Thessaloniki is among the 20 must-see destinations for 2013, according to National Geographic’s "Best of The World 2013" list. The American magazine paints an impressive picture of the city’s bohemian lifestyle, "part of a grassroots vision turned reality by Thessaloniki’s large (about 50% of the population) do-it-yourself youth culture." And as a Thessaloniki 2014 European Youth Capital volunteer says: "We are driven by our optimism and positive energy for a new way of living that embraces our heritage." 

Special focus is placed on the city’s "sparkling harbour" and waterfront, "one of the last urban seafronts in southern Europe not hemmed in by a giant marina."

And what is the best way to get the feel of the city according to National Geographic? Stroll down from the Old Town’s relics of the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman past, through the "century-old street markets that symbolize this city" to the landmark Aristotelous Square and the café-lined waterfront.

Greek News Agenda: Thessaloniki, Many Stories, One Heart