A symbol of the city’s diversity and multicultural spirit, Navarino Square is part an open air exhibi­tion, hosting some of the most in­teresting ancient ruins of Thessa­loniki, part a surreal collage of the counterculture, with punks, metalheads, rappers, hipsters and rasta­faris prowling the area on a 24/7 basis. Alcohol and drug con­sumption is part of the Navarino underground’s lifestyle but it is not reckless, so the district is relatively safe at all times. Navarino also has some of the most interesting bookshops around, as well as a great number of second-hand record stores, (touring artists never fail to pay a visit, especially rap producers), skate, ac­cessories and folk art stores, along with the obligatory cafes and fast food stalls.