The Pasha Gardens is a little-known gem near the old town of Thessaloniki. Half-demolished whimsical ruins are spread across the garden, granting it an air of mystery. It is no surprise that numerous myths and fables have stemmed from here. The park's imaginative, Gaudí-esque architecture centres around an ornate fountain encircled by a tunnel leading nowhere.

Zeitenlik is an Allied military cemetery dedicated to those who fought for freedom during the World War I. The cemetery is subdivided into French, Serbian, Italian, British Commonwealth, and Russian sections. Zeitenlik is the largest memorial park in Greece and is located about 1.5 kilometres from the city centre of Thessaloniki.

A hidden door inside leads into the crypt, where several Ethiopian royals are buried, along with Emperor Menelik himself. The marble tombs are a stunning discovery in themselves, but the real kicker is an original painting by Michelangelo also on display here. Come with a guide to get the full experience.

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.