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I’ve decided to compile the absolute best seven compelling experiences not to miss in Lisbon, Portugal. After all, who better than a Lisbon lover and a local for almost 10 years (auch!) to give you insider advice?Although I’ve moved to Barcelona now, I still somehow consider Lisbon my city, where I lived some of the best years of my life and which is now one of the most trendy cities in Europe.If you’re expecting beaches, sorry, but I’ve addressed them in another post: here are the best beaches near Lisbon. If you’re looking for more than that, great, let’s get started! 

1. Eat The One And Only Pastel de Nata

Pastéis de nata are also known as portuguese custard tarts. In case you haven’t try them, you don’t know what you’ve been missing all your life. They taste as delicious as they look and are available in virtually EVERYWHERE in Lisbon. Together with a bica, a portuguese espresso, is the favorite snack for Lisboners.

If you are looking for the real thing, the aledgelly original ones are made in Pastéis de Belém factory, in Belém district. This place is often packed, particularly on weekends. Interestingly enough, they never won the annual award for the best Pastel de Nata in Lisbon. Yes, this award is real and for three years in a row the winner was Aloma, in the trendy Campo de Ourique neighborhood. My favorites are from the superbly located Manteigaria, in Largo de Camões. These are creamy as ever and come fresh out of the oven: it’s impossible to eat only one.

2. Go Off The Beaten Track

Explore the tiny streets in Lisbon and get lost at the typical neighborhoods of Graça and Alfama. This is where you will find the real city. Older people shopping for groceries on local shops and boys playing football on the narrow streets while they mothers chit-chat about the neighbors nearby. Observing the everyday life of the people living there is acknowledging they live in a small village within a big city and they love every single bit of it.

Bairro Alto is another of those picturesque places, but this comes with a plot twist.  At night, specially during the weekends, eclectic crowds rush to turn the neighborhood into Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife mecca, where you hang out in the street chatting with your friends with a glass in your hand. Yeah, Lisbon is that easy-going.

3. Live a Fairytale In Sintra

In case you are single, you have all the ingredients to find your life partner in Lisbon. With the warm weather, beautiful sun-kissed people and the great Portuguese wine, the odds are EVER in your favor. But the fairytale I meant is a place called Sintra, a village where imposing castles and ancient palaces live in harmony with exotic gardens and greenery. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason.

Undoubtedly, the main attraction is Palácio da Pena, a colorful palace brimming with over-the-top designs that seems to come straight out of a fairytale. It is located on top of a hill and from up there, you can delight yourself with breathtaking views from all the Sintra-Cascais-Lisbon region.  

4. Go For a Yellow Ride on Tram 28

Elevador da Glória.

The legendary yellow Tram 28 is one of the symbols of Lisbon and at the same time, one of the most inexpensive ways to get to the traditional neighborhoods of Lisbon, like Graça and Alfama. Hopping on and off this tram is a one of a kind experience which has made it as a tourist favorite in the last few years.

However, during rush hours the tram is packed with locals who also use it as mean of transportation. Perfect time for the pickpockets to enter the scene and make their day, so beware. Another option is to ride the funiculars in Glória and Bica. Not as charming, but still gets you inside a yellow tram-like vehicle!

5. Fish, Fish, Fish

I’m sure you agree finding cheap fresh is extremely difficult anywhere in Europe. Anywhere except in Portugal. Sharing the majority of its border with the Atlantic, is probably the fish-friendliest country in Europe. Enough to say the symbol of the biggest festivities in Lisbon, Santos Populares, is a…. sardine. 

Actually, one of the things I miss the most about my country is how simple it is to find good fresh fish. So since you’re there, make sure you take advantage of this sweet sea-kissed location to enjoy the best fish you’ve ever had in your life. There are almost as many cheap restaurants in Lisbon who serve fresh fish dishes as actual fish on the sea. 

Enter any typic Lisbon restaurant and ask for a grilled Dourada, Robalo or Salmão. You won’t regret it. If I still can’t convince you, at least give it a try to my favorite fish dish: Bacalhau à Brás, a delicious combination of codfish, scrambled eggs and fries. It still isn’t meat, but it does not taste that fishy.

6. Visit The Best Aquarium In The World

The Universal Exhibition of 1998 (Expo’98) in Lisbon encompassed a major urban redevelopment project in all the eastern end of the city’s waterfront. When it was over, a new urban district named Parque das Nações (Park of Nations) was born. 

A walk among this area gives you a dramatically different perspective from the rest of the city and reminds you that Lisbon is not exclusively made of tiny streets and corky neighborhoods. It has a modern side which we do not commonly hear about.Parque das Nações stands out as an impressive open-air contemporary architecture portfolio, includes two striking twin towers designed to look like giant sailboats (!), a ship-shaped mall, water gardens, a casino and of course, the biggest bridge in Europe – Ponte Vasco da Gama. Everything is big here. But even in this futuristic setting, Oceanário still stands out.

 It’s the largest indoor aquarium in Europe and recently voted in TripAdvisor as #1 in the world. If you find it beautiful on the outside, I can assure you it’s even more impressive inside!

7. Enjoy The Sunset With a View

The one travel tip I always give for someone who comes to Lisbon for the first time is to end at least one day in a viewpoint (or in portuguese, miradouros). In the last few years, the municipality has finally found some value in those and made an effort to renew them around the city, building some cafés and bars that bring added value to the already beautiful setting. 

For the best views of the city, head to Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte, in Graça district. It’s a quite challenging walk uphill but it’s not that crowded and you’ll have this view as a reward.

Whether you sail into a bright and beautiful harbour or listen to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, whether you fly low over cobalt waters in a twin-engine propeller-driven plane or you stumble upon the antiquity here and there, the Greek Islands are the most wonderful holiday dreams to say the least. Exquisite to fuel the intense imagination, the Greek Islands can be best defined by these words by one of Greek’s favourite sons, Homer: “…There is the heat of Love, the pulsing rush of Longing, the lover’s whisper, irresistible—magic to make the sanest man go mad.”

Considering that no Greek island is any lesser than the other, the vital question here is not ‘what islands to visit in Greece’ but ‘what to leave to be explored in the next trip’. However, some of the Greek Islands are so gorgeous and seductive that they make it to the top of holiday-makers list of must-visit and best Greek Islands, here are the Top 10.

1 – Santorini

If Greece is the most magical place on earth, Santorini is its magic wand. The amber skyline blending with the azure seascape at the horizon and the absolutely stunning whitewashed Cycladic dwellings gleaming like gold in the afterglow of dusk, Santorini is not just exquisite but spellbinding. One of the most beautiful and romantic islands in the world, officially Thira in Greek, Santorini is gracefully perched on the cliff of the mountain 200kms south-east of Greece mainland in the Aegean Sea. Unparalleled beauty of hilltop villages, excellent wineries, some of the Cyclades finest dining experiences, the sandy multi-coloured beaches in Red, Black and White, rich antiquity and the Greek hospitality are a few of the many other reasons which make Santorini the most popular and best Greek island. The sunset of Oia, the black pebbled beach of Kamari, the bustling markets and white cobblestones streets of Fira, the Venetian castle and Byzantine churches of Pyrgos—Santorini’s charm is irresistible.

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2 – Mykonos

If you ever wondered where exactly the white, round shaped, 16th-century Venetian windmills with a pointed roof and very small windows are? Then the answer is—Mykonos, a beautiful Greek island, which is also a part of Cyclades. And keeping the iconic windmills in mind, if you are expecting it to be a quaint village, then Mykonos will be a surprise for you. Pack your most stylish clothes and put your best fashion foot forward in Mykonos. Yes! The stunning Cycladic maze hosting crowds of fashionistas and riches from across the globe, Mykonos is the most glam and glitzy of Greek Cyclades. The pricey bars and cafes, designer stores, crowded clubs by the beaches, Mykonos is called Ibiza of Greece for obvious reasons. However, between the all the style and razzmatazz, the ‘Island of the Winds’ is holding fast to its gorgeous Greek charm and impressive antiquity. As per Greek mythology, it was in this rocky island of Mykonos that the great battle between Zeus and Titans were fought and also the invincible giants were killed by Hercules.

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3 – Corfu

Flaunting its intellectual and artistic heritage, Corfu or Kérkyra as it is called in Greek, is one of the most popular and best Greek islands on the Ionian Sea. Corfu refers to both the main town and the island. Loved for its scenic villages, gorgeous Byzantine churches, stunning Venetian fortresses and exhilarating nightlife, Corfu also has dramatic coastline with steep mountains. Wander through the tapered, cobbled streets and explore the impressive New Town to discover the bounty of history that this lovely Greek island has inherited.

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4 – Zakynthos

The third largest island in the Ionian Sea, named after Zacynthos, son of legendary Arcadian chief Dardanos, Zakynthos borrows it beauty from the abundance of olive and grape farms, picturesque villages and towns and the crystalline water in impossible shade of blue against the backdrop of lush green forested mountains. Fondly called To fioro tou Levante meaning The flower of the East in English, Zakynthos is home to many great Greek poets and writers. High on music, striking a perfect balance between a party paradise and a quiet hermitage, Zakynthos is often thronged by tourists in huge numbers.

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5 – Paros

Not far behind in popularity, Paros is the third most popular Greek islands after Santorini and Mykonos. Enchanting and stylishly vibrant with its rich culture, Paros has known for the white marbles all around the world. The second largest island of Cyclades, Paros has come a long way from being a ferry hub to one of the most popular holiday destinations under the sun. Characterized by its marvellous beaches and lovely villages, Paros also has some great relics of olden times. Be ready to fall in love with the capital city Parikia, a stunning sight in itself with traditional flat roofed Cycladic houses. The blue-painted doors, window frames and shutters in a striking contrast with white-washed walls, shadowed by lush vines, and adorned by the gardens of oranges and pomegranates, Paros in simple words is utterly romantic.

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6 – Kos

Don’t go by the size of this tiny Greek island. Although, it measures just 40 by 8 kilometres, it has the power to blow your senses with its magnificent relics from history, sylvan valleys, vernal hills, rocky patches and the cobalt vista. Go sailing and snorkelling while in Kos. If not anything else, just relax, grab a bite at a chic café and gaze upon the wonders of nature in this amazing Greek island.

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7 – Nisyros

At a distance of few miles from Kos, Nisyros, has less than 1000 permanent inhabitants. Famous for having a caldera at the centre and an active volcano in its very land, the island of Nisyros was created in the past 150,000 years. The otherworldly ‘Stefanos’ caldera (volcano crater) with a view of the smoking fumaroles is not the only exciting thing about this Greek island, but the hilltop villages like Nikea and Emborios offer a perfect hiking and exploring opportunities. Beaches are rocky here but keep a keen eye on the local products especially Koukouzina, a drink made from figs and grapes.

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8 – Rhodes

The largest of Dodecanese islands, Rhodes has everything one would expect in a Greek Island. A bounty of antiquity, buzzing nightlife, vibrant beaches, spectacular wooded valleys, inviting cobbled alleys and more than 300 sun days in a year—what else do you wish for? The island of the Knights, as Rhodes is fondly referred to, proudly houses the famed Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the Medieval Old Town—a world heritage site. Also called the ‘Island of Roses’ due to the rock roses, Rhodes is one of the best Greek islands.

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9 – Skiathos

Sitting pretty in the northwest of Aegean Sea, Skiathos is a blessed by nature with over 60 beautiful beaches with the coastline stretch of around 44 kms. The pine forests also make the island one of the greenest in Greece and has often been touted as the most popular Greek destination. Visit close by islands such as Alonissos and Skopelos to see the seals living in the caves of the island. Apart from sparking sea and nature’s beauty, Skiathosfor also has an exhilarating nightlife to keep the holiday-makers grooving to its tunes.

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10 – Crete

The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete has everything in abundance, from history to natural splendour. Artistic landscape, sun-soaked beaches, vibrant cities, dreamy-moody villages, amazing culture, lip-smacking local cuisine and generous hosts, Crete gives you a perfect backdrop to make the most wonderful of memories in Greece.

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If you are visiting the United States for less than 90 days Australians (and nationals from 37 other countries) can get a visa waiver known as the ESTA Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This is a form which you pay for so you don’t have to pay for an actual visa (ironic, I know) and will set you back roughly US$10 - $15. An ESTA Visa Waiver can be purchased very quickly online here, not the way I mistakenly forked out $70 back in 2012. We’ve come a long way! :D

BUT:

The US is huge. And when we were last there in 2012-13 we could not explore all we wanted to in such a relatively small amount of time. On top of that when you leave the US, they don’t consider Canada and Mexico as “departing from American soil”. Somebody failed Geography 101. So you can’t just spend time across the border and come back.

WE NEEDED LONGER! And we got it. During our stay in Melbourne, Australia we applied for a 6-month business/tourism visa so our next trip to the US will be much more fulfilling (especially considering the cost of the flights to get over there).

Quick Facts You can apply for a B1 (business) or B2 (tourism) or a combination of both. The application is done online and costs US$160 for each person (including children). You must have a passport-quality photo of each person which has been taken in the last 6 months. An interview is then arranged at the US embassy at a specific time. If you pass the interview and choose a visa length of longer than 1 year it will cost an additional US$25 per person to process. Maximum visa length period is 5 years, but you could be granted less. This type of visa provides you with a maximum of 6 months in the US at one time. As far as research suggests you can visit Canada and return to the US, unlike the ESTA. Your passport is held onto the US Consulate for about a week and then posted back to you via courier. Total cost for a 5-year visa is US$185. You should NOT book transport or accommodation in the US until your visa is approved. Just common sense.

Our Process Of Getting A Visa We decided to do a combination of B1 and B2 since we wanted to attend a few conferences in the US. The application was relatively straightforward, but long. Very long. The application asked every question under the sun including “are you a terrorist?”. I’m not joking.

The visa application can be started on this official website by clicking “create account” on the right and following the prompts.

Expert tip: Thankfully if you are applying for multiple people like we were, the majority of the questions can be transferred to the additional applications by choosing to resume an existing application AFTER it’s been submitted. So it’s not as tedious as it could be.

We paid US$160 per person via credit card online (recommended) or you can also pay in person at a post office. Since we had multiple applications (for our family), payment was made after we completed all applications. A summary sheet needed to be printed which was basically a receipt proving that we made payment. Multiple applications will be displayed on a single sheet. Paying the fee does not guarantee your visa application will be successful, nor does it guarantee entry to the country and it’s not refundable. So think carefully before applying.

Once we printed the summary of our application confirmation (1 page per person), we arranged an appointment at the nearest US consulate/embassy. This was done on the same website as the payment. Check this page for current wait times. Remember, you need to bring a passport size photo for each person taken within the last 6 months old.

What To Bring Checklist Bring the following to your visa interview:

Your passport Passport style photo Application confirmation summary (1 page per person) Payment receipt (1 page)

Our appointment at the Melbourne US Consulate was scheduled for 10:30am. We found 1 hour parking out on the street in front of the building and arrived about 10am. There was already a queue outside the door to the embassy, which we joined.

They let people in 4 at a time so it was about a 15-minute wait.

Once inside we were asked to register on a computer. Then we handed over all our possessions to the security staff and walked through an airport-style security scanner. We were not allowed to bring mobile phones (or pretty much anything else, including car keys) so they were confiscated and we were given a numbered token to claim them back at the end.

This is probably the most irritating part of the procedure since there is little available to pass the time beyond this point and a smartphone would have helped the time pass by faster. The guards provided a sticker with our name and barcode which needed to be visible at all times.

We were then escorted 4 at a time up an elevator with a guard.

On the next floor we went through a similar procedure. Showing our ID sticker and passports, we handed over any possessions, went through another security scanner, issued a numbered ticket and then entered a beige waiting room.

We waited approximately 20 minutes before we were called up. At this stage, they just asked for fingerprints and took our paperwork and photos.

“Is your daughter here?”

“Yes.”

“Can I see her?”

Mia came over and grinned at the lady behind the glass.

“The photo is over 6 months old, but she still looks the same so I will let it pass.”

PHEW!  Forgot about that one. By this time more than 1 hour had passed so Josh needed to go pay for parking again. And yes, he had to go through the whole same process to get out of the building… and then back in. He paid for the maximum possible parking time – 1 more hour.

We sat in the waiting room for another 40 minutes. In the far corner a wall-mounted TV played a video loop encouraging people to head to the US, filled with cheesy propaganda. Certainly nothing entertaining. Obviously everyone in that waiting room already wanted to go to the US, and I got the impression that the purpose of this video was to inspire attendees not to slip into a coma and that the exceptionally long and boring wait would be worth the while.

Near the back wall a small basket of kids’ books provided a much-needed distraction for our children and we read to them quietly, making the most of our time. A bathroom was located around the corner along with a sign explaining that only 1 person was allowed in at a time. Although I’m not quite sure why there were multiple toilet stalls in that bathroom.

Finally we were called to the interview booth. We were asked how we planned on funding the trip (Josh’s self employment), if Josh planned on working in the US (no) and then, “You’ve been approved, please see the cashier and we will send your passports to you within 5 business days.”

Done.

Wow.

It was almost anticlimactic, but with a tangible sense of relief.

We visited the cashier where he asked for another US$25 per person for the visa issuance fee, which we paid via credit card. And our visa application process was done. With a sense of accomplishment we left the building.

It was exactly 6 days later (4 business days - 1 day early) that the passports arrived on our doorstep in the hands of a smiling courier. And this was just in time for us to apply for our next visa – Indonesia.

How to Make Valentine’s Day Fit Into Your Budget

With Valentine’s Day being less than two months after the holidays, most people are still recovering from the spending they did and have a hard time fitting Valentine’s Day into their budgets. Here are 10 Ways to make Valentine’s Day Special and fit it into your budget:

If you have your heart set on getting your Valentine flowers, make sure you get the best deal. Skip the dozen roses because they will be the most expensive. Instead, get in season flowers and make the arrangement yourself. Do love notes. Make sure you place them everywhere you can think of. Make it a game between the two of you. Place one in lunches, on bathroom mirrors and in cars. Finding these throughout the day can really make an impression and a memorable time. Did you do something special and frugal on your first date? Play it out again! Of course you won’t be able to find the same movie in the theater, but you could rent it and watch at home. Spend some time making your own chocolate-covered strawberries. It can be fun, messy and romantic. The good news is, it is also thrifty. For less than $10 you can do this at home. Go around and ask for free samples at local candy or chocolate shops. Spend the day taking a tour of the best chocolate shops in your area and come home and snuggle.

Hold a “contest” between the two of you to see who can spend the least amount of money and make the day the best. The competition should be great to see when it comes together! Do a scrapbook page together of your favorite memory. This could either be an activity you do together or a gift you present your love.

If you do a dinner out, make sure you don’t pay more than you need by getting any coupons you can as well as eating at non-peak times such as lunch. If you are really strapped for cash, you could just go out for dessert at a fancy place instead of an entire meal. Scour the local paper for free events going on, on Valentine’s Day.  Many communities have ‘Sweetheart’s Dances” at local Senior centers that are open to the public of any age. Get a glimpse into the future by going and seeing how much love the elder generation has for each other. Buy Flowers at a discount and make your own arrangement. You can buy flowers cheaper at grocery stores than floral shops and with a little help from the dollar store, you can make a very nice arrangement. (you can check sites like Groupon for a 50% off deal) Lastly, remember that with Valentine’s Day, it really is the thought that counts. Don’t get too hung up on spending money and instead think of ways you can spend time, even if all it is, is a walk in the local park. Be sure to check out awesome deals you can find on Groupon with 50% off savings and more!

Here are some more Valentine’s Day tips, ideas and recipes to try:

Greece may be known for it’s beaches and islands, but it’s big cities are about so much more than just connecting airports. Just head to any of it’s larger cities to discover an exciting and eclectic culture that blends ancient history with ever-changing modernity. Thessaloniki, a hugely likeable city with a multi-cultural heart, is a beautiful mishmash of Greek, Jewish, Armenian and Ottoman traditions, where ancient sites sit quietly between more modern buildings. Here, the layers of Greece’s complicated history are strikingly obvious, with ancient Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine architecture visible as testament to the centuries of occupation and the variety of influences that have left their mark upon the food, culture, and way of life in this unique city.

48 Hours in Thessaloniki A university town with a huge student community flocking to some of Greece’s oldest and most prestigious colleges, this city is vibrant and young in spite of it’s ancient roots. Named European Youth Capital 2014, Thessaloniki is dynamic and creative, with a fast-growing street art scene complementing huge numbers of galleries and other art projects, as well as numerous festivals, street performances and cultural events. Independent businesses and innovative start ups are prolific, resulting in constant change with funky new bars and restaurants, quirky shops, and inspiring projects popping up all over, while a busy high street and plenty of designer boutiques make Thessaloniki a shopaholic’s dream. Foodies love the Ottoman-influenced food scene around the marketplaces and the traditional Greek taverns, while party-goers will discover one of the best cities in the world for nightlife.

In short, there’s something for everyone to love about Thessaloniki, a warm and friendly city which truly loves you back. Here’s how to pack it all in to a short city break…

Day One Morning

Start at the famous Aristotelous Square, a 20th century square designed by Ernest Hébrard in an eclectic style which combines elements from Byzantine and Western architecture. This waterfront square is one of the most famous places in Greece, and forms an important part of life in Thessaloniki, making this the ideal starting point for any exploration. Head east along the seafront – where the wide boulevard is a joy to walk in sunny weather – to the misleadingly brown White Tower, and make the most of the view from the top to get your bearings. The interior museum is a fantastic introduction to the multi-layered history of the city and it’s architectural and cultural influences, so this is the perfect place to kick off your trip.

Don’t miss the nearby Georgios Zongolopoulos Umbrella sculpture, another, more modern, Thessaloniki icon, and keep walking along the waterfront as far as the statue of Alexander the Great if you have time, or head to the Archeological Museum to cement your new-found understanding of the city. Also close by is the Museum of Byzantine Culture which contains several important artefacts from this era and is a must for those with a strong interest in history.

Lunch

Head back along the esplanade to First Pier, where you can enjoy a fabulous lunch and a few cocktails at the super trendy Kitchen Bar restaurant on the marina, before exploring the neighbouring Photography Museum for a glimpse of modern-day Thessaloniki’s culture. Other lunch options include the funky Be* Bar on Komninon Street for New York-London-Greek fusion dishes plus some truly divine cocktails (I recommend the Zombie!), or popular Olympion Café-Bar in Aristotelous Square. Finish off with a coffee at the stylishly minimalist Local Espresso Bar on Paleon Patron Germanou Street, and find dessert at nearby bakery Choureal (try the profiteroles),or at the incredible Sugarangel on Lassani Street. 

Afternoon

While away a few hours window shopping and hunting for bargains along the main shopping street of Tsimiski, at the centre of which is Plateia Mall. You’ll find beautiful boutiques and glossy designer stores along Proxenou Koromila, plus plenty of cute independent shops and cafes along the pedestrian side streets around this area, as well as over in Ladadika district on the other side of Aristotelous Square.

Alternatively, take a ride on one of Thessaloniki’s free harbour cruises. Motor boats designed to look like ancient Greek triremes, these depart regularly throughout the day from next to the White Tower, offering an hour’s tour of the harbour provided you buy at least one drink. These free cruises aren’t just for tourists; the locals love them, particularly at night when at least one of the boats plays modern Greek music for a great party atmosphere.

ake a cab or a leisurely stroll up to the North-Eastern corner of the old city walls in time for sunset, where Alysseos Tower (better known as Trigonion Tower) provides exceptional views across the city. From here, you get a great view of the Eastern Wall running down all the way to the White Tower on the seafront, marking Thessaloniki’s original boundaries. Nearby, you’ll find another misleadingly named Byzantine monument, the Heptapyrgion or “Seven Towers Fortress“, a fort which has it’s origins in 316 BC and which is made up of ten towers (of course).

After Dark The area of Agios Pavlos around the upper part of the city walls is a lively and bohemian place for an aperitif, with a great nightlife that’s nicely removed from the city centre and therefore fairly devoid of tourists. For dinner, delve into the historic Ladadika District for traditional taverns like those along the pedestrian Karipi Street, a favourite with locals, as well as more trendy modern bars like Kouziva, which is on a pretty plaza with a gorgeous central fountain.

On weekends, the whole of the city centre becomes one huge party, with music and crowds spilling out of bars and merging into one, and st48 Hours in Thessalonikireet parties popping up in small plazas or on corners. With an 80,000-strong student community, more bars and cafés per capita than any other European city, and a year-round night-life scene that doesn’t depend on tourism, Thessaloniki is a great place to party no matter what you’re style – from traditional Greek dancing at Panellinion in Ladadika, to the all-white interior of super stylish Shark Bar in the coastal suburb of Krini.Nikis Street, the city’s main boulevard, is full of cafés , bars and clubs, while the elegant Kalapothaki Street is known for it’s high-end restaurants and cocktail bars. Thessaloniki’s younger crowds flock to the historically Jewish neighbourhood of Valaoritou, where you’ll find music scenes to suit any taste, or to the notoriously tough to find Bit Bazaar, a noisy and friendly locale popular with the college community, which is crammed full of tiny, traditional taverns serving up local wine and mezedes (small dishes of delicacies).

Day Two Morning Start at the Roman Forum, one of the oldest sites in Thessaloniki; a two-level forum built over the ancient Greek agora. The best-preserved ruin here is the Odeon, or Odeum, an ancient theatre still sometimes used for summer concerts. Close by, you can also find the Byzantine-era church of Panagia Chalkeon, and the Ottoman-era Bey Hammam bathhouse, effectively taking you through the four major layers of the city’s history.

Walk down a few streets to discover some of the cities major markets. First is the centuries-old Kapani Market, a covered market heaving with stalls selling spices, coffee, dates, cheese, fish, meat, and delicatessen products. Just around the corner is the bigger Modiano Market, a once bourgeois deli-market built in 1926, where the decaying arcades and antique signs are steeped in history. Both markets are a fabulous place to explore the scents and tastes of multi-cultural Thessaloniki, or to simply while away some time people watching and listening to the lively cries of hawkers touting their wares. Finally, head to the Louloudadika Flower Market, alongside the beautiful old Ottoman structure of the Yahudi Hammam, for a vibrant splash of colour and perfume.Lunch Simply fill up at the various stalls and bakeries in and around the markets, or put together a Thessaloniki-style picnic by picking up Greek delicacies at To Ellinikon Green Family deli on Vatikiotou Street, traditional Pontian snacks at Ragian on Balanou street, and the best homemade pies in the city at Dia Hiros Resiniotou on Kastritsiou Street.

Alternatively, head to the nearby Athonos Square, a local favourite, where you’ll find plenty of taverns, restaurants, cafés and bars. It’s one of the most popular areas of the city, and with good reason; this fantastically creative area is rammed full of dozens of tiny art galleries and quirky shops selling vintage clothes or handmade jewellery. Don’t miss Alexandra Theodosiou’s pottery store on Papamarkou Street, located in one of the city’s oldest shops, or the fabulously off-beat Aravella, where everything is handmade and up-cycled. It’s easy to while away several hours exploring this one tiny area of Thessaloniki, so make sure to leave time to browse.

Afternoon About 1km east of Athonos Square are two more Roman sites; the Arch of Galerius (298 – 299 AD), another of the most iconic sites in Thessalokini, and the Rotunda (306 A.D), a surprisingly well-preserved structure home to many ancient mosaics. In the surrounding area y48 Hours in Thessalonikiou’ll find numerous churches, both ancient and less-so, including Agios Panteleimonas and Metamorfosi Sotiros, but the most impressive is the Agia Sofia Church, named after the iconic Constantinople temple.Once you’ve had your fill of history, wind down with a traditional Greek coffee or an ice-cold frappé at any of the incredible cafés around Thessaloniki, or get a last-minute cultural fix at the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art. If you can’t resist a bit more shopping, the Mediterranean Cosmos Mall in Pilea is a favourite with locals, or for the young at heart there’s the Magic Park theme park across the road.If you have another night in the city, head to Dentrospito (“Treehouse”) in YMCA Square near the famous Umbrellas, a much-loved local hotspot with drinks, snacks, and excellent cocktails.Extend Your Stay