{"id":54388,"date":"2025-09-18T12:21:30","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T10:21:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/?p=54388"},"modified":"2026-03-06T19:03:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T18:03:28","slug":"thessaloniki-sights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/thessaloniki-sights\/","title":{"rendered":"Thessaloniki Sights: 11 highlights and tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

The city of Thessaloniki<\/strong> is characterised by a sprawling network of houses that extend from the shoreline up to the Acropolis Hill. The port city on the Thermaic Gulf is the second largest metropolis in the country after Athens with 325,000 inhabitants, and yet it stands in complete contrast to its famous capital.<\/p>\n

\u00bbThessaloniki surprises every visitor who is willing to get involved in this lively city.\u00ab<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki enchants in its own way<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The locals affectionately refer to their city as a large village, despite it being the capital of Macedonia<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

\"thessaloniki
Modern architecture on the boulevard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sea of concrete houses right by the sea seems almost bizarre. Historical treasures are hidden in the alleys, most of which you come across by chance. The Greek student city<\/strong> of Thessaloniki also knows how to convince culinarily, because 100,000 students want to be catered for. On every corner you will find caf\u00e9s, quaint taverns and restaurants.<\/p>\n

We will take you on a city tour through this crazy Greek metropolis and tell you our 11 Thessaloniki Highlights<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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\"Thessaloniki<\/a><\/p>\n

Thessaloniki Map<\/strong>: This card includes all Thessaloniki Highlights<\/span>, 45 Places to Visit & Insider Tips<\/span>, 3 Beaches & Bays<\/span>, as well as personal recommendations for 24 restaurants & cafes<\/span>. Ideal for holiday planning and local navigation. Can be used for smartphone, tablet and PC\/Mac. Click here and start using it right away: To the Thessaloniki Map<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

#1 Heptapyrgion: Sunrise over the rooftops of the city<\/h2>\n

A tour of the compact centre of Thessaloniki<\/strong> reveals the diversity of this northern Greek city. Relics from past eras are hidden between modern concrete buildings. Above all, the cobblestone alleys of the upper town are reminiscent of times long past.<\/p>\n

\"thessaloniki
Magnificent boulevards like in Paris<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The wide boulevards of Thessaloniki<\/strong>, which run directly alongside the sea, give you the feeling of being in noble Paris. Here you can stroll as you please and have your credit card swiped over the counter in countless shops.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong> – the old city castle on the top.<\/p>\n

\"heptapyrgion
Above the sea of houses sits the Heptapyrgion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The massive Fortress of Thessaloniki<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\"thessaloniki
The Heptapyrgion with Prison Cells<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since 1990, the castle has been used for cultural purposes. If you want to save yourself the sweaty climb up to Heptapyrgion, you can also take a taxi from the city center for about \u20ac5 or bus line 23 from Eleftherias Square. More information about the facility can be found at: InThessaloniki<\/a><\/p>\n