THIS IS NOT YOUR STEREOTYPICAL CITY GUIDE.

Let’s start with that. If you’ve never been to Thessaloniki before, it’s a city with quite a few things to see, quite a few things to do.. There are museums, and ancient ruins and fancy restaurants and what not. If that’s not your style, or if you have already ‘been there done that’  keep reading, you may find something you’ll like. 

DAY 1

Start the day with simplicity. You won’t regret it.

GET A SESAME BAGEL THAT WE CALL KOULOURI.

It’s a heavenly crunchy on the outside soft on the inside type of bread ring, bathed in sesame seeds that it’s just as good on its own or paired with chocolate or raisins or your all-time-classic morning jams and jellies. Get a couple, one is never enough, be reasonable.

HEAD TO THE DOCKS

..which is quite a conventional thing to do in Thessaloniki, but I’ll let you have one, just the one. Walk across the ocean,take it all in. If you go early enough you’ll enjoy some quiet time interrupted only by the brave ones who went out running the same day you’re double-dipping your koulouri to nutella. ( speaking of, we have an even better version of that as well, it’s called Merenda and there’s a vegan one too,and it tastes a million times better than nutella, yes it’s possible, yes you can send me thank you letters and cards upon request).Take your time, enjoy the view, get some fresh air, then I’m taking you antique hunting.

BY WHICH I MEAN REAL ANTIQUE HUNTING

..the kind you need to get your hands dirty to discover little treasures, not the fancy overpriced shops that we’ve learned to avoid for the shake of our mental health.Head over to Bit Bazaar and you’ll find street vendors randomly scattered around the area, selling all kinds of goods.You may find a rare piece of milk glass for your collection or a designer bag for a fraction of the original price. Make sure you know your brands before you make a purchase, faking it is only acceptable when it comes to fur.

GRAB A FALAFEL

(there are plenty of pop up falafel houses growing in popularity around the city, I like going to Garbanzo because the food is unpretentious and the staff super cool. Get the original sandwich for 2,80 € They’ll give you a pita bread stuffed with falafel and then you can add all sorts of yummy toppings.They offer plant-based desserts too, you’re on vacation, let’s share one.

Get some rest because we are going dancing tonight.

EVERYONE LOVES 8BALL.

Even the ones who hate it, they just love to hate it. It’s more than a venue, it’s where we get to see all the bands we love, big names and all, and also discover the local music scene which bless us we might live in a total wasteland but our local underground bands are to die for.Don’t die just yet, live another day, you promised me 48 hours. There are two floors so it’s a win-win situation, get ready to mingle and have the time of your life. Head upstairs for a headbangers event, you’ll probably catch a live show if you visit during the weekend and then go downstairs to the disco party, do not resist the temptation, it’s unavoidable. Don’t keep an eye on the clock, focus on your dance moves.

DAY 2

GET A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP AND GRAB A GLORIOUS CUP OF COFFEE AND A PIECE OF CAKE AT STEREO CAFE BAR.

The staff is friendly, the coffee is good and you’ll get your daily dose of industrial minimalism. There are fairy lights too,very instagramable. Dog friendly but keep in mind that smoking is allowed indoors, make sure you’re cool with that.

If you are a photography enthusiast you will love the next one.

WE ARE HEADING OVER TO STEREOSIS

..a very cool photo library and exhibition space where you can get your second cup of joe while diving into the archives and get inspired. There are workshops and seminars that cover anything and everything from B/W darkroom techniques to advanced aesthetics and semiotics of photography, but if you don’t have time for that it’s ok just go explore the 400 volumes worth of  a photo library and the studio.

NEXT WE ARE GOING SHOPPING

..but wait for it (drumroll) this shopping spree is gonna be metal AF because I’m taking you to Nephilim. The most amazing underground store where you can get your band tees, patches, accessories and all sorts of creepy things while listening to whatever the nephilims bless you with on that day. Lady Chelflings: they offer a great selection of band t-shirts made specifically for girls (groundbreaking I know) so that you won’t have to go home and majorly reconstruct them to fit you.Woohoo!

Not ready to call it a day just yet? I was counting on that.

NEXT STOP: EXCALIBUR.

The heavy metal association dedicated to spread the word that hey, metal is still cool.The Club’s headquarters are located on the 8th floor of a semi-ravaged building on Orfanidou street and that raw unfiltered vibe is what makes it even better.

Excalibur F.C. is not an exclusive member club. (quoting:) Its doors are wide open to everyone who shares the same passion with us, HEAVY METAL that is. They are usually open on Fridays and Saturdays,drop them a line on Facebook to be on the safe side.

SO LET’S GO GRAB A PINT AND TALK ABOUT HOW MUCH FUN WE’VE HAD DURING THOSE 48 HOURS IN THESSALONIKI, GREECE.

COME BACK SOON, JOIN THE CHELFDOM, WE’LL FIND SOMETHING NEW AND EXCITING TO DO!

xoxo,Chelf

join the chelfdom on www.chelf.net and take a look at the original post here:

http://www.chelf.net/travels-48-hours-in-thessaloniki-greece/