Thessaloniki Sights: 11 Highlights and Tips

The city of Thessaloniki is characterized by a sprawling network of houses that stretch from the shoreline up to Acropolis Hill. This port city on the Thermaic Gulf is the country’s second-largest metropolis after Athens, with a population of 325,000, yet it stands in stark contrast to its famous capital.

“Thessaloniki surprises every visitor who is willing to immerse themselves in this lively city.”

The locals affectionately refer to their city as a large village, despite it being the capital of Macedonia. This is where the heart of the tradition-conscious and proud region of Northern Greece beats. If you expect a dreamy town with an old town like Athens, this is the wrong place. You have to get involved with Thessaloniki.

The sea of concrete buildings right by the sea seems almost bizarre. Historical treasures are hidden in the alleys, most of which you stumble upon by chance. The Greek student city of Thessaloniki also knows how to impress with its cuisine, because 100,000 students need to be fed. On every corner you’ll find cafés, quaint taverns, and restaurants.

We’ll take you on a city tour through this vibrant Greek metropolis and share our 11 Thessaloniki highlights:

#1 Heptapyrgion: Sunrise over the city’s rooftops

A tour of the compact center of Thessaloniki reveals the diversity of this northern Greek city. Relics from past eras are hidden among modern concrete buildings. Above all, the cobblestone alleys of the upper town are reminiscent of times long past.

The wide boulevards of Thessaloniki, which run directly alongside the sea, give you the feeling of being in elegant Paris. Here you can stroll at your leisure and swipe your credit card at the counter in countless shops.

The best way to explore Thessaloniki is “from top to bottom.” When the first rays of sunshine of the day settle over the city, you can enjoy the views of the city from the Heptapyrgion—the old city castle at the top.

The massive Fortress of Thessaloniki was built on a medieval citadel from the 9th century during Byzantine times, and has been used primarily for military purposes ever since. From 1895 to 1989, the Heptapyrgion was converted into a prison, where executions were also carried out.

Since 1990, the castle has been used for cultural purposes. If you want to avoid the strenuous climb up to Heptapyrgion, you can also take a taxi from the city center for about €5 or bus line 23 from Eleftherias Square.

• Heptapyrgion opening hours: Wed–Mon, 8 a.m.–3 p.m., Admission: €10

The lovely Salonika Dimitra runs the small café Aithrio at Yedi Kyle, not far from Heptapyrgion. In a cozy atmosphere, you can linger here for a coffee or snack. Dimitra loves her “Salonika” more than anything. She is happy to welcome every interested visitor and has some great tips ready!

#2 Vlatades Monastery: Salonika’s Place of Silence

The Vlatades Monastery, a place of silence, is just a 10-minute walk south of the Heptapyrgion. Far away from the hectic city center, you can enjoy a fabulous view over the metropolis down to the sea from the only preserved Byzantine monastery in the city of Thessaloniki.

The complex was founded in the 14th century and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. The idyllic monastery courtyard with its cypress trees invites you to stroll and linger. If open, it is also worth taking a look at the main church (Katholikon) with its magnificent iconostasis.

#3 Trigonion Tower and Church of St. Paul the Apostle

From the Vlatades Monastery, we walk along the old city wall to the Trigonion Tower in the east. The Defensive Tower is one of seven surviving towers in the city of Thessaloniki, of which the White Tower on the waterfront is probably the most famous.

The Trigonion Tower also offers a fantastic view of Thessaloniki and is a popular spot for an evening sundowner. Unfortunately, the tower was closed during our visit in winter, and in summer it was only open sporadically during the day.

From here, our city tour continues about a 7-minute walk south toward the Church of the Apostle Paul. The massive church is hard to miss, and its interior is adorned with beautiful murals. From here, too, there is a magnificent view of the city.

Before we explore the upper old town in depth, we can visit the Pasha Gardens (Gardens of Ali Pasha). The small park isn’t particularly spectacular, but at least offers a shady spot on hot days.

In the middle of the Pasha Gardens stands a rather bizarre monument, likely built during the Ottoman era. The architect of this mysterious structure remains unknown to this day. The ruins suggest it may have been some kind of temple or meeting place.

#4 Ano Poli: Stroll through the Upper Town

After our visit to the garden, we walk down Elenis Zografou Street past the Thessaloniki hospital and look for a small passageway along the old city wall leading into the heart of Ano Poli (Greek: Upper Old Town).

A walk through the upper town is like a journey through time. The narrow cobblestone streets quickly make you forget that you are in the middle of a bustling city. The village atmosphere helps you slow down.

Typical of the Ano Poli are the bourgeois houses from the Ottoman period with their bay windows, which are supported by a wooden structure. They have been extensively restored in recent years and offer beautiful photo opportunities.

Our favorite spot in Ano Poli was the church of Agios Nikolaos Orphanos. The church’s beautifully green forecourt is the perfect place to rest your legs and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Sitting under olive trees, you can listen to birdsong and breathe in a touch of island idyll. The interior of the church is also worth a visit thanks to its well-preserved frescoes from the 14th century. Admission is free, though a small donation to help maintain the site is welcome.

• Ag. Nikolaos Church hours: Wed–Mon 8:30 AM–3:15 PM

#5 Roman Traces in Thessaloniki

From the upper town of Ano Poli, our tour continues southwest, always toward the sea. Thessaloniki has numerous relics from Roman times, which will amaze even the most jaded history buff.

Rotunda of Galerius

About a 10-minute walk from Ano Poli, we come to a large rotunda. The exterior of the Rotunda of Galerius may appear somewhat unspectacular, but the interior is all the more impressive.

Looking up at the dome, you’ll discover one of the oldest wall mosaics from Christian times, which shimmers beautifully with its gold. The Rotunda was built around 306 AD as a mausoleum, but was later converted into the Church of Agios Georgios. This makes it probably the oldest church in the world.

Under Ottoman rule, the building was used as a mosque. The city’s only surviving minaret still stands right next to the rotunda. Today, temporary exhibitions are held in the Rotunda of Galerius.

• Opening hours Rotunda of Thessaloniki: Wed–Mon 8 am–7 pm (winter 8 am–5 pm), €10

The charming café La nina Frida (i mikri Frida), located about 6 minutes from the rotunda, serves up coffee. In a trendy vintage atmosphere, you’ll find delicious coffee, pastries, and refreshing drinks.

Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki

The Arch of Galerius is located directly below the rotunda on Egnatia Street. The massive triumphal arch also dates back to Roman times and was built around 303 AD to commemorate Emperor Galerius’s victory over the Persians. Of the four marble pillars that once stood here, only two remain, featuring reliefs depicting military campaigns and battles.

Roman Agora (Roman Forum)

If you want to delve even deeper into the city’s history, a visit to the Roman Agora of Thessaloniki is recommended. The excavation site is located in the city center, surrounded by modern concrete buildings.

In the first centuries after Christ, the Agora was the center of public life, as well as a market and meeting place. This historical site in Thessaloniki was rediscovered by chance around 1966 during construction work.

Today, the remains of a small theater (the Odeon), a vaulted passage (the cryptoporticus), and the Roman baths can still be seen. An underground museum provides information about the individual components of the complex and the ongoing excavations.

• Opening hours Roman Agora: Wed–Sun 8 a.m.–3 p.m., admission €3

#6 Weekly Markets of Thessaloniki

Our tour continues through Eleftherias Square to the wide boulevards and weekly markets of Thessaloniki. The latter aren’t for the faint of heart, but the Modiano and Kapani markets are authentic and rustic.

A wide variety of smells waft from every direction, and market vendors loudly hawk their wares. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and fish are offered in abundance.

Whole or half pigs, goat heads, and other spicy animal parts hang in front of the stalls. A large part of the two weekly markets is covered, and in the outdoor area there are stalls selling clothing, flowers, and delicacies.

• Opening hours for Thessaloniki’s weekly markets: daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

#7 Strolling on Aristotle Square

Follow the long promenade down to the sea and you will reach Aristotle Square. It is the heart of the waterfront, and a touch of Parisian flair inevitably comes to mind with the majestic buildings. It is therefore not surprising that the architect who took charge of the new urban planning after the Great Fire of Thessaloniki around 1917 was a Frenchman.

The focus is on the Electra Palace Hotel (Check on Booking.com*), one of the semicircular buildings that surround the square. If you have a little more to spend, you can enjoy a royal night here. Or you can enjoy a coffee or a light lunch on the hotel’s beautiful rooftop terrace, which is also open to non-guests.

Shopping in Thessaloniki

For an extended shopping spree, turn onto Tsimiski Street in front of Aristotelous Square. Here you will find, among other things, countless clothing and shoe stores featuring well-known brands. In addition to international stores such as Zara and H&M, there are also many local stores carrying Greek brands and designers.

Afterward, why not relax in the elegant Olympion Café and enjoy a short break? Alternatively, the Orizontes Roof Garden, located across the street, is well worth a visit, offering fantastic sea views.

#8 Ladadika: Trendy District of Thessaloniki

The former district of the olive merchants is one of the most beautiful corners of Thessaloniki. A large part of Ladadika’s historic buildings have been preserved, and the area has been a protected site since 1985.

The cobblestone streets with their colorful houses are a real eye-catcher and offer a glimpse into what Thessaloniki must have once looked like. Until the late 1970s, this area was an abandoned ghost town, until the first restaurants began to reappear.

Today, the pedestrian street of Ladadika is the evening meeting place for young and old, with countless restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs where people party until the early hours of the morning.

Ladadika is the epitome of nightlife in Thessaloniki, so be sure to plan a detour here! Some restaurants are also open during the day for a light lunch. Simple but very good Greek food is available, for example at Full tou Meze.

Imaginative, creative dishes at a great value are available at Extravaganza, north of Ladadika. Here you can expect unique flavors and a relaxed atmosphere.

#9 White Tower on the Waterfront

From Ladadika, head southeast along the waterfront. Even from a distance, Thessaloniki’s landmark comes into view. Standing about 33 meters tall, the White Tower (Lefkos Pyrgos) is the city’s most famous defensive tower.

It was expanded to its present form in the 15th century, and its interior tells a rather dark chapter of the city’s history. Originally intended as a defensive structure, it was primarily used as a prison and torture facility during the Ottoman occupation. Sultan Mahmud II had numerous prisoners of war executed here around 1826. As a result, the building was given the name “Blood Tower.”

After Thessaloniki and nearly all of Greece were liberated from the Ottomans around 1912, the tower was whitewashed. Thus, the White Tower of Thessaloniki retains its name, even though almost none of the white façade remains.

The White Tower houses a museum with an interesting exhibition on the history of the city of Thessaloniki. Audio guides are also available in German for the individual themed rooms, which are connected by spiral staircases. From the tower’s observation deck, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the Thermaic Gulf.

• Opening hours White Tower Thessaloniki: Tue–Sun from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (winter until 3:30 p.m.), admission €4

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#10 Zongolopoulos: Umbrellas of Thessaloniki

If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful places to end your evening in Thessaloniki, look no further than the Umbrella sculpture by Zongolopoulos along the southern waterfront.

The artwork, called Umbrellas of Thessaloniki, was created in 1997 by Georgios Zongolopoulos and has since become a popular meeting place and one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. Especially at sunset, the umbrellas create a beautiful contrast with the sky.

A few meters further on stands the tallest statue in Greece. Alexander the Great, the former king of Macedon, is depicted here riding his horse, Bucephalus. This monument is also a beautiful photo spot, especially in the evening.

#11 Great Churches of Thessaloniki

If you’re a fan of Orthodox church architecture, you’ll likely want to set aside several days to explore Thessaloniki’s countless places of worship. Most of the churches date back to early Christian and Byzantine times and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Hagios Demetrios Basilica

Not far from the Roman Agora stands the Hagios Demetrios (Agios Dimitrios), one of the most important churches in the city. The five-aisled basilica is dedicated to St. Demetrios, the patron saint of the city.

Its origins date back to the 4th century AD; since then, the church has been rebuilt several times, expanded, and reconstructed following the great fire of 1917. Particularly impressive are the walk-in reliquary of Saint Demetrius and the iconostasis with its beautiful wall paintings in the altar area.

Church of Hagia Sophia

Another eye-catcher amidst the concrete architecture is the Church of Hagia Sophia (Agia Sofia). The three-aisled basilica is dedicated to Holy Wisdom and is one of the main churches of Thessaloniki.

It is located not far from the Arch of Galerius and was built in the 7th century on the foundations of an older church. In addition to elaborate wall paintings, its interior also features a magnificent golden dome mosaic from the 9th century.

More Thessaloniki travel tips

Guided tours in Thessaloniki

Here are some popular activities and tours in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is also an excellent starting point for exploring northern Greece, such as the Meteora Monasteries or the thermal springs of Loutra Pozar. Click on the links from GetYourGuide* to learn more about the tours:

➲ To the Sun-Downer Experience on the OTE Tower*

➲ To the organized Loutra Pozar tour*

➲ To the guided Meteora tour*

Hotel tips for Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki offers numerous accommodation options for all budgets. From simple hostels for backpackers to luxurious penthouse suites, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, pay close attention to the location, as the city is compact but busy with traffic. Only a few districts are entirely pedestrian-only zones. The quietest place to stay is in the old town of Ano Poli.

Below are three recommendations for hotels in Thessaloniki with top ratings on Booking.com*:

• Luxury: Antigon Urban Chic Hotel*
• Standard: Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel*
• Budget: Crossroads Hostel*

→ On Booking.com* you’ll find many places to stay in Thessaloniki, and you can check prices here:

Our recommended accommodations in Thessaloniki

View and the city, Ano Poli

Newly renovated and very tastefully furnished city apartment in the old town. Fully equipped kitchen, stylish living room, and modern bathroom. Large terrace with a view over the sea of houses to the Thermaic Gulf. You can find out more about the accommodation on Booking.com*:

➲ To book View and the city*

Tips for Cafés & Restaurants in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a true paradise for foodies and gourmets. The best part: Prices at the city’s restaurants are unbeatable. Competition is fierce, so restaurant owners have to offer their guests something special. Throughout the city, you’ll find cafes, bars, and taverns. Here is a small selection of restaurants in Thessaloniki:

• Drosia
• Ouzeri Lola
• Valenio Café
• …

Want more restaurant tips for Thessaloniki?

→ On our Google map, you’ll find all recommended cafes and taverns in Thessaloniki: Go to the Thessaloniki Map

Getting around Thessaloniki

The compact city center of Thessaloniki is wonderful to explore on foot. It’s best to always start at the top of the city and then walk down toward the sea, so exploring won’t be quite as tiring.

Explore Thessaloniki by bus

Particularly popular with tourists is the cultural bus line 50, which starts at the White Tower. The Thessaloniki on the Go! -Sightseeing Line stops at 16 locations across the city, providing easy access to numerous highlights and attractions.

A single Thessaloniki bus ticket for line 50 costs around €2 and is valid for 24 hours. Buses run every hour between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in summer and every hour between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. in winter. More information at: Cultural Route

Public transportation in Thessaloniki wasn’t really an option for us. The city buses are usually hopelessly overcrowded. From the airport, you can take bus line 01X to the city center. Here, too, we somehow squeezed in among the crowds.

→ More information about Thessaloniki’s buses can be found on the website of the transport association: OASTH Thessaloniki

Another alternative to a city tour are the red Hop-On Hop-Off Thessaloniki Buses. They stop at eight stations in the lower part of the city and offer audio guides in different languages. The starting point of the buses is at the White Tower; tickets are available starting at €16 per person; travel times and details can be found here: Thessaloniki Bus Tour

Thessaloniki Metro

Since November 30, 2024, Thessaloniki has been the second city in Greece to have a metro. The modern transit system covers a distance of 9.6 kilometers and 13 stations, including key stops such as Central Station, Agia Sofia, and Nea Elvetia. Metro operations are fully automated, with driverless trains running every 2 to 5 minutes. A day pass is available for €2.50. More information on the official website: Thess Metro

Taxis in Thessaloniki

The taxis in Thessaloniki are blue and can be found on almost every corner. We were surprised by how affordable the fares were within the city. From the city center to the train station, we paid €4; from the center to Heptapyrgion, about €5. The fare to the airport is correspondingly higher.

Thessaloniki Train Station

Thessaloniki is home to Greece’s only marshalling yard and serves as the country’s most important railway junction. From here, for example, trains operated by the OSE railway company depart daily, including services to Athens. The Thessaloniki Train Station connects Greece with Central and Eastern Europe.

at Thessaloniki Train Station

Don’t expect much from the station building itself. There are a few simple bistros and cafes for a quick snack. The restrooms are unusable and the departure boards don’t work. We therefore asked for our platform number directly at the ticket counter. Delays are also to be expected at any time.

How to get to Thessaloniki

From Northern Europe, there are direct flights from numerous airports to Thessaloniki all year round. For example, from Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Basel, or Vienna. The flight time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Thessaloniki Airport, also known as Makedonia Airport (SKG), you can reach the city center by taxi or bus (Line 01X). You can find the best flight deals on the search portal Skyscanner*:

➲ To cheap flights*

The shortest route by car is via the Czech Republic or Austria, Hungary, Serbia, and North Macedonia (approx. 1,900 km from Berlin). Plan at least two days for the overland journey.

By bus to Thessaloniki

Alternatively, a longer journey by bus is also possible. Various bus companies offer long-distance buses from Germany (e.g., Berlin) via Skopje (North Macedonia) or Sofia to Thessaloniki. From Prague, a long-distance bus runs directly to Thessaloniki once a week (Simeonidis Tours).

→ Even more travel tips for Macedonia and other Greek regions can be found here: Mainland Greece

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