The Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki: The Complete Guide

Things to do in Thessaloniki mean exploring a history of over 2300 years old in a compact, walkable city. Thessaloniki lies on the Thermaic Gulf and is full of cultural and social spots. It is the second largest city of Greece, and less busy than Athens. Still, there are plenty to see. Roman ruins, Byzantine churches and a waterfront packed with cafeterias, amazing restaurants and fish taverns.

In this guide we will talk about what is there to do in Thessaloniki. We will see the history, culture, family activities, nightlife and day trips. We will also offer tips on what to avoid and the best time to visit.

Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting?

Thessaloniki is a place you will not regret visiting. Greece’s second biggest city and the Country’s only UNESCO City of Gastronomy. It also houses 15 Byzantine and Early Christian monuments. There is a five-kilometer waterfront promenade, and a compact, walkable historic district.

Thessaloniki, established in 315 BC carries a legacy influenced by Rome, the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire and Sephardic Jews. There are UNESCO-listed monuments everywhere. Or you can relax in a rooftop bar with a view over the sea.

Lastly, you can easily combine Thessaloniki with a trip to a Halkidiki beach. If a trip to Greece is on your mind, explore our Greece vacation packages or request an itinerary that pairs Thessaloniki with the rest of the country

Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki: The Essentials

The top things to do in Thessaloniki are located in a walkable heart: the White Tower, the Rotunda and Arch of Galerius, the old town of Ano Poli, and a beautiful promenade. All these sites cover Ottoman, Roman, Byzantine, and modern history. You can visit all of them in a single day. Every other list of top things to do in Thessaloniki starts here for good reason.

The White Tower

The most iconic landmark of Thessaloniki, the White Tower, was built in the 16th-century. It sits at the seafront and is usually the first destination for most travelers to the city. Head up to the observation deck to get a bird’s-eye view of the Thermaic Gulf. Then, explore the museum which highlights the evolution of the tower from an Ottoman fortress and jail to the symbol of every Thessaloniki postcard. Try to come at sunset. The light is the finest in Thessaloniki.

The Rotunda & Arch of Galerius

The Rotunda is a fourth-century Roman church. Its dome still features some of the oldest in Christianity mosaic pieces. Outside, the Arch of Galerius, or Kamara, commemorates a Roman victory over the Persians. It now works as a popular meeting point. Both sights sit right in the middle of daily life rather than roped off, cafés and tavernas included.

Ano Poli (Upper Town)

Ano Poli, the hillside quarter of Thessaloniki, brings together cobbled lanes, Ottoman houses and Byzantine walls. These ancient features survived the great fire of 1917. This area is the best for a slow stroll. Climbing the steep hill offers a panoramic view at the top of the city and the Gulf. During the day is the best time to visit Ano Poli. The narrow streets are atmospheric but poorly lit.

The Waterfront Promenade & The Umbrellas

The promenade runs for five-kilometers, from the port to the White Tower, flat and paved the whole way, which makes it an easy stretch for senior-friendly trips in Greece. This is the heart and soul of Thessaloniki. People here go on runs, couples walk holding hands and parents stroll with their children. Near the middle of the promenade are the Umbrellas. It is a colorful sculpture of suspended umbrellas, by George Zongolopoulos. Also, it’s one of the most popular spots for photographs.

Unique Things to Do in Thessaloniki

For unique things to do in Thessaloniki, skip the usual set of historical sites. Instead, let’s see what really distinguishes this beautiful city! A Sephardic Jewish history that influenced it for 500 years, a still-active Ottoman hamam and a wine region only 40 mins away. This is the point where Thessaloniki ceases to be Athens on a smaller scale and begins to be a city with its own identity.

Walk the Jewish Heritage Trail

Thessaloniki was once “Jerusalem of the Balkans” before WWII. Nearly half the population of the city was Jewish back then. That history is still visible today. You start at the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, housed in one of the few Jewish-owned buildings to survive the 1917 fire. Then, you can walk to the Monastirioton Synagogue and the Holocaust Monument at Eleftherias Square. It is a moving and powerful part of the city’s history.

Steam Off at a Historic Hammam

Thessaloniki’s Ottoman legacy left a few hammams still active. The Bey Hammam dating back to 1444, is the biggest one in Greece. The steam bath at the Bey Hammam will give you a taste of spa treatment and a glimpse of Greek history. With only a visit here, you can see centuries-old features such as marble domes, soft lighting and continuous use. A couple of hotels, including the Makedonia Palace, run hammam services on their own.

Taste Northern Greece’s Wine Country

Very few tourists know that Thessaloniki is close to some of the most esteemed wine regions in Greece. These include Naoussa, which produces Xinomavro grapes. With a half-day trip, you could take a vineyard tour, taste different wines, and have lunch among vines. A genuine way to spend an afternoon, rather than another museum. Book a tour that comes with a guide if you don’t have a car.

Eat Like a UNESCO City of Gastronomy

Thessaloniki is Greece’s only UNESCO City of Gastronomy. But it’s not the restaurants that gave it this title, but rather the streets. Have bougatsa for breakfast and walk through Modiano or Kapani Market in the afternoon. Finish off the day with a meze and tsipouro in Ladadika. The city’s food culture rewards you when you explore it fully. Don’t just sit down for dinner.

Things to Do in Thessaloniki with Kids

Thessaloniki with kids offers many advantages over most European cities. The historic city centre is flat and walkable. The waterfront is like a continuous playground with numerous activities. Lastly, you can find a proper beach in just a twenty-minute bus ride. The zoo, promenade, a boat cruise, and a trip to Perea would cover an entire day for the family.

Thessaloniki Zoo

There is a small shady park just outside the city. This is where you can find Thessaloniki Zoo. It is a perfect half-day plan for family vacations in Greece, especially during hot days. The zoo is accessible to strollers, and there are plenty of places to rest. Plus, the wide variety of animals will hold a kid’s attention with ease. Unlike major zoos, this one doesn’t attract major crowds. If you want to spend more time together, you could add a nearby park as a part of the day trip.

Waterfront Parks & Bike Paths

The same promenade where adults have sunset drinks, becomes an open-air playground for kids by day. The paths are well-paved for scooters and bikes. Also, patches of grass and playgrounds are scattered along the way to the White Tower. You can rent bikes near the port for a family tour of the city. The promenade is free, flat and with food options nearby.

Boat Cruises on the Thermaic Gulf

Short cruises are readily available near the White Tower. One of them features the Arabella, a pirate-style ship. It is an excellent option for very young children. Usually, you don’t even need to reserve a place on it. The ride is quite pleasant. About 30 minutes along the seafront, just enough time for children to see things and not be bored. Cruises offer a fresh perspective of Thessaloniki.

Perea Beach

Perea is a beach town only a twenty-minute drive or bus ride from central Thessaloniki. The water is calm and shallow, just perfect for kids. And the beach offers sun loungers for rent. Certainly not the best beach Greece has to offer, but it is the best way to offer your kids a beach day without committing to a full Halkidiki excursion. There are a few seafood taverns nearby too. Planning a family trip to Greece? Let our local experts build a tailor-made itinerary that balances city days like this with time at the beach.

Things to Do in Thessaloniki at Night

Places to hang out in Thessaloniki at night are categorized by neighborhoods: Ladadika is where a relaxed first visit will take place. Valaoritou is better for late night. And the waterfront is ideal as a quiet in-between spot. Locals rarely start their night before. Because of this, have dinner late and prepare for it.

Ladadika: Historic & Easygoing

A former warehouse neighborhood, Ladadika now acts as a pedestrian-only nightlife district. It is a perfect place to start your night. Stone-paved squares, ouzeries serving Greek anise-flavored spirit, and a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. Most places don’t charge cover and the outdoor setting allows you to bar-hop with ease, which makes Ladadika an easy starting point for friends travelling together in Greece. It is also a safe and central location.

Valaoritou: Alternative & Late

Valaoritou, close to Ladadika, is where the night feels more local. Bars with an industrial look, an underground music scene, DJ sets, and a younger, art-lover crowd make sure the venues are full until very late at night. Each bar features a different genre of music. Wandering and exploring will be a very rewarding experience.

The Waterfront: Sunset Drinks & Views

For something lower-key, the waterfront promenade is home to a number of cafés and cocktail bars. They gradually switch from serving coffee during the day to drinks at night. All the while, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Thermaic Gulf and the White Tower. A quietly romantic pick for a honeymoon in Greece. It is the perfect place for a late afternoon drink before going to Ladadika or Valaoritou. A relaxing night here is also a wonderful choice.

Best Day Trips from Thessaloniki

The top day trips from the city of Thessaloniki fall into four categories: archaeological sites, beaches, mountains, and UNESCO-protected sites. All of them are within one to two and a half hours away by car. Vergina and Pella can make for a history-themed day. At the same time, Halkidiki, Olympus, Meteora, and Edessa can work as separate and independent journeys.

Day Trip Comparison

Vergina & Pella

Vergina and Pella sit 25km apart, southwest of Thessaloniki. Vergina holds the UNESCO-listed Royal Tombs of Aigai, the burial place of Philip II, Alexander the Great’s father. Pella, the capital of ancient Macedonia, is famous for its elaborate floor mosaics. You can visit and explore both sites with a total of 70km driving. It will be the most historically dense day trip in the region.

Halkidiki Beaches

Halkidiki consists of three peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia and the monastic Mount Athos. They all sit a 1-2 hour drive away so locals head there for holidays. Kassandra offers the most animated holiday spots and party scenes. Sithonia, with its pine woods and tranquil beaches, is the perfect alternative for those who would rather avoid crowds. A day trip is enough to sunbathe, swim and have a seafood dinner.

Mount Olympus & Litochoro

Approximately ninety minutes to the south, Mount Olympus is a day’s worth of exploring around Litochoro. Hike a section of the Enipeas Gorge, drive up to Prionia for panoramic vistas, or enjoy lunch in an alpine village, far away from the sea. Our guide to Mount Olympus goes deeper into the mythology and trails if you want to go in prepared. A day-trip version is doable even without hiking experience.

Meteora

Meteora is about 2.5 hours away from Thessaloniki. But the pay-off is well-worth the long drive. The monasteries perching on colossal rock pillars are a unique sight. Our two-day Meteora itinerary is worth a look if you’d rather stay overnight than rush it in a day. You can either do a whole-day tour or take a train straight from Thessaloniki to Kalambaka. Each option allows you to spend 4 – 5 hours there. More than enough to visit two or three monasteries and the main viewpoints.

Edessa & Pozar Thermal Baths

Edessa and Pozar are two hours from Thessaloniki. First, you can enjoy a dip in Pozar’s natural thermal pools. Then, you can head to Edessa for the 70m waterfall and the walkable old town. There you can explore the stone houses, restaurants, and cafés. It’s the least strenuous option on this list and a good pick if you want scenery without another archaeological site.

Where to Avoid in Thessaloniki

Overall, Thessaloniki is a very safe city. Still, there are certain districts you’ll want to be extra cautious in. Dendropotamos, to the west of the city center is one such place. It’s best to completely avoid it. Around the main train station or Vardaris, it’s advisable to stick close to a well-lit main. Ano Poli’s tiny streets are breathtaking during the day, but you can easily lose all direction at night. Just like anywhere else, be watchful in crowded locations like Aristotelous Square and Kapani Market.

Weather & Events Comparison

Best Time to Visit: Thessaloniki in October vs. November

October and November are two great options for visiting Thessaloniki: they both bring along a mild weather, a reduced number of visitors, and a very busy cultural schedule. October is a little warmer and more festival-oriented. November is slightly cooler. Also, the biggest movie event of the season takes place and the streets are less busy.

Thessaloniki in October

October is quite pleasant. It brings temperatures around 20ºC with very light rain. They do get heavier towards the end of the month. The city experiences its most crowded period during this period. October 26 is the feast of Saint Demetrios, the city’s patron saint, attracting lots of people at Hagios Demetrios church. That feast is followed two days later by the national Greek Oxi (No) Day parade along the city’s waterfront. It is quite an impressive scene. The Dimitria Festival, an annual celebration of music, theater, and art, also begins this month and runs into December.

Thessaloniki in November

November becomes cooler with highs of around 14 – 16ºC. It also rains occasionally. It’s all worth it though, for the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, a major film event in Southeast Europe. Tourist numbers drop noticeably compared to October. Lines are thus shorter in museums and you can explore the city at a more relaxing pace. November is the perfect choice for travelers who want to avoid crowds.

Conclusion

There is a vast range of things to do in Thessaloniki. Roman ruins, Byzantine mosaics, a Sephardic cultural heritage, relaxing at thermal baths, and enjoying the city’s night life. You can enjoy Thessaloniki in just two days. Or combine it with other destinations as well, like Halkidiki or Meteora.

If you’d rather skip the planning and let someone who knows the city build your itinerary, Greece Insiders can put together a private, tailor-made Thessaloniki trip built entirely around how you actually want to travel.