Greece has no shortage of tourists stopping by the country. Given the history, the culture, and the weather, it's not hard to understand why. A vast majority of those visitors end up spending time in Athens but end up missing out on Thessaloniki.
This is the second biggest city in Greece yet tourists don't talk about it as much, possibly because it's tucked away in the northeast of the country just off the Aegean Sea. If you're planning on spending some time in Greece, make sure to add Thessaloniki to your itinerary. You won't be disappointed.
There are so, so many museums
So, Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC. If you're doing the math, that's more than 2300 years ago. As one might expect, this is a city absolutely loaded to the gills with history and much of it can be explored in a variety of museums. Including arts, culture, history, and more, there are more than 30 museums, allowing you to take in much of what makes this city great.
Archaeological wonders are around every corner
Keeping in mind this is true of Greece in general, there is no shortage of archaeological sites in and around Thessaloniki. This includes major landmarks from the era of the Roman Empire, including the Arch of Galerius and the Roman Forum. What makes this city special are the number of other eras represented here, particularly several churches from early Christian and Byzantine times.
Day trips around the region
A huge plus to spending time in Thessaloniki is what's near the city as well as what's in the city. You can take cruises and tours that only take up a day to see various historical, archaeological, and natural spots. Excursions to Pozar Thermal Baths are popular day trips from the city as are tours to Vergina and Veria.
Enjoy a hidden gastronomical wonder
Greece is no stranger to UNESCO designations, something Thessaloniki is quite familiar with. The city has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most for any city in the country. On top of that, it is also a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Because of the Thessaloniki's long and varied history, a world class food scene has developed there. You will experience culinary feats unmatched in the world.
Nightlife and beaches
While other cities in Greece are more famous for their nightlife, Thessaloniki is reputedly the secret champion of them all. There are endless bars here, from classic tavernas to modern spots that cater to specific clientele. On top of that, this city also has stunning beaches. After a night on the town, you can spend the next day recovering under the warm sun.