{"id":54388,"date":"2025-09-18T12:21:30","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T10:21:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/?p=54388"},"modified":"2026-08-07T10:34:05","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T08:34:05","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 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\u2019s second-largest metropolis after Athens, with a population of 325,000, yet it stands in stark contrast to its famous capital.<\/p>\n

\u201cThessaloniki surprises every visitor who is willing to immerse themselves in this lively city.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki enchants in its own way\u2014<\/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

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

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<\/strong> of Thessaloniki also knows how to impress with its cuisine, because 100,000 students need to be fed. On every corner you\u2019ll find caf\u00e9s, quaint taverns, and restaurants.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll take you on a city tour through this vibrant Greek metropolis and share our 11 Thessaloniki highlights<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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

Thessaloniki Map<\/strong>: This map 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 vacation planning and getting around. Works on smartphones, tablets, and PCs\/Macs. Click here to start using it right away: Go to the Thessaloniki Map<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

#1 Heptapyrgion: Sunrise over the city\u2019s rooftops<\/h2>\n

A tour of the compact center of Thessaloniki<\/strong> 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.<\/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 elegant Paris. Here you can stroll at your leisure and swipe your credit card at the counter in countless shops.<\/p>\n

The best way to explore Thessaloniki is \u201cfrom top to bottom.\u201d 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>\u2014the old city castle at the top.<\/p>\n

\"heptapyrgion
Above the sea of houses sits the Heptapyrgion\u2014<\/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

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

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 \u20ac5 or bus line 23 from Eleftherias Square.<\/p>\n