Even if there are tons of issues to do in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest metropolis just 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 effectively value visiting. It actually has all of it — tons of attention-grabbing historical past, an exquisite seaside, and thrilling nightlife.
As a traveller, chances are 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
The fortified White Tower on the seafront is Thessaloniki’s predominant 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 referred to as “Blood Tower” because of the many executions that came about 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 will have a beautiful view of the whole metropolis and the Mediterranean Sea.
When you’ve got just a few hours in Thessaloniki, a go to to the White Tower can be the one factor you need 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 prime issues to see in Thessaloniki and at solely €8, it’s fairly an reasonably priced attraction as effectively.
The museum is open each day from 9 am to 4 pm, and in the summertime, the hours lengthen from 8 am to eight pm. Should you’re not eager on climbing up the tower, you can additionally simply have a look at it from the surface.
Tackle: 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 beautiful stroll alongside the promenade, top-of-the-line locations to go to in Thessaloniki.
I bear 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 would simply spend a number of hours on Thessaloniki’s waterfront, particularly if the climate is especially good.
Should 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 superb day journey from Thessaloniki. Study extra about that journey, here.
Thessaloniki’s waterfront can also be dwelling to one of many metropolis’s most instagrammable spots — the lovable umbrella sculpture. Should you preserve 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 one can find tons of bars, cafés, and eating places.
Should you’re into biking, this fun trip is a must. Thessaloniki’s promenade might be the most effective place in all of Greece to have the ability to trip your bike for a number of kilometres with out worrying about vehicles. Mother and father with youngsters will admire this car-free zone as effectively.
3. Discover Aristotelous Sq.
The town’s greatest sq. is likely one of the hottest locations to go to in Thessaloniki and a terrific place to cease for a espresso. That is the trendy middle of town and a serious assembly place. You will see that 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 likely one of the most well-known squares in all of Greece and one of the well-known spots within the metropolis. Should you go to throughout Christmas or New Yr’s Eve it is a great spot to see how the locals have a good time.
Don’t neglect to take a fast picture of the statue of Aristotle after whom the sq. was named. However, remember that the sq. can also 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. Study About The Metropolis’s Jewish Historical past at The Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki presents the historical past of the Jewish neighborhood in Greece’s second-largest metropolis.
The Jewish neighborhood in Thessaloniki was significantly 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 neighborhood in Thessaloniki till the Great Fire in 1917 when many Jews left the nation. In the course of the Second World Warfare, virtually the whole Jewish inhabitants of Thessaloniki was deported to Auschwitz.
Immediately, solely about 1,200 Jews nonetheless stay in Thessaloniki which nonetheless makes it the second-largest Jewish neighborhood in Greece. Whereas the neighborhood may be very small at the moment, its impression on the historical past of Thessaloniki is big.
A good way to be taught concerning the Jewish neighborhood 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 reasonably priced €5. Should you’re questioning what to do in Thessaloniki that’s not on everybody’s listing, this museum is for you.
Tackle: Ag. Mina 11, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece. Get directions here.
5. See The Roman Agora (one of many prime issues To do in Thessaloniki)
Top-of-the-line issues to see in Thessaloniki is the excavations of the Roman Agora of Thessaloniki (often known as the Roman Discussion board). This historical Roman market is positioned near Aristotelous Sq. and homes the stays of a theater and two Roman baths.
The most effective half is that it continues underground the place yow will discover out extra concerning the Roman Discussion board in its personal museum. When you’ve got 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 generally is a great 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 will get in for €4.
Tackle: Roman Agora, Olympou 75, Thessaloniki 546 31, Greece. Get directions here.
6. Go to Agios Dimitrios Basilica
Thessaloniki’s predominant church, Agios Dimitrios, is likely one of the prime 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 fireplace.
Agios Dimitrios Church is positioned only a few steps from the Roman Discussion board so make sure you 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 a terrific overview of town’s historical past. Pictures is allowed, and because it’s a church, entrance is free.
Tackle: Agios Dimitros, Ag. Dimitriou, Thessaloniki 546 33, Greece. Discover it on the map, here.
7. Take a Hike Via Thessaloniki’s Previous City: Ano Poli (Higher City)
Essentially the most lovely a part of Thessaloniki is actually its old town, or Upper Town. You may 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 likely one of the actions in Thessaloniki which are free and might be executed at any time of day.
This a part of Thessaloniki survived the 1917 hearth and due to this fact saved its conventional feel and appear. Plus, yow will discover outdated church buildings and towers right here and stays of the outdated Byzantine partitions. You would spend hours exploring this attractive neighbourhood.
To many Greeks, Ano Poli is probably the most genuine neighbourhood of Thessaloniki. It’s right here, that yow 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. Verify Out The Eptapyrgio (Yedikule)
Should 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 bought its title (“Seven Towers”) when the primary Ottoman governor added extra towers.
The fortress itself is kind 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 crushed, you get a special perspective from the Eptapyrgio — which is positioned 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.
Tackle: 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 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 might 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 if you happen to’re not considering Atatürk and his life, there’s another excuse to go to his beginning home — it’s a superb technique 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.
Tackle: Consulate of Turkey, Ag. Dimitriou 151, Thessaloniki 546 34, Greece. Get directions.
10. Go to The Rotunda (one of many predominant issues to do in Thessaloniki)
While you head again down in direction of the trendy middle 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 precipitated 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 often known as Kamara.
This was once Thessaloniki’s predominant entrance gate, strolling via it is likely one of the actions in Thessaloniki that can join you all the way in which again to Roman occasions.
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 essential locations to go to in Thessaloniki.
Tackle: 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 top-of-the-line methods to get to know a brand new metropolis. These days, free strolling excursions with a neighborhood information are well-liked 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?! After all, the identical is true for Thessaloniki.
Being a serious scholar metropolis, you may positively discover a younger and dynamic information who will passionately let you know about their fascinating metropolis.
This can actually present the best steadiness between archaeological sites and the extra fashionable elements of life in Greece’s second-largest metropolis.
Free strolling excursions normally final between two to 3 hours and introduce you to the main landmarks.
That means, you get some background details about issues you will have already seen or are planning to see later. There are a few corporations you may select from — FreeTour and GuruWalk each have good rankings.
12. Expertise Ladadika (one of many coolest issues to do in Thessaloniki)
Should you ask any Greek particular person what to do in Thessaloniki they are going to actually let you know 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 all the things the traveller may hope for in a giant European metropolis — cobblestone streets, vibrant outdated homes, and plenty of conventional meals and music.
In truth, the neighbourhood is so alive that many contemplate it the most effective occasion district in all of Greece. However, that doesn’t imply you received’t take pleasure in a stroll via the realm through 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 positioned right here as effectively.
Just like the promenade and Aristotelous Sq., it’s a pedestrian-only zone that any customer to Greece will admire. This neighbourhood is likely one of the prime 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 predominant issues to do in Thessaloniki goes to an archaeology museum.
That is the place one 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’s a lot to see within the exhibition.
The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is positioned 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 would possibly need to make the most of the museum pass which permits entrance to the Archaeological Museum, the White Tower, the Galerian Complicated, 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)
Thessaloniki has some Turkish baths which you could go to: Bey Hamam, Yeni Hamam, Paşa Hamam, and Yahudi Hamam (Pazar Hamam).
Sadly, none of them are nonetheless in use. So, whilst you can marvel on the structure, you will be unable to expertise an genuine Turkish tub there. They’re now used as eating places and for cultural occasions.
Nevertheless, one of the enjoyable actions in Thessaloniki can be to ebook a therapy on the new Hammam Baths as a spa expertise.
The Hamam is impressed by conventional Turkish baths and gives numerous providers. You may both go for a self-service go to or add on numerous massages or remedies. After you calm down within the steam room, you get to bask 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. Make certain to ebook an appointment upfront 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 well-liked locations to discover through the day, that is additionally a well-liked nightlife space. With its repute as a scholar metropolis, one of many predominant actions in Thessaloniki is certainly trying out its full of life 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.
Should you’re in Thessaloniki in the summertime, you may spend the entire evening outdoors. Should you’re on a extremely tight price range, you received’t should enter a bar in any respect — merely get booze from a kiosk and drink it outdoors.
Don’t miss this space because it involves life at evening with musicians, artists, and students having a tremendous time. And as normal in such neighbourhoods, you too can discover the most cost effective 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 just a few extra to the listing.
Wine and Meals Tasting
This is likely one of the prime 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 way in which. This can be a enjoyable and reasonably priced expertise. Find out more here.
Prepare dinner and Dine With a Greek Household
What higher technique to have a neighborhood expertise than cooking and consuming a meal collectively? The expertise takes place in a Greek dwelling and also you’ll make new mates whereas studying easy methods to prepare dinner some tasty Greek Delicacies.
This enjoyable and the reasonably priced night contains studying easy methods to make 4 dishes (and consuming them), tapas, drinks and even some Greek dancing! Study extra here.
Go Crusing
Hop aboard this lovely 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 improbable Greek lunch with wine aboard the boat. Included is an skilled captain, gas, meals, drinks, and tools. 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 just a few nice day journeys you may take as effectively.
- Meteora Monasteries: This awe-inspiring website is UNESCO listed and is likely one of the prime 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 be taught 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 shocking view. Study extra about this well-liked 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 positive you’ll have a enjoyable and thrilling journey to Greece’s second-largest metropolis.
You’ll get to see loads of historical past but in addition expertise the scholar nightlife that’s typical of Thessaloniki. And also you’ll be taught 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, loads of the issues to do in Thessaloniki are both free or fairly low cost. So be sure that to make the most of all these items and ebook your journey to Thessaloniki now.
And if you happen to’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 attractive Chalkidiki peninsula with its beautiful seashores. Or you may journey additional north to discover a number of the different Balkan international locations such as Albania (if you happen to ask me my absolute favourite city in the Balkans is Tirana).
Are you travelling to different areas in Greece? Take a look at our prime posts:
Notice: some pictures on this article are offered by Shutterstock.com. Verify them out for superior royalty-free pictures and movies.
