Thessaloniki
Day 1
Excellent and affordable cheese-based fare. Lola salad is sweet, without being cloying. Squid stuffed with feta cheese is the highlight. Grilled cheese with tomatoes also stands out.
Cheap Pizza
Unfortunately, didn’t have an opportunity to try the EUR1.5 pizza. A whole boulevard of cheap competing pizzerias.
Novel concept that involves purchasing an overpriced drink that includes a ‘free’ half-hour cruise. Even so, a EUR14 Mojito should not resemble diluted rum and a EUR12 Pina Colada should not taste of medicine. Best to save a few euros and go with the non-alcoholic options ~EUR8. But still well worth the ride along the coast. Ambient music seems to be 5-7 pop songs on repeat but it still does add to atmosphere. Not to mention, the faux Jack Sparrow soliciting business is quite amusing too.
Bad Photo of Bad Mojito
WWII Minesweeper turned bar
Nothing is spared for the sweet crepes- they’re all bursting with chocolate sauce. Two brothers (flavour) is just right, with the others turning out too sweet
Artisan at Work
Splat
Communist Protest
Indoctrinated by Lee Kuan Yew’s rabid communist hatred, I (foolishly) thought communism was a vestige of a bygone era, relegated to the hinterlands of Russia and North Korea. Definitely wasn’t expecting a protest stretching beyond sight and looping around blocks, particularly in the cradle of democracy.
Protesting seems to be a family event around here, with children in prams comingled with men waving Cuban flags. Culminated in a communist anthem as an American flag went up in flames.
Apartment
Rented an apartment in one of the thousands of nondescript blocks lining the streets of Thessaloniki. As with many rentals, depressingly neglected block corridors contrast starkly with the brightly adorned apartment. Kitchen at the end of a long corridor doubles up as an isolated study.
Day 2
Slightly pricey (EUR6-9/pax) for breakfast. Food is more Western than Greek. It’s good without being outstanding. Free dessert (blueberry cheesecake) was provided too.
Cheap winter tickets (EUR3) Need to go inside to truly appreciate how thick a 6.3m wall is. English translation of temporary exhibition made no sense but there’s always Wikipedia.
Laze
White Tower
A former torture chamber turned verbose museum. Covers the vicissitudes of daily life in Thessaloniki, which may not appeal to all. Unfortunately, it’s entirely in Greek. Forget about Google Translating since it’ll just output gibberish.
Brilliantly translated museum. One of the few that doesn’t assume visitors somehow understand Greek terminology. Free mobile app also provides audio tour and exhibit descriptions in various languages. History of the city is really intriguing
Tasty and filling falafel for just EUR3.8. Mint and crisp chickpeas (?) add dimension to the wrap. Limited seating available
Very well-maintained bikes, honest and transparent pricing, even had wet wipes available on request for cleaning hands. Staff are friendly and helpful. A pity the electric bikes were unavailable.
Upbeat place with English speaking staff. Prompt and friendly service. Caramelized apple could be more plentiful in the apple pie. Crema di nonna was light and non-sour
Day 3
Quick and affordable breakfast. Extremely good value for coffee (EUR2) Minimalist décor
Slightly expensive at EUR4-5 per cup. But this is a place which takes coffee seriously, with their absurd brewing options. Ordered a matcha latte (a coffee-based latte with matcha) Cake and water was provided free.
1000 ways to brew
Brunch
Bar by moonlight