It’s Wednesday evening, you’re home after work, in absolute need of a short getaway. A trip to a relatively close city, without long flights, layovers, and waiting around for your suitcases. And as you’re scrolling on your mobile, you stumble upon an ad for a city break in Thessaloniki. A weekend of relaxation or adventure, depending on what you’re looking for. You think about it a little more and decide to search for the word Thessaloniki on a search engine. And that’s how it all begins…
For many, Thessaloniki is the ultimate Balkan destination—perhaps even beyond. It is the city in the Greek North with the greatest tourist interest. Of course, this isn’t the form of summer tourism you primarily see on the Greek islands, but rather a style of city tourism that combines sightseeing, relaxation, and sampling traditional food. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do in Thessaloniki and why you should ultimately choose it.
Historical Background
For history buffs—and not only—Thessaloniki has a great wealth to explore. Sightseeing known attractions, such as the Arch of Galerius (Kamara), Aristotelous Square, the Modiano Market, and the Roman Agora, is an unavoidable activity, as all the important points are located in the city center. Among these, there are many UNESCO-protected monuments like the Church and Crypt of Saint Demetrios, the Rotunda, the Byzantine Walls, Panagia Acheiropoietos, the Church of Agia Sophia, the Byzantine Baths, and of course, the White Tower. Taking a relaxed stroll, you can find all the points of historical and archaeological interest.
The tradition of Thessaloniki dates back a long way and has gone through various phases. It was a point of reference for the Ottoman Empire, resulting in various monuments of Muslim heritage for you to visit. At the same time, the city was particularly multicultural, as different groups of people with different customs and traditions coexisted in neighboring districts. The Jewish community—mainly Romaniote and Sephardic—was particularly large, as were the communities of Muslims, Armenians, and Slavs. In today’s Thessaloniki, this multiculturalism continues to exist, as Albanians and other Balkan people, Roma, Armenians, Pontians, and various other people from the four corners of the earth reside in the city.
Gastronomy
Gastronomy is connected to the history of the place. That is, the city’s multiculturalism is naturally reflected in its food—and beyond. A feast of different flavors for you to try, Thessaloniki’s cuisine will satisfy even the toughest critic. From creative Greek cuisine to traditional West Asia and Pontian flavors, food knows no bounds and is not subject to molds. Great emphasis is placed on the raw materials used, as their quality significantly affects the taste of a dish. This mix of influences and ingredients creates a unique gastronomic culture in the city—a taste of which you can enjoy at the restaurants of The Met Hotel.
Alongside the local cuisine, you can try excellent ethnic flavors, such as Indian, Arabic, Italian, and Pan-Asian food from restaurants and shops that sprinkle authentic moments. The magic is found both in the small hidden eateries and in large, famous restaurants—such as the Chan at The Met Hotel.
Nightlife
If morning exploration isn’t for you, then you’re definitely a fan of nightlife. Thessaloniki is “alive” at night like no other city. Take a walk through Ladadika and you’ll lose track of time. Crowds, music, and entertainment, the city is buzzing at 2 a.m. as if it were midday—it’s a unique phenomenon. Whether you want to go out for a casual drink or dance to wild rhythms until morning, there’s a place for you—often the same establishment. And of course, after a long “stroll” and different drinks, what could be better than ending your evening—or starting your day—with a steaming bougatsa with cream? The “connoisseur’s” recipe for a delightful snack after your night out—are you ready?
Well-being and Relaxation
We recognize that not all visitors to the city are made for the nightlife. For you, the goal of the city break might purely be rest. After your afternoon walk, you want to relax at a hotel spa, have every comfort, and not have to think about anything—what could be better, after all? The Met Hotel is the center of well-being. You can treat yourself to a unique body treatment at the hotel’s M’ SPA with all the massage and pampering services, relax in the indoor pool, or stay in shape at our fully equipped gym, under the guidance of a professional trainer. We have created a serene environment of sophisticated relaxation where you can rejuvenate your spirit, awaken your senses, and renew both body and mind.
Art
Art is not for the “few,” but rather for the many. This phrase could characterize the city’s art exhibition centers. In Thessaloniki, art blossoms everywhere, from the streets to the theaters. Whether you prefer theatrical performances or modern art exhibitions, you will not be disappointed. The city “smells” of art; in every corner, there’s a café hosting a photo collection or a museum like MoMus (Museum of Modern Art). Both local and foreign artists have left their mark on Thessaloniki, with their different influences present everywhere. And of course, you can’t skip the art collection at The Met Hotel, which is open to the public in the hotel’s spaces. Works by famous artists with special charm and glamor adorn The Met Hotel—all that’s left is for you to discover them.
A lot of time has passed since your first scroll. You’re already under your duvet, ready to sleep, having read all this information about Thessaloniki. The city caught your interest, and you decided to sleep on it and think about it again tomorrow. Just before you fall asleep, though, your phone buzzes with a notification: The Met Hotel experience in Thessaloniki. “How The Met Hotel can become the ideal base for your excursion to Thessaloniki.” It was karmic, you think, and you decide to immediately book your stay for the coming weekend.
