. Created by sculptor Evangelos Moustakas in 1973, it was unveiled in 1974 and has since become one of the city’s most photographed spots. The statue depicts Alexander the Great riding his legendary horse Bucephalus, who was his loyal companion through countless battles. Notice the gaze of Alexander, aimed toward the East—a symbol of his vision and dream of conquering the mighty Persian Empire. The monument stands proudly atop a pedestal made from dark marble from Melissochori, surrounded by white marble from Veria.

One of Thessaloniki’s most striking public art installations stands proudly along Nea Paralia—the Umbrellas of Zoggolopoulos! Standing a majestic 13 meters tall, these umbrellas seem to reach toward the sky, creating a captivating scene that has become a must-see for both locals and visitors.

Step into the world of Byzantium and explore the Museum of Byzantine Civilization—one of Thessaloniki’s most enriching cultural treasures! Here, visitors can dive deep into the history, art, and culture of the Byzantine Empire through a fascinating permanent exhibition spread across 11 galleries. As you wander through the museum, you’ll discover thematic sections that cover everything from daily life to worship, burial customs, architecture, art, and even commercial activity. Each gallery is designed to immerse you in the life of the Byzantines and showcase the seamless connection between the past and present.

As we cruise through the streets of Thessaloniki, you’ll notice HELEXPO – the city’s vibrant exhibition and conference hub. This major center is buzzing with activity all year round, hosting a wide range of trade fairs, exhibitions, and cultural events that attract visitors from all over the world. But the star of the show is the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), one of Greece's largest and most important events! Every year, TIF brings together global exhibitors and innovative ideas, making it a key event for the country’s economic and cultural landscape. Conveniently located near the city center, HELEXPO isn’t just a venue—it’s a place where business, innovation, and culture come together, playing a significant role in Thessaloniki’s dynamic vibrancy. Whether it’s discovering the latest industry trends, immersing yourself in cutting-edge innovation, or experiencing cultural showcases, HELEXPO is where it all happens.

Let’s talk about one of Thessaloniki’s most iconic institutions: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh)! Founded in 1925, AUTh is not only the largest university in Greece but also one of the most prestigious. With over 70,000 students, it’s a true educational powerhouse, offering a wide range of academic programs across fields like humanities, sciences, engineering, and social sciences. But AUTh is much more than just a place of learning—it’s a driving force for innovation, research, and cultural contribution, making it a cornerstone of Thessaloniki’s intellectual and cultural landscape. The campus is always alive, filled with students and faculty contributing to the vibrant energy of the city, creating a dynamic atmosphere that fuels the city’s growth.

The Rotunda of Thessaloniki is an ancient Roman monument located in Thessaloniki, Greece. Originally built in the early 4th century AD during the reign of Emperor Galerius, it was initially constructed as a mausoleum or temple. The structure is notable for its impressive circular design with a large dome, which was an architectural achievement of its time. The Rotunda has served multiple purposes throughout its long history—it functioned as a Christian church, a mosque during Ottoman rule, and is now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its interior features beautiful Byzantine mosaics and marble decorations, though many been lost or damaged over the centuries. The building stands as one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in Greece and remains one of Thessaloniki's most iconic landmarks. It's located near Galerius's Palace and the Arch of Galerius, forming part of an important archaeological complex that reflects the city's significance during the Roman period.

As we stroll through the city, you can't miss the Arch of Galerius, or as the locals call it, Kamara—one of Thessaloniki's most iconic landmarks! Built around 306 AD to celebrate Emperor Galerius’ victory over the Persians, this arch once stood as the grand entrance to a Roman palace, marking the main point of entry along the Egnatia Road, the Roman highway that ran through the heart of the city. Though only three of the original eight-pillared structure remain today, the arch still stands as a testament to the glory of ancient Rome. What makes this arch even more special? Incredible sculptures on the remaining pillars show Roman soldiers in battle, and one panel even depicts Galerius himself fighting the Persian general Narses. It’s not just about military might—this monument also offers a peek into Roman imperial life, showcasing figures like Galerius’ wife, Valeria.

The Palace of Galerius (also called Galerius's Palace) is an ancient Roman imperial residence located in Thessaloniki, Greece. Built in the early 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Galerius, it was one of the grandest palaces of the late Roman Empire. The palace complex was extensive and lavishly decorated, featuring multiple rooms, courtyards, and administrative spaces befitting an imperial residence. Though much of it lies in ruins today, archaeological excavations have revealed mosaics, marble floors, and architectural remains that showcase the sophistication and wealth of Roman imperial architecture. The palace is situated near other significant monuments in Thessaloniki, including the Rotunda and the Arch of Galerius, forming an important archaeological precinct that dates to the reign of Galerius (305-311 AD). This area reflects Thessaloniki's prominence as a major city in the Roman Empire during the late antique period.