Thessaloniki

City in Central Macedonia

Do you want to visit antiquities, eat well, and party hard? This large coastal town has a distinctive multicultural past and renowned nightlife.

The seafront of the city of Thessaloniki including the high resident buildings and the coastline promenade.
photo: Herbert Frank / CC BY 2.0
What To Do?
How To Go?
Where To Stay?

Thessaloniki Attractions

A panoramic picture showing people in Aristotelous Square in front of a white building and the sea in the background.
photo: Tilemahos Efthimiadis / CC BY-SA 2.0

Aristotelous Square

The main square of Thessaloniki and its surrounding buildings introduced a new type of European architecture to the city.

The White Tower among green trees and with a blue sky at the background.
photo: Balcon del Mundo / CC BY-SA 2.0

White Tower

Built in the 12th century, Thessaloniki's trademark, the White Tower, is the most photographed monument of the city.

The Arch of Galerius with some big buildings and the blue sky as a background.
photo: Dan Lundberg / CC BY-SA 2.0

Arch of Galerius

A monument that became one of the trademarks of the city and serves as the absolute meeting point for the locals. Locally referred as "Kamara".

A picture of the hidden gallery of the Roman Agora of Thessaloniki.
photo: Antonios Eleftheriadis / CC BY-SA 4.0

Roman Agora of Thessaloniki

An archaeological site that was the administrative heart and a busy meeting place of the city of Thessaloniki during the Roman period.

People walking by the walls of Thessaloniki's fortification.
photo: Andy Montgomery / CC BY-SA 2.0

Eptapyrgio Fortification

The impressive Byzantine fortification has a small promenade offering panoramic views over Thessaloniki, and fantastic tavernas nearby.

The front and the main entrance of Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki including a big part of the churchyard.
photo: Andrew Zorin / CC BY-SA 3.0
hidden gem

Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki

One of the oldest buildings of Thessaloniki is an imposing Byzantine church which is used as an Orthodox Church until today.

The exterior of the Roman temple of Rotonda in Thessaloniki.
photo: Marco Verch / CC BY 2.0

Rotonda of Galerius

This Roman building was used with different functions during the centuries and it is an important part of Thessaloniki's history.

The front part, including a part of the yard, and the main entrance of the church of St. Demetrius.
photo: Dan Lundberg / CC BY-SA 2.0
hidden gem

Church of Saint Demetrius

The cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of Thessaloniki, St Demetrius, is included in the list of World Heritage Sites of UNESCO.

The statue of Alexander the Great with skaters in front of it and the sea in the background.
photo: Guillén Pérez / CC BY-ND 2.0
hidden gem

«Alexander the Great» Statue

The city takes pride in its ancient history, and in particular its Macedonian heritage. Alexander's statue attracts tourists and skaters.

A picture of Navarinou Square and the ruins of Galerius Palace surrounded by high buildings.
photo: Jean Housen / CC BY-SA 4.0

Navarinou Square

The ancient square that connects the monuments of the city's Roman complex, and serves today as a vivid meeting spot with a unique atmosphere.

Thessaloniki Things to Do

One of the entrances of the Shopping Mall Mediterranean Cosmos, Thessaloniki.
photo: Mister No / CC BY-SA 3.0

Shopping Mall «Mediterranean Cosmos»

The biggest mall of Greece with countless shopping, food, and entertainment choices has became a destination for locals and tourists.

A panoramic view of the facilities of the International Fair of Thessaloniki (TIF-HELEXPO)
photo: Public domain

International Fair of Thessaloniki (TIF-Helexpo)

A large-scale commercial event that brings Thessaloniki at the epicenter of national and international interest for a week.

A picture showing the two buildings of the Concert Hall of Thessaloniki.
photo: Tilemahos Efthimiadis / CC BY-SA 2.0

Concert Hall of Thessaloniki

A facility complex offering high-quality cultural experiences and hosts classical music concerts and other artistic events.

A press conference with John Malkovich and the former president of Thessaloniki Film Festival, Georges Corraface.
photo: tom.tziros / CC BY 2.0

International Film Festival of Thessaloniki

Every year, this international film event turns the city into a center of interest for emerging filmmakers and directors.

The main entrance and the kiosk that sells tickets at the Petralona cave of Halkidiki.
photo: Sven Dittmar / CC BY-SA 3.0
distant ≈ 48.3km
temp. closed

Petralona (Red Stones) Cave

An impressive cave where the skull of a Homo heidelbergensis was found dating from between 300,000 and 700,000 years ago.

Water fountains, people relaxing or walking under the blue sky at the promenade of Thessaloniki.
photo: mapa mundi / CC BY-SA 2.0

Waterfront of Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki's waterfront gives the city a sea-breeze feeling. It's beauty and aliveness attracts thousands of visitors daily.

photo: karavakia.gr

Waterbus to Peraia & Neoi Epivates

Since 2017, frequent sea tours connect the waterfront promenade with Perea and Nei Epivates, offering a totally different view of Thessaloniki.

A picture showing the narrow streets of Ano Poli and an old house with traditional architecture.
photo: L'imaGiraphe / CC BY-SA 2.0

Old (Upper) Town of Thessaloniki

This neighborhood is close to Thessaloniki's vivid city center but it has a calm atmosphere that travels the visitor to another era.

Buyers in front of various benches in the Kapani Market of Thessaloniki.
photo: Damien Smith / CC BY-SA 2.0

Modiano & Kapani Covered Markets

Centrally located covered markets in Louloudadika district. A combination of traditional and contemporary marketplaces selling a variety of products.

A dish of meat on a taverna table covered with white linen among other food dishes.
photo: George M. Groutas / CC BY 2.0

Food in Thessaloniki

A trip of tastes into a city that revered food throughout centuries and developed a rich gastronomic tradition, culture, and art.

A white building among trees and cars in Tsimiski street of Thessaloniki.
photo: XeresNelro / CC BY-SA 4.0

Shopping in the City Center of Thessaloniki

In these buzzing streets you will find every kind of shop and marketplace as well as street musicians, food peddlers, bars and cafes.

A picture showing the distinctive architecture of the buildings and some tavernas at Ladadika, Thessaloniki.
photo: Herbert Frank / CC BY 2.0

Ladadika - Port's Historic District

One of the most remarkable entertainment neighborhoods with many bars to have a blast. It's beautiful architecture is admired during daytime too.

A picture showing the crowd among the benches of various publishers at the International Book Fair of Thessaloniki.
photo: ΔΕΒΘ

Thessaloniki International Book Fair

An annual event that brings Thessaloniki in the center of bookworms' interest. There are books in many languages that satisfy every niche.

photo: EntaXoyas / CC BY-SA 3.0

Seih Sou Forest

The suburban city forest that reminds the Ottoman past bearing a name that means «Sheikh's Water». It includes a public zoo and a theater.

Thessaloniki Museums

The main entrance of the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and an exhibit of a sarcophagus (stone coffin).
photo: Dan Lundberg / CC BY-SA 2.0

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

A museum with exhibits that will enlighten you about the history of Ancient Macedonia and Thessaloniki that is worth a visit.

A room of the Byzantine Culture Museum of Thessaloniki with artifacts in displays and icons hanging on the walls.
photo: Herbert Frank / CC BY 2.0

Museum of Byzantine Culture

Probably the biggest Byzantine museum in the world, it hosts a difficult-to-find and complete exhibition of the Eastern Roman Empire through time.

photo: Macedonian Heritage / CC BY-SA 3.0

Thessaloniki History Center

It's a public library that hosts periodic exhibitions. Don't expect anything in English but it's worth a visit if you are nearby, it's free!

photo: Joyofmuseums / CC BY-SA 4.0

Atatürk Museum

Traditional house, possible birthplace of Kemal Atatürk. In 1935 it was granted to the Turkish state and was transformed into a museum and consulate.

photo: tiqets
Book tickets »

Museum of Illusions Thessaloniki

Unforgettable experiential entertainment that is based on scientific properties and features targeting to challenge the eyes and provoke illusions.

Thessaloniki Day Trips

A panoramic picture showing numerous blocks of flats that correspond to a neighborhood of Nea Kallikrateia.
photo: Ilya Schurov / CC BY-SA 2.0

Nea Kalikratia

If you are trapped in Thessaloniki during summer, Nea Kalikratia is your easy escape to an OK beach. It's well-organized and superbly family-friendly.

A picture taken from the Nea Apollonia spa showing Volvi lake.
photo: Timeheritage / CC BY-SA 4.0
Book stays »
low rating
distant ≈ 54.8km
temp. closed

Apollonia Spa, Loutra Volvis

The Apollonia spa and thermal springs are good enough for a few relaxing hours. The waters are not too warm but the sulfuric smell is.

A central street of the village of Galatista with shops and other traditional buildings.
photo: Geovagrand / CC BY-SA 3.0
distant ≈ 47.6km

Galatista, Polygyros Halkidiki

Picturesque village with old-style stone architecture and a Byzantine tower. A fantastic place to relax and stroll around in the beautiful streets.

The beach of Perea with the city of Thessaloniki in the background.
photo: anatakti / CC BY-SA 2.0

Peraia, Thessaloniki

A coastal semi-urban settlement, east of Thessaloniki that can be reached easily by the waterbus departing from the White Tower area.

Questions & Answers about Thessaloniki

Why Visit Thessaloniki?
  • The second-largest Greek city was called "little Constantinople" in the Byzantine era.
  • Notoriously famous for a unique relaxed and authentic environment.
  • Hosting 15 monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Entering port for the Balkans.
What is Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece. It is also a major and busy port at the Aegean Sea that is located at the top of the Thermaikos gulf which favors its geostrategic position, defining it as the entrance of the Balkan Peninsula. Nowadays, this historic town has emerged as a great metropolis with a total population that exceeds 1 million residents.

Was Thessaloniki the sister of Alexander the Great?

A city of the northern Greek mainland founded by King Cassander between 316 and 315 BC and named after the founder's wife, the daughter of King Philip II and half-sister of Alexander the Great. During its long history, it came under the control and influence of various cultures including the Romans, Normans, and Turks.

How to go to Thessaloniki?

The city can be reached through a modern road network linked with Athens and the neighboring countries of the north. It can be also reached by sea and mainly through the international airport "Macedonia" from the major European and worldwide destinations.

What is the best season to visit Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki is an all-year destination. Every season has unique advantages and reveals a special perspective of this vivid city. Choosing the best season is profoundly difficult but many visitors agree that Autumn is probably the best timing. It is the season that opens with the International Fair of Thessaloniki (TIF - Helexpo) and finishes with the International Film Festival of Thessaloniki. It is a period that hosts countless cultural, athletic, and music events, the average temperature close to ideal levels, and many international visitors transform the city into a meeting point.

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