To Palio Hamam Thessaloniki
Beautiful rooftop
There's been a buzz about Palio Hamam for months and it took me a while to actually visit. Honestly, I was putting my visit off I thought there'd be a heavy Eastern spirit and similar type of music, which is a bit too much for my taste. That was till a friend gave me an ultimatum "I have only two hours in Thessaloniki, meet me at Palio Hamam".
So I went and was more than pleasantly surprised by the fresh atmosphere, the successful mix of old and new and of course one of the most wonderful rooftops in Thessaloniki. Cocktails co-existing with 500 year old domes and cheap prices make it really popular. What made me want to come back was the fact that it's just a breath away from the city center but hidden from the street noise.
Try it during the day to enjoy the Greek sun and get soak up the vitamin D and during the night to meet the young crowd next to the beautifully lit up domes. The inside is quite interesting, you can see parts of the old building and walls decorated with paintings by alternative artists.
To Palio Hamam, translates to the Old Hamam, is part of the Bey Hamam which were Turkish baths built during the Ottoman era. Next to the coffee place is the main building of Bey Hamam, an Ottoman monument that unfortunately is no longer open to the public, due to restorations.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Thessaloniki guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Thessaloniki
Ss. Constantine Elena Chapel – Gothic art!
What makes this church unique are the neo-gothic pointed arches and the luminous stained-glass windows, which depict Saints and biblical scenes.
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Choureal – Choux & profiterole
"Choureal" Thessaloniki will make you rethink what a profiterole is. My favourite, which I think about all week, is the cream-filled choux with caramel...
By
Giannis
Sykomanis
"Panagouda" church – A very personal spot
Particularly beautiful is the small dome with the depictions of Christ “Pantokrator” (Almighty) and the Apostles. And the neoclassical bell tower...
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
St. Catherine's church – Heaven on earth
The church itself is dated to ca. 1300. The masonry and arrangement of the exterior are some of the most beautiful in the entire city.
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Hypapante church – An unknown treasury
The iconostasis is just incredible! Pay attention to the dragons beneath the Cross on the top, they allude to the story of Prophet Jonah...
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Nea Panagia church – Another post-Byzantine gem
The current edifice was built in 1727. On the same site, there had been a 12th-c. Byzantine monastery, also dedicated to the Virgin that burnt down around 1690.
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
"Sotirakis" chapel – A Byzantine pearl
Even a tiny church in Thessaloniki can be a pearl! One of the smallest (if not the smallest of all) is the “Sotirakis” chapel. “Sotirakis” means little Sotiris.
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Teloglion – The best spot for art lovers
If you are an art lover, this is your spot! The core of Teloglion’s collection is that of Nestor and Aliki Teloglou, a couple passionate about art.
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Church of Prophet Elijah – A Byzantine diamond
The building was perhaps built in the middle or in the second half of the 14th century. That period was characterized by unprecedented artistic flourishing in the city.
By
Thanasis (or Athanasios)
Koukopoulos
Gorilas – Fine drinking & fun
"Gorilas" in Thessaloniki is run by an expert, world-class bartender, so you know the drinks are tantalizing for the senses. Also: don't miss the brunch!
By
Giannis
Sykomanis
Massalia stin Thessaloniki – Gourmet meze
"Massalia stin Thessaloniki" quickly became the talk of the town in 2014 when it opened. Today, this restaurant systematically exceeds my expectations.
By
Alexandros
Tsavdaroglou
Castello – An epic caffe!
In front of the promenade of Thessaloniki, there are innumerable cafes. The presumable question that a visitor may have is: “Which one should I choose?”. I have the answer! Of course, “Castello”.
By