Thessaloniki, Greece

Cosmopolitan in culture, architecture and energy, Thessaloniki has the feel of a big city with the charm and ambience of a much smaller town. Roman, Venetian and Ottoman civilizations have all left their mark here, and the influences of former empires are evident in fifteen UNESCO World Heritage sites, including churches, monasteries and baths spanning the 4th to the 14th centuries. The city’s gastronomy is likewise diverse and well regarded. Traditional restaurants, casual tavernas and a vibrant street food scene offer an endless array of local cuisine, including the savory spinach pie known as spanakopita and the sweet custard pastry called bougatsa. The pedestrian street of Papamarkou is a great place to stroll, shop and dine, as is Thessaloniki Promenade, a lovely three-mile walkway along the waterfront where you’ll find landmarks like the medieval White Tower and the modern concert hall.