Thessaloniki

The White Tower is the most iconic symbol of the city. The tower was constructed by the Ottomans sometime in the early 15th century and once guarded the eastern end of the city's sea walls. In the 19th century, this tower was used as a notorious prison. Nowadays, it is a welcoming museum of art and local history. The museum offers a rapid lesson in the history of the city. Ideally, you'll take in this well-dosed overview before continuing to the more specialised museums and archaeological sites. For best results, grab the free audio guide at the entrance. The last floor of the tower gives you a wonderful view of the city.

The region of Halkidiki lies southeast from Thessaloniki. It is known for its jutting peninsulas, Mediterranean forests and sandy beaches in warm, sheltered bays. The region is often described as having three 'legs', the Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos peninsulas. Kassandra, the westernmost peninsula, is the most developed, offering modern resorts and nightclubs. Sithonia, also known as Longos, offers over a 100 beaches, cute villages and is a popular destination for families. Athos is an important centre of the Eastern Orthodox church. Its main point of interest, Mount Athos, is home to 20 monasteries.

While exploring the historic Ano Poli, the Old City or Upper Town, you will stumble upon the old city wall and the Heptapyrgion. It is a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress. You can pay to see the renovated interior part, which used to serve as a prison from 1890 to 1990. Enjoy your urban hike up to the monument, check out the panoramic views and sip a frappe in one of the charming cafes in the area. Also known as Edy Kulѐ or Eptapirgio, 'Seven Towers', is a medieval fortress with towers in the northeastern part of Thessaloniki. Despite its name, the fortress has ten towers. The fortress was built in the IX century, and some parts of it were built later. Like the White Tower, it was used as a prison from the late 19th century until 1978.

Thessaloniki's waterfront is a long boardwalk that stretches about 4.5 km, all the way from the First Pier to the Thessaloniki Concert Hall. Enjoy a stroll, a jog or a bike ride, ideally in the morning or closer to sunset. You'll make your way past the Ladadika district, the White Tower and Alexander the Great statue, parks, gardens and sports facilities. Halkidiki Yachting Boat Tours, departing from around the Thessaloniki marina, give you an opportunity to see the city from a new angle.

MOMus Museum of Photography is currently housed in Warehouse A at the Port of Thessaloniki, next to the Cinema Museum of Thessaloniki. The museum's mission is to collect photographs, especially historical and artistic photographs of Greece. The venue regularly holds exhibitions and events, and publishes books on photography as well. Check MOMus website for latest exhibition details.

The narrow pavements and neoclassical buildings of Ladadika host plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes and cute boutiques. The area from Salaminos street to YMCA Park is known as Ladadika Quarter. This is an old quarter that starts at the waterfront and goes a few blocks inland up to Tsimiski Avenue that is busy with international and local brand shops. The northwestern part of the area, closer to the First Pier, is a bit more subdued, with less mainstream bars and fewer shops available. As you go southwest, the area becomes more and more lively, and finally brings you to the iconic White Tower.

Exploring local markets is an excellent way to discover the city's culture. Foodies will appreciate seasonal fruits and veggies, regional cheeses and street food. Additionally, you can find anything from modern necessities of life to artisanal handmade cosmetics. Kapani Market, the oldest open public market in Thessaloniki, focuses on Greek delicacies, traditional cafes, tavernas and bakeries. Right in the city centre, it sprawls over several pedestrian streets and some parts are covered. Athonos Square, a spot for small traditional shops that offer spices and food products, handmade patio furniture and wicker crafts. Some jewellery, clothing and craft designer shops have sprung up in the last few years. Modiano Market was built in the 1920s and resembles some Parisian markets. Here you'll find traditional food items and a good selection on modern and old-fashioned tavernas. Bezesteni Market, a former Turkish bath from the 15th century now houses clothing, florist and jewellery shops. You can take the stairs to the attic and have a closer look at the six domes. Worth a visit for the architectural value alone. Last but not least, Martiou Market takes place every Saturday at Martiou, a neighbourhood in the eastern part of the city. Fishermen bring fresh catch from the Northern Aegean and from around the Halkidiki region. Fish of all sizes, mussels and octopuses won't stay on the counters long, so come early.

Aristotelous Square is the most impressive square in Thessaloniki. It features buildings with monumental architecture inspired by European and colonial models, cafes, shops and restaurants. It is the focal point in big celebrations, such as the coming of the New Year, and is the de facto meeting place during the day. The history of Aristotelous Square began with the Great Fire of 1917 that destroyed two thirds of the city. The French architect Ernest Hébrard designed Aristotelous Square to serve as an end of a monumental axis for Thessaloniki that would stretch from the seafront to Dikastirion Square and the Roman Forum. The final design, built in the 1950s, is a lot more stripped down than Hébrard's original proposal, but still has significant architectural value.

In addition to the Rotonda, this is one of the two most characteristic monuments in town. The Galerius arch is situated close to the eastern city wall, a short distance from the Kassandreotiki gate. The 4th-century AD Roman emperor Galerius commissioned both structures to show off his power. A road used to run through the arch, past the Rotunda and on to the palace to the southwest. The arch is composed of a masonry core faced with marble sculptural panels celebrating a victory over the seventh emperor in the Sassanid Persian Empire. About two-thirds of the arch is preserved. Colloquially, the monument in known as Kamara, that's Greek for 'arch'.

The church of the patron saint of the town is a must see in Thessaloniki. The first church of Saint Dimitrios was built in 313 AD. Twice destroyed by fire, the most modern version was completely rebuilt in 1948 according to the original plans.

Built in 1962 but newly refurbished, this museum provides numerous updated exhibitions. You can easily spend hours here, losing yourself in magical Macedonian gold artefacts and antique treasures.