Although there are tons of issues to do in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest metropolis isn’t on everybody’s radar.
To Greeks, Thessaloniki is a legendary scholar 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 properly price visiting. It actually has all of it — tons of attention-grabbing historical past, a good looking seaside, and thrilling nightlife.
As a traveller, you might be questioning what to do in Thessaloniki, which is the place I are available in. After studying this text, you’ll be stunned by the number of issues to do right here.
Listed below are the 15 finest issues to do in Thessaloniki, Greece.
1. Go to The White Tower
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 instances, the White Tower was used as a jail and supposedly known as “Blood Tower” because of the many executions that occurred there. It bought the title “White Tower” after it was painted white, though at the moment it has a yellowish color.
From the White Tower, you’ve 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 could 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 certainly one of many high issues to see in Thessaloniki and at solely €8, it’s fairly an inexpensive attraction as properly.
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. For those who’re not eager on climbing up the tower, you can additionally simply take a look at it from the skin.
Deal with: White Tower, Thessaloniki 546 21, Greece. Get directions here.
2. Take a Stroll Alongside The Seafront
On the seafront, you may take pleasure in a stunning stroll alongside the promenade, among the finest locations to go to in Thessaloniki.
I keep in mind being fascinated that I had lastly discovered a place in Greece the place I may stroll for hours with out being disturbed by vehicles or motorbikes!
You possibly can simply spend a number of hours on Thessaloniki’s waterfront, particularly if the climate is especially good.
For those who 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. Study extra about that journey, here.
Thessaloniki’s waterfront can be residence to one of many metropolis’s most instagrammable spots — the lovable umbrella sculpture. For those who hold 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 wonderful, and farther north you can find tons of bars, cafés, and eating places.
For those who’re into biking, this fun trip is a must. Thessaloniki’s promenade might be one of the best place in all of Greece to have the ability to journey your bike for a number of kilometres with out worrying about vehicles. Mother and father with kids will respect this car-free zone as properly.
3. Discover Aristotelous Sq.
Town’s greatest sq. is likely one of the hottest locations to go to in Thessaloniki and an excellent place to cease for a espresso. That is the trendy heart of town and a significant assembly place. You’ll discover numerous cafés and eating places on this pedestrian zone.
Individuals 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 likely one of the most well-known squares in all of Greece and one of the crucial well-known spots within the metropolis. For those who go to throughout Christmas or New 12 months’s Eve it is a excellent spot to see how the locals rejoice.
Don’t overlook to take a fast photograph of the statue of Aristotle after whom the sq. was named. However, understand that the sq. can be well-known for the truth that political protests often happen right here. Throughout a rally or protest, you may need to keep away from the sq..
4. Study About The Metropolis’s Jewish Historical past at The 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 notably robust through the Ottoman Empire when Jewish refugees arrived from Spain and Portugal the place they confronted extreme persecution.
Jews made up the most important group in Thessaloniki till the Great Fire in 1917 when many Jews left the nation. Throughout the Second World Warfare, virtually the complete Jewish inhabitants of Thessaloniki was deported to Auschwitz.
Right this 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 at the moment, its influence on the historical past of Thessaloniki is big.
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. For those who’re questioning what to do in Thessaloniki that’s not on everybody’s checklist, this museum is for you.
Deal with: Ag. Mina 11, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece. Get directions here.
5. See The Roman Agora (one of many high issues To do in Thessaloniki)
Probably the greatest issues to see in Thessaloniki is the excavations of the Roman Agora of Thessaloniki (also referred to as the Roman Discussion board). This historical Roman market is situated near Aristotelous Sq. and homes the stays of a theater and two Roman baths.
The very 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 remains to be buried beneath town.
In the summertime, going underground is usually a excellent spot to flee the warmth!
In any case, it’s actually spectacular to see this historical sq. in the course 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.
Deal with: Roman Agora, Olympou 75, Thessaloniki 546 31, Greece. Get directions here.
6. Go to Agios Dimitrios Basilica
Thessaloniki’s major church, Agios Dimitrios, is likely one of the high locations to go to in Thessaloniki.
The basilica burned down virtually fully within the Nice Fireplace 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 just some steps from the Roman Discussion board so you’ll want to mix the 2. Dimitrios is Thessaloniki’s patron saint which explains the basilica’s significance. You may see the place the place he supposedly died within the crypt underground.
And, due to Thessaloniki’s attention-grabbing historical past, you may even see the stays of a Roman bathhouse on which the church was constructed. This church presents an excellent overview of town’s historical past. Pictures is allowed, and because it’s a church, entrance is free.
Deal with: Agios Dimitros, Ag. Dimitriou, Thessaloniki 546 33, Greece. Discover it on the map, here.
7. Take a Hike By means of Thessaloniki’s Previous City: Ano Poli (Higher City)
Essentially the most stunning a part of Thessaloniki is actually its old town, or Upper Town. You may go for a stroll by means of the cobblestone alleys and can see the standard Balkan homes that date again to Ottoman instances.
A stroll within the picturesque Higher City is likely one of the actions in Thessaloniki which are free and could be executed at any time of day.
This a part of Thessaloniki survived the 1917 fireplace and subsequently saved its conventional feel and look. Plus, you will discover outdated church buildings and towers right here and stays of the outdated Byzantine partitions. You possibly can spend hours exploring this attractive neighbourhood.
To many Greeks, Ano Poli is probably the most genuine neighbourhood of Thessaloniki. It’s right here, that you will discover conventional taverns taking part in 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. Verify Out The Eptapyrgio (Yedikule)
For those who 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 bought its title (“Seven Towers”) when the primary Ottoman governor added further towers.
The fortress itself is sort of spectacular to have a look at, however the view from right here is spectacular because it’s the very 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 outdated jail corridors which join the place to Greek rebetiko music.
“Yedikule” is likely one of 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.
Deal with: 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 start home of probably 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 will not be of curiosity to everybody, however as an ethnic Turk, I used to be very moved by my go to right here.
Many of the furnishings right here remains to be authentic, 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 when you’re not desirous about Atatürk and his life, there may be another excuse to go to his start home — it’s a superb approach 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.
Deal with: 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)
Once you head again down in the 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 a Roman temple, then a church, and later a mosque.
Earthquakes have triggered severe injury to the constructing, however a few 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 referred to as Kamara.
This was Thessaloniki’s major entrance gate, strolling by means of it is likely one of the actions in Thessaloniki that can join you all the best way again to Roman instances.
The early Christian mosaics within the Rotunda are completely beautiful. Along with the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda is taken into account one of the crucial necessary locations to go to in Thessaloniki.
Deal with: 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
I firmly imagine that free strolling excursions are among the finest methods to get to know a brand new metropolis. These days, free strolling excursions with a neighborhood information are widespread in most main cities.
Why pay for a tour when somebody will supply it without spending a dime and also you solely tip the information based mostly on how good the tour was?! After all, the identical is true for Thessaloniki.
Being a significant scholar metropolis, you may positively discover a younger and dynamic information who will passionately inform you about their fascinating metropolis.
This can actually present the suitable stability between archaeological sites and the extra trendy points of life in Greece’s second-largest metropolis.
Free strolling excursions often final between two to 3 hours and introduce you to the most important landmarks.
That manner, you get some background details about issues you’ve already seen or are planning to see later. There are a few corporations you may select from — FreeTour and GuruWalk each have good scores.
12. Expertise Ladadika (one of many coolest issues to do in Thessaloniki)
For those who ask any Greek particular person what to do in Thessaloniki they are going to actually inform you to discover Ladadika.
This charming neighbourhood close to the port is stuffed 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 every little thing the traveller may hope for in an enormous European metropolis — cobblestone streets, vibrant outdated homes, and many conventional meals and music.
The truth is, the neighbourhood is so alive that many think about it one of the best occasion district in all of Greece. However, that doesn’t imply you received’t take pleasure in a stroll by means of the world through the day as properly.
The neighbourhood was named for the oil outlets that was concentrated within the space. Throughout Ottoman instances, the primary market was situated right here as properly.
Just like the promenade and Aristotelous Sq., it’s a pedestrian-only zone that any customer to Greece will respect. This neighbourhood is likely one of the high locations to go to in Thessaloniki, don’t miss it.
13. Tour The Archaeological Museum of 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 can find 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. Many 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 may 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 necessary locations to go to in Thessaloniki.
14. See The Previous Hamams (and Soak at The New Ones)
Thessaloniki has some Turkish baths that you could 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 bathtub there. They’re now used as eating places and for cultural occasions.
Nevertheless, one of the crucial stress-free actions in Thessaloniki could be to e book a remedy on the new Hammam Baths as a spa expertise.
The Hamam is impressed by conventional Turkish baths and gives numerous companies. You may 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 fundamental “Ali Mama” service prices €45. Be certain to e book an appointment prematurely to make sure availability. For pure thermal baths, take a day journey to beautiful Pozar and Edessa. Study extra about that tour here.
15. Go For Drinks in The Scholar Space Round Kamara/Rotunda
Whereas the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda are widespread locations to discover through the day, that is additionally a well-liked nightlife space. With its repute as a scholar metropolis, one of many major actions in Thessaloniki is certainly testing its energetic scholar (occasion) scene.
There are numerous bars and cafés right here, that are cheaper than those within the Ladadika neighbourhood. Take a look at Bulldog and the Beast, On The Road, and Pulp.
For those who’re in Thessaloniki in the summertime, you may spend the entire night time exterior. For those who’re on a very tight funds, 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 students having an incredible time. And as standard in such neighbourhoods, you may as well 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 couple of extra to the checklist.
Wine and Meals Tasting
This is likely one of the high issues to do in Thessaloniki for foodies. Meet at a market and study Greek meals, whereas sampling many various conventional meals and drinksa lengthy the best way. This can be a enjoyable and inexpensive expertise. Find out more here.
Prepare dinner and Dine With a Greek Household
What higher approach 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 mates whereas studying methods to cook dinner some tasty Greek Delicacies.
This enjoyable and the inexpensive night contains studying methods to make 4 dishes (and consuming them), tapas, drinks and even some Greek dancing! Study 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, gas, 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 couple of nice day journeys you may take as properly.
- Meteora Monasteries: This awe-inspiring website is UNESCO listed and is likely one of the high locations to go to within the nation. Be a 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 Guide to Greece’s Mythical Landscape.
- Mount Olympus and Dion: Study concerning the tradition and historical past of the spectacular Mount Olympus, hike Enipeas gorge and luxuriate in lunch with a surprising view. Study extra about this widespread 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 this stuff to do in Thessaloniki, I’m positive you’ll have a enjoyable and thrilling journey to Greece’s second-largest metropolis.
You’re going to get to see a number of 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 really like Thessaloniki as a result of it’s quieter than Athens, the persons are friendlier, the service is best, and it’s much more relaxed.
And due to the numerous college students, a number of the issues to do in Thessaloniki are both free or fairly low cost. So be certain that to reap the benefits of all this stuff and e book your journey to Thessaloniki now.
And when you’re questioning the place to go subsequent, don’t fear, there are many choices.
From Thessaloniki, you may discover different components within the north of Greece, such because the attractive Chalkidiki peninsula with its beautiful seashores. Or you may journey additional north to discover a few of the different Balkan international locations such as Albania (when you ask me my absolute favourite city in the Balkans is Tirana).
Are you travelling to different areas in Greece? Take a look at our high posts:
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