15 Greatest Issues To Do in Thessaloniki in 2023

Although there are tons of issues to do in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest metropolis shouldn’t be on everybody’s radar.

To Greeks, Thessaloniki is a legendary pupil vacation spot with a cool, relaxed vibe that distinguishes town from the remainder of the nation. However, many vacationers haven’t even heard of it! 

This port metropolis has 3,000 years of historical past, and its early Christian and Byzantine structure are listed as UNESCO World Heritage websites.

To not point out, the influences of Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Jews give Thessaloniki a really distinctive character.

Greatest Issues To Do in Thessaloniki, Greece

Having lived in Greece for nearly six years, I can testify to the truth that Thessaloniki is a dynamic metropolis effectively price visiting. It actually has all of it — tons of fascinating historical past, a lovely seaside, and thrilling nightlife.

thessaloniki greece

As a traveller, it’s possible you’ll be questioning what to do in Thessaloniki, which is the place I are available. After studying this text, you’ll be stunned by the number of issues to do right here.

Listed here are the 15 finest issues to do in Thessaloniki, Greece.

1. Go to The White Tower

white tower Thessaloniki

The fortified White Tower on the seafront is Thessaloniki’s major landmark, which homes an exhibition concerning the metropolis’s Byzantine historical past.

Throughout Ottoman occasions, the White Tower was used as a jail and supposedly known as “Blood Tower” because of the many executions that occurred there. It received the identify “White Tower” after it was painted white, though immediately it has a yellowish color.

From the White Tower, you’ve gotten a stunning view of the complete metropolis and the Mediterranean Sea.

You probably have just a few hours in Thessaloniki, a go to to the White Tower can be the one factor it’s best to positively find time for. And due to its central location, you’ll in all probability need to begin any journey to Thessaloniki right here. This walking tour with a neighborhood takes within the White Tower and different highlights within the metropolis.

The White Tower is unquestionably one of many prime issues to see in Thessaloniki and at solely €8, it’s fairly an inexpensive attraction as effectively.

The museum is open each day from 9 am to 4 pm, and in the summertime, the hours prolong from 8 am to eight pm. When you’re not eager on climbing up the tower, you might additionally simply take a look at it from the surface.

Handle: White Tower, Thessaloniki 546 21, Greece. Get directions here.

2. Take a Stroll Alongside The Seafront

things to do in thessaloniki seafront

On the seafront, you may get pleasure from a stunning stroll alongside the promenade, among the best locations to go to in Thessaloniki.

I keep in mind being fascinated that I had lastly discovered a spot in Greece the place I might stroll for hours with out being disturbed by vehicles or motorbikes!

You could possibly simply spend a number of hours on Thessaloniki’s waterfront, particularly if the climate is especially good.

When you stroll south from the White Tower alongside the promenade you’ll move by the statue of Alexander the Nice who was born in Pella, about 1.5 hours from Thessaloniki. A visit to Pella is a good day journey from Thessaloniki. Be taught extra about that journey, here.

Thessaloniki’s waterfront can be residence to one of many metropolis’s most instagrammable spots — the lovable umbrella sculpture. When you maintain strolling farther south, you’ll see a number of small parks, such because the Backyard of Sands and Backyard of Remembrance.

The view of Thessaloniki’s port from the promenade is superb, and farther north you will discover tons of bars, cafés, and eating places.

When you’re into biking, this fun trip is a must. Thessaloniki’s promenade might be the very best place in all of Greece to have the ability to journey your bike for a number of kilometres with out worrying about vehicles. Dad and mom with youngsters will respect this car-free zone as effectively.

3. Discover Aristotelous Sq.

Aristotelous thessaloniki square

The town’s greatest sq. is among the hottest locations to go to in Thessaloniki and an amazing place to cease for a espresso. That is the trendy heart of town and a significant assembly place. You’ll find numerous cafés and eating places on this pedestrian zone.

Folks wish to buy groceries within the streets and markets near the sq., and you’ll positively move by right here greater than as soon as throughout your time in Thessaloniki.

Aristotelous Square is among the most well-known squares in all of Greece and one of the vital well-known spots within the metropolis. When you go to throughout Christmas or New 12 months’s Eve this can be a excellent spot to see how the locals have a good time.

Don’t overlook to take a fast photograph of the statue of Aristotle after whom the sq. was named. However, remember that the sq. can be well-known for the truth that political protests normally happen right here. Throughout a rally or protest, you would possibly need to keep away from the sq..

4. Be taught About The Metropolis’s Jewish Historical past at The Jewish Museum

thessaloniki jewish museum

The Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki presents the historical past of the Jewish group in Greece’s second-largest metropolis.

The Jewish group in Thessaloniki was significantly sturdy in the course of the Ottoman Empire when Jewish refugees arrived from Spain and Portugal the place they confronted extreme persecution.

Jews made up the largest group in Thessaloniki till the Great Fire in 1917 when many Jews left the nation. In the course of the Second World Warfare, nearly the complete Jewish inhabitants of Thessaloniki was deported to Auschwitz.

At the moment, solely about 1,200 Jews nonetheless dwell in Thessaloniki which nonetheless makes it the second-largest Jewish group in Greece. Whereas the group could be very small immediately, its affect on the historical past of Thessaloniki is gigantic.

A good way to study concerning the Jewish group and historical past is to join this private tour with a information which takes within the museum, synagogue, Jewish market, Holocaust Memorial and extra. Click here for details.

The Jewish Museum on Agia Mina avenue is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and tickets are an inexpensive €5. When you’re questioning what to do in Thessaloniki that’s not on everybody’s listing, this museum is for you. 

Handle: Ag. Mina 11, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece. Get directions here.

5. See The Roman Agora (one of many prime issues To do in Thessaloniki)

roman agora thessaloniki greece

Among the best issues to see in Thessaloniki is the excavations of the Roman Agora of Thessaloniki (also called the Roman Discussion board). This historical Roman market is situated near Aristotelous Sq. and homes the stays of a theater and two Roman baths.

One of the best half is that it continues underground the place you will discover out extra concerning the Roman Discussion board in its personal museum. You probably have any curiosity in archaeology in any respect, a go to to the museum is a should — particularly since one of many two Roman baths continues to be buried beneath town.

In the summertime, going underground is usually a excellent spot to flee the warmth!

In any case, it’s definitely spectacular to see this historical sq. in the midst of the trendy metropolis of Thessaloniki. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday between 8 am and three pm, and you may get in for €4.

Handle: Roman Agora, Olympou 75, Thessaloniki 546 31, Greece. Get directions here.

6. Go to Agios Dimitrios Basilica

agios dimitrios church thessaloniki

Thessaloniki’s major church, Agios Dimitrios, is among the prime locations to go to in Thessaloniki.

The basilica burned down nearly fully within the Nice Hearth of Thessaloniki in 1917, however huge reconstruction efforts returned the church to its splendour. Contained in the church, you may even discover distinctive mosaics that survived the hearth.

Agios Dimitrios Church is situated only a few steps from the Roman Discussion board so make sure to mix the 2. Dimitrios is Thessaloniki’s patron saint which explains the basilica’s significance. You possibly can see the place the place he supposedly died within the crypt underground.

And, due to Thessaloniki’s fascinating historical past, you may even see the stays of a Roman bathhouse on which the church was constructed. This church presents an amazing overview of town’s historical past. Pictures is allowed, and because it’s a church, entrance is free.

Handle: Agios Dimitros, Ag. Dimitriou, Thessaloniki 546 33, Greece. Discover it on the map, here.

7. Take a Hike By way of Thessaloniki’s Previous City: Ano Poli (Higher City)

ano poli neighbourhood thessaloniki

Probably the most stunning a part of Thessaloniki is definitely its old town, or Upper Town. You possibly can go for a stroll via the cobblestone alleys and can see the standard Balkan homes that date again to Ottoman occasions.

A stroll within the picturesque Higher City is among the actions in Thessaloniki which might be free and might be executed at any time of day.

This a part of Thessaloniki survived the 1917 hearth and subsequently saved its conventional feel and appear. Plus, you will discover previous church buildings and towers right here and stays of the previous Byzantine partitions. You could possibly spend hours exploring this beautiful neighbourhood.

To many Greeks, Ano Poli is essentially the most genuine neighbourhood of Thessaloniki. It’s right here, that you will discover conventional taverns enjoying rebetiko music, not for vacationers, however for the locals.

Get pleasure from getting misplaced within the maze of streets in Thessaloniki’s oldest neighbourhood.

8. Examine Out The Eptapyrgio (Yedikule)

Eptapyrgio thessaloniki

When you head farther up from the Higher City, you’ll attain the Eptapyrgio fortress which gained notoriety when right-wing totalitarian Greek regimes imprisoned political prisoners there.

This inside a part of the wall was constructed by the Byzantines however received its identify (“Seven Towers”) when the primary Ottoman governor added extra towers.

The fortress itself is sort of spectacular to take a look at, however the view from right here is spectacular because it’s the best level within the metropolis. Whereas the view from the White Tower can’t be overwhelmed, you get a unique perspective from the Eptapyrgio — which is situated on Thessaloniki’s historical Acropolis. 

What I discovered much more spectacular are the previous jail corridors which join the place to Greek rebetiko music.

“Yedikule” is among the most well-known rebetiko songs, and the protagonist is a prisoner on this well-known jail. The doorways and cells are a haunting reminder of what happened here within the twentieth century.

Handle: Eptapyrgio Fortress, Επταπύργιο, Eptapirgiou 130, Thessaloniki 546 34, Greece. Get directions here.

9. See The Atatürk Home

For one thing rather less touristy, go to the beginning home of essentially the most well-known particular person from Thessaloniki, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The constructing now homes the General Consulate of Turkey, the state which Mustafa Kemal based.

This is probably not of curiosity to everybody, however as an ethnic Turk, I used to be very moved by my go to right here.

A lot of the furnishings right here continues to be unique, and there are even a few of Atatürk’s and his household’s belongings. It’s one of many locations to go to in Thessaloniki if you wish to see one thing that’s not on everybody’s radar. 

Even in case you’re not desirous about Atatürk and his life, there may be another excuse to go to his beginning home — it’s a superb strategy to see one of many conventional homes within the Higher City from the within. It’s open each day from 10 am to five pm, and entrance is free.

Handle: Consulate of Turkey, Ag. Dimitriou 151, Thessaloniki 546 34, Greece. Get directions.

10. Go to The Rotunda (one of many major issues to do in Thessaloniki)

what to do in thessaloniki visit the rotunda

If you head again down in direction of the trendy heart of town, you’ll spot the traditional Rotunda. It’s one of many oldest issues to see in Thessaloniki and was once a Roman temple, then a church, and later a mosque.

Earthquakes have induced severe injury to the constructing, however a number of the mosaics inside have been restored.

Just some steps from the Rotunda you’ll discover one other Roman monument, the Arch of Galerius. It commemorates the Roman victory over the Persians and is also called Kamara.

This was once Thessaloniki’s major entrance gate, strolling via it is among the actions in Thessaloniki that can join you all the best way again to Roman occasions.

The early Christian mosaics within the Rotunda are completely gorgeous. Along with the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda is taken into account one of the vital essential locations to go to in Thessaloniki.

Handle: Platia Agiou Georgiou Rotonta 5, Thessaloniki 546 35, Greece. Get directions here. The Rotunda is open each day between 8 am and 5 pm within the winter and till 7 pm in the summertime.

11. Take a Free Strolling Tour

walking tour thessaloniki greece

I firmly imagine that free strolling excursions are among the best methods to get to know a brand new metropolis. These days, free strolling excursions with a neighborhood information are fashionable in most main cities.

Why pay for a tour when somebody will supply it totally free and also you solely tip the information based mostly on how good the tour was?! In fact, the identical is true for Thessaloniki.

Being a significant pupil metropolis, you may positively discover a younger and dynamic information who will passionately let you know about their fascinating metropolis.

This can definitely present the best stability between archaeological websites and the extra trendy features of life in Greece’s second-largest metropolis.

Free strolling excursions normally final between two to a few hours and introduce you to the main landmarks.

That manner, you get some background details about issues you’ve gotten already seen or are planning to see later. There are a few firms you may select from — FreeTour and GuruWalk each have good rankings.

12. Expertise Ladadika (one of many coolest issues to do in Thessaloniki)

Ladadika things to see in thessaloniki greece

When you ask any Greek particular person what to do in Thessaloniki they are going to definitely let you know to discover Ladadika.

This charming neighbourhood close to the port is filled with eating places and bars. As is commonly the case with these neighbourhoods, it used to have a nasty repute however is now tremendous stylish.

Ladadika has all the things the traveller might hope for in an enormous European metropolis — cobblestone streets, vibrant previous homes, and plenty of conventional meals and music.

Actually, the neighbourhood is so alive that many contemplate it the very best social gathering district in all of Greece. However, that doesn’t imply you received’t get pleasure from a stroll via the realm in the course of the day as effectively.

The neighbourhood was named for the oil outlets that was once concentrated within the space. Throughout Ottoman occasions, the principle market was situated right here as effectively.

Just like the promenade and Aristotelous Sq., it’s a pedestrian-only zone that any customer to Greece will respect. This neighbourhood is among the prime locations to go to in Thessaloniki, don’t miss it.

13. Tour The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

archeology museum thessaloniki

As in lots of locations in Greece, one of many major issues to do in Thessaloniki goes to an archaeology museum.

That is the place you will discover out extra about Thessaloniki’s historical past till the Roman period. You’ll in all probability want round two hours right here as there may be a lot to see within the exhibition.

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is situated close to the White Tower the statue of Alexander the Nice. The exhibitions cowl the interval between prehistory and late antiquity. A lot of the artefacts are from Thessaloniki and its neighborhood.

The museum is open all week from 8 am to eight pm, and a ticket is €8, however you would possibly need to reap the benefits of the museum pass which permits entrance to the Archaeological Museum, the White Tower, the Galerian Advanced, the Museum of the Roman Agora, and the Museum of Byzantine Tradition.

For €15 you may see all of the essential locations to go to in Thessaloniki.

14. See The Previous Hamams (and Soak at The New Ones)

hammam in thessaloniki

Thessaloniki has some Turkish baths that you would be able to go to: Bey Hamam, Yeni Hamam, Paşa Hamam, and Yahudi Hamam (Pazar Hamam).

Sadly, none of them are nonetheless in use. So, when you can marvel on the structure, you won’t be able to expertise an genuine Turkish tub there. They’re now used as eating places and for cultural occasions.

Nonetheless, one of the vital enjoyable actions in Thessaloniki can be to guide a therapy on the new Hammam Baths as a spa expertise.

The Hamam is impressed by conventional Turkish baths and affords numerous providers. You possibly can both go for a self-service go to or add on numerous massages or remedies. After you chill out within the steam room, you get to take pleasure in a glass of Turkish tea and some items of lokum (Turkish delight).

The self-service expertise prices €25 whereas the essential “Ali Mama” service prices €45. Ensure that to guide an appointment upfront to make sure availability. For pure thermal baths, take a day journey to gorgeous Pozar and Edessa. Be taught extra about that tour here.

15. Go For Drinks in The Pupil Space Round Kamara/Rotunda

drinks on a tray at a bar. nightlife in thessaloniki

Whereas the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda are fashionable locations to discover in the course of the day, that is additionally a preferred nightlife space. With its repute as a pupil metropolis, one of many major actions in Thessaloniki is unquestionably trying out its full of life pupil (social gathering) scene.

There are numerous bars and cafés right here, that are cheaper than those within the Ladadika neighbourhood. Try Bulldog and the Beast, On The Road, and Pulp.

When you’re in Thessaloniki in the summertime, you may spend the entire night time exterior. When you’re on a very tight price range, you received’t must enter a bar in any respect — merely get booze from a kiosk and drink it exterior.

Don’t miss this space because it involves life at night time with musicians, artists, and college students having a tremendous time. And as regular in such neighbourhoods, you too can discover the most affordable avenue meals right here.

Extra Enjoyable Issues To Do in Thessaloniki

There are such a lot of actions within the metropolis, I had so as to add a number of extra to the listing. 

Wine and Meals Tasting

This is among the prime issues to do in Thessaloniki for foodies. Meet at a market and study Greek meals, whereas sampling many alternative conventional meals and drinksa lengthy the best way. This can be a enjoyable and inexpensive expertise. Find out more here.

Cook dinner and Dine With a Greek Household

What higher strategy to have a neighborhood expertise than cooking and consuming a meal collectively? The expertise takes place in a Greek residence and also you’ll make new pals whereas studying learn how to prepare dinner some tasty Greek Delicacies. 

This enjoyable and the inexpensive night contains studying learn how to make 4 dishes (and consuming them), tapas, drinks and even some Greek dancing! Be taught extra here.

Go Crusing

Hop aboard this stunning sailboat and luxuriate in a half day cruise round Thessaloniki. On this luxurious journey, you’ll go to seashores, go snorkelling, and luxuriate in a incredible Greek lunch with wine aboard the boat. Included is an skilled captain, gasoline, meals, drinks, and gear. Find out more here.

Day Journeys From Thessaloniki

Whereas there are quite a few issues to see, do and eat within the metropolis itself, there are a number of nice day journeys you may take as effectively. 

meteora monasteries
  • Meteora Monasteries: This awe-inspiring website is UNESCO listed and is among the prime locations to go to within the nation. Be part of a full-day, highly-rated tour and see what all of the fuss is about. Click here for particulars concerning the tour, and study extra in our article: Meteora Monasteries: A Information to Greece’s Legendary Panorama.
  • Mount Olympus and Dion: Be taught concerning the tradition and historical past of the spectacular Mount Olympus, hike Enipeas gorge and luxuriate in lunch with a surprising view. Be taught extra about this fashionable day journey here.
  • Pozar Thermal Baths and Edessa: Soak in pure thermal scorching springs, gaze on the tallest waterfall within the Balkans, and luxuriate in lunch in a picturesque village. Discover out extra about this enjoyable day journey here.

Now You Know What To Do in Thessaloniki

With all these items to do in Thessaloniki, I’m certain you’ll have a enjoyable and thrilling journey to Greece’s second-largest metropolis.

You’re going to get to see numerous historical past but additionally expertise the scholar nightlife that’s typical of Thessaloniki. And also you’ll study extra concerning the metropolis’s multicultural previous.

I like Thessaloniki as a result of it’s quieter than Athens, the persons are friendlier, the service is healthier, and it’s much more relaxed.

And due to the numerous college students, numerous the issues to do in Thessaloniki are both free or fairly low cost. So make certain to reap the benefits of all these items and guide your journey to Thessaloniki now.

And in case you’re questioning the place to go subsequent, don’t fear, there are many choices.

From Thessaloniki, you may discover different elements within the north of Greece, such because the beautiful Chalkidiki peninsula with its gorgeous seashores. Or you may journey additional north to discover a number of the different Balkan nations akin to Albania (in case you ask me my absolute favourite city in the Balkans is Tirana).

Are you travelling to different areas in Greece? Try our prime posts:

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