There is enough history here to make it worth a stop in its own right. Add a day trip to Pella (Alexander The Great’s hometown) and Vergina (where his father, Phillip II was assassinated) and you have enough reason to stay a week.

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So much history here. Greeks, Romans, Ottomans. Here are some of the highlights.

A tribute to Aristotle
The White Tower is a symbol of the city and of Greek independence from the Ottomans.
The ruins of the palace of Emperor Galarius
The Rotonda. Possibly a church or a mosoleum. Historians aren’t sure.
Inside the Rotonda
Inside the Agia Sofia Church. modeled after the one in Istanbul.
Arch of Galerius
The old Roman Forum
Vlatadon Monastery. Paul the Apaotle is said to have preached to the Thessalonians here.
Kamal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey, was born in this house.
Heptapyrgion. The old castle turned prison turned tourist attraction.

Pella:

Ruins of the city
This is what remains of Alexander’s home town
Some of the mosaics have survived
The nearby museum has some great artifacts

Vergina:

The royal palace
The theater where Phillip II was assassinated
The burial mound of Phillip II and Alexander the Great’s son
Phillip II’s tomb

Nosh:

No. I didn’t have spanakopita, gyros or other traditional Greek dishes. I did have a lot of kebab though.

Kostas is a family run joint. Owner made up a mixed plate. Highly recommended the food and service.
Greek salad at Basilico’s. It adds a nice lightness to heavy meat dishes.
Thin sliced zucchini chips at Kivotos ton Geuseon

Nip:

Mythos (me-though-sh). Ice cold lager on a warm day!
Amstel with a Greek label
Ouzo. Strong licorice liquor, like Raki or Sambuca.