Even though 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 pupil 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.
Best Things 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 properly value visiting. It actually has all of it — tons of fascinating historical past, a wonderful seaside, and thrilling nightlife.
As a traveller, you could be questioning what to do in Thessaloniki, which is the place I come in. After studying this text, you’ll be shocked by the number of issues to do right here.
Listed below 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 primary landmark, which homes an exhibition concerning the metropolis’s Byzantine historical past.
Throughout Ottoman instances, the White Tower was used as a jail and supposedly known as “Blood Tower” as a result of many executions that befell there. It acquired the identify “White Tower” after it was painted white, though immediately it has a yellowish color.
From the White Tower, you’ve gotten a stunning view of all the metropolis and the Mediterranean Sea.
In case you have just a few hours in Thessaloniki, a go to to the White Tower could be the one factor it’s best to positively find time for. And due to its central location, you’ll most likely wish to begin any journey to Thessaloniki right here. This strolling tour with an area takes in the White Tower and different highlights in town.
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 properly.
The museum is open on daily basis from 9 am to Four pm, and in the summer season, the hours lengthen from Eight am to eight pm. In case you’re not eager on climbing up the tower, you can additionally simply take a look at it from the surface.
Deal with: White Tower, Thessaloniki 546 21, Greece. Get instructions right here.
2. Take a Stroll Alongside The Seafront
On the seafront, you possibly can get pleasure from a stunning stroll alongside the promenade, among the best locations to go to in Thessaloniki.
I keep in mind being fascinated that I had lastly discovered a spot in Greece the place I might stroll for hours with out being disturbed by vehicles or motorbikes!
You might simply spend a number of hours on Thessaloniki’s waterfront, particularly if the climate is especially good.
In case 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. Be taught extra about that journey, right here.
Thessaloniki’s waterfront can be house to one of many metropolis’s most instagrammable spots — the lovable umbrella sculpture. In case you maintain 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 wonderful, and farther north one can find tons of bars, cafés, and eating places.
In case you’re into biking, this enjoyable journey is a should. Thessaloniki’s promenade might be the most effective place in all of Greece to have the ability to journey your bike for a number of kilometres with out worrying about vehicles. Mother and father with kids will respect this car-free zone as properly.
3. Discover Aristotelous Sq.
The town’s greatest sq. is among the hottest locations to go to in Thessaloniki and an incredible place to cease for a espresso. That is the trendy middle of town and a significant assembly place. You will see that numerous cafés and eating places in this pedestrian zone.
Folks prefer to buy groceries in 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 Sq. is among the most well-known squares in all of Greece and one of the well-known spots in town. In case you go to throughout Christmas or New Yr’s Eve this can be a excellent spot to see how the locals have fun.
Don’t overlook to take a fast picture of the statue of Aristotle after whom the sq. was named. However, maintain in thoughts that the sq. can be well-known for the truth that political protests normally happen right here. Throughout a rally or protest, you may wish to keep away from the sq..
4. Be taught 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 in the course of the Ottoman Empire when Jewish refugees arrived from Spain and Portugal the place they confronted extreme persecution.
Jews made up the largest neighborhood in Thessaloniki till the Nice Hearth in 1917 when many Jews left the nation. Through the Second World Warfare, virtually all the Jewish inhabitants of Thessaloniki was deported to Auschwitz.
At this time, solely about 1,200 Jews nonetheless stay in Thessaloniki which nonetheless makes it the second-largest Jewish neighborhood in Greece. Whereas the neighborhood could be very small immediately, its influence on the historical past of Thessaloniki is big.
A good way to study concerning the Jewish neighborhood and historical past is to affix this personal tour with a information which takes in the museum, synagogue, Jewish market, Holocaust Memorial and extra. Click on right here for particulars.
The Jewish Museum on Agia Mina avenue is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and tickets are an reasonably priced €5. In case you’re questioning what to do in Thessaloniki that’s not on everybody’s listing, this museum is for you.
Deal with: Ag. Mina 11, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece. Get instructions right 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 (also referred to as the Roman Discussion board). This historic 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 you’ll find out extra concerning the Roman Discussion board in its personal museum. In case you have any curiosity in archaeology in any respect, a go to to the museum is a should — particularly since one of many two Roman baths continues to be buried beneath town.
In the summertime, going underground could be a excellent spot to flee the warmth!
In any case, it’s actually spectacular to see this historic sq. in the center of the trendy metropolis of Thessaloniki. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday between Eight am and three pm, and you may get in for €4.
Deal with: Roman Agora, Olympou 75, Thessaloniki 546 31, Greece. Get instructions right here.
6. Go to Agios Dimitrios Basilica
Thessaloniki’s primary church, Agios Dimitrios, is among the prime locations to go to in Thessaloniki.
The basilica burned down virtually utterly in the Nice Hearth of Thessaloniki in 1917, however huge reconstruction efforts returned the church to its splendour. Contained in the church, you possibly can even discover distinctive mosaics that survived the hearth.
Agios Dimitrios Church is positioned just some 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 in the crypt underground.
And, due to Thessaloniki’s fascinating historical past, you possibly can even see the stays of a Roman bathhouse on which the church was constructed. This church presents an incredible overview of town’s historical past. Images is allowed, and because it’s a church, entrance is free.
Deal with: Agios Dimitros, Ag. Dimitriou, Thessaloniki 546 33, Greece. Discover it on the map, right here.
7. Take a Hike Via Thessaloniki’s Outdated City: Ano Poli (Higher City)
Essentially the most stunning a part of Thessaloniki is actually its outdated city, or Higher City. You may go for a stroll by the cobblestone alleys and can see the normal Balkan homes that date again to Ottoman instances.
A stroll in the picturesque Higher City is among the actions in Thessaloniki which might be free and will be achieved at any time of day.
This a part of Thessaloniki survived the 1917 hearth and subsequently stored its conventional appear and feel. Plus, you’ll find outdated church buildings and towers right here and stays of the outdated Byzantine partitions. You might spend hours exploring this attractive neighbourhood.
To many Greeks, Ano Poli is essentially the most genuine neighbourhood of Thessaloniki. It’s right here, that you’ll find conventional taverns enjoying rebetiko music, not for vacationers, however for the locals.
Take pleasure in getting misplaced in the maze of streets in Thessaloniki’s oldest neighbourhood.
8. Test Out The Eptapyrgio (Yedikule)
In case 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 acquired its identify (“Seven Towers”) when the primary Ottoman governor added further towers.
The fortress itself is sort of spectacular to take a look at, however the view from right here is spectacular because it’s the very best level in town. Whereas the view from the White Tower can’t be crushed, you get a unique perspective from the Eptapyrgio — which is positioned on Thessaloniki’s historic Acropolis.
What I discovered much more spectacular are the outdated jail corridors which join the place to Greek rebetiko music.
“Yedikule” is among the most well-known rebetiko songs, and the protagonist is a prisoner in this well-known jail. The doorways and cells are a haunting reminder of what occurred right here in the 20th century.
Deal with: Eptapyrgio Fortress, Επταπύργιο, Eptapirgiou 130, Thessaloniki 546 34, Greece. Get instructions right here.
9. See The Atatürk Home
For one thing rather less touristy, go to the start home of essentially the most well-known particular person from Thessaloniki, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The constructing now homes the Basic Consulate of Turkey, the state which Mustafa Kemal based.
This will 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 continues 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 in Atatürk and his life, there may be another excuse to go to his start home — it’s a superb option to see one of many conventional homes in the Higher City from the within. It’s open on daily basis from 10 am to five pm, and entrance is free.
Deal with: Consulate of Turkey, Ag. Dimitriou 151, Thessaloniki 546 34, Greece. Get instructions.
10. Go to The Rotunda (one of many primary issues to do in Thessaloniki)
Once 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 induced critical harm to the constructing, however among the mosaics inside have been restored.
Only a few 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 also referred to as Kamara.
This was once Thessaloniki’s primary entrance gate, strolling by it is among the actions in Thessaloniki that can join you all the best way again to Roman instances.
The early Christian mosaics in the Rotunda are completely gorgeous. Along with the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda is taken into account one of the necessary locations to go to in Thessaloniki.
Deal with: Platia Agiou Georgiou Rotonta 5, Thessaloniki 546 35, Greece. Get instructions right here. The Rotunda is open on daily basis between Eight am and 5 pm in the winter and till 7 pm in the summer season.
11. Take a Free Strolling Tour
I firmly imagine that free strolling excursions are among the best methods to get to know a brand new metropolis. These days, free strolling excursions with an area information are in style in most main cities.
Why pay for a tour when somebody will supply it totally free and also you solely tip the information primarily based on how good the tour was?! In fact, the identical is true for Thessaloniki.
Being a significant pupil metropolis, you possibly can positively discover a younger and dynamic information who will passionately inform you about their fascinating metropolis.
It will actually present the precise steadiness between archaeological websites and the extra fashionable points of life in Greece’s second-largest metropolis.
Free strolling excursions normally final between two to a few hours and introduce you to the foremost landmarks.
That manner, you get some background details about issues you’ve gotten already seen or are planning to see later. There are a few firms you possibly can select from — FreeTour and GuruWalk each have good scores.
12. Expertise Ladadika (one of many coolest issues to do in Thessaloniki)
In case you ask any Greek particular person what to do in Thessaloniki they are going to actually inform you to discover Ladadika.
This charming neighbourhood near the port is filled with eating places and bars. As is usually the case with these neighbourhoods, it used to have a nasty status however is now tremendous stylish.
Ladadika has all the things the traveller might hope for in a giant European metropolis — cobblestone streets, vibrant outdated homes, and plenty of conventional meals and music.
In actual fact, the neighbourhood is so alive that many contemplate it the most effective social gathering district in all of Greece. However, that doesn’t imply you gained’t get pleasure from a stroll by the realm in the course of the day as properly.
The neighbourhood was named for the oil retailers that was once concentrated in the realm. Throughout Ottoman instances, the primary market was positioned right here as properly.
Just like the promenade and Aristotelous Sq., it’s a pedestrian-only zone that any customer to Greece will respect. This neighbourhood is among the prime locations to go to in Thessaloniki, don’t miss it.
13. Tour The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
As in many locations in Greece, one of many primary 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 most likely want round two hours right here as there may be a lot to see in 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 Eight am to eight pm, and a ticket is €8, however you may wish to benefit from the museum move which permits entrance to the Archaeological Museum, the White Tower, the Galerian Advanced, the Museum of the Roman Agora, and the Museum of Byzantine Tradition.
For €15 you possibly can see all of the necessary locations to go to in Thessaloniki.
14. See The Outdated 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, when you can marvel on the structure, you won’t be able to expertise an genuine Turkish bathtub there. They’re now used as eating places and for cultural occasions.
Nevertheless, one of the stress-free actions in Thessaloniki could be to guide a therapy on the new Hammam Baths as a spa expertise.
The Hamam is impressed by conventional Turkish baths and presents numerous companies. You may both go for a self-service go to or add on numerous massages or remedies. After you loosen up in the steam room, you get to indulge 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. Be sure to guide an appointment in advance to make sure availability. For pure thermal baths, take a day journey to gorgeous Pozar and Edessa. Be taught extra about that tour right here.
15. Go For Drinks in The Pupil Space Round Kamara/Rotunda
Whereas the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda are in style locations to discover in the course of the day, that is additionally a well-liked nightlife space. With its status as a pupil metropolis, one of many primary actions in Thessaloniki is certainly trying out its full of life pupil (social gathering) scene.
There are numerous bars and cafés right here, that are cheaper than those in the Ladadika neighbourhood. Take a look at Bulldog and the Beast, On The Street, and Pulp.
In case you’re in Thessaloniki in the summer season, you possibly can spend the entire evening exterior. In case you’re on a very tight price range, you gained’t should enter a bar in any respect — merely get booze from a kiosk and drink it exterior.
Don’t miss this space because it involves life at evening with musicians, artists, and college students having a tremendous time. And as typical in such neighbourhoods, you may also discover the most cost effective avenue meals right here.
Extra Enjoyable Things To Do in Thessaloniki
There are such a lot of actions in town, I had so as to add just a few extra to the listing.
Wine and Meals Tasting
This is among 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 best way. It is a enjoyable and reasonably priced expertise. Discover out extra right here.
Prepare dinner and Dine With a Greek Household
What higher option to have an area expertise than cooking and consuming a meal collectively? The expertise takes place in a Greek house and also you’ll make new pals whereas studying learn how to prepare dinner some tasty Greek Delicacies.
This enjoyable and the reasonably priced night contains studying learn how to make Four dishes (and consuming them), tapas, drinks and even some Greek dancing! Be taught extra right here.
Go Crusing
Hop aboard this stunning sailboat and revel in a half day cruise round Thessaloniki. On this luxurious journey, you’ll go to seashores, go snorkelling, and revel in a implausible Greek lunch with wine aboard the boat. Included is an skilled captain, gas, meals, drinks, and tools. Discover out extra right here.
Day Journeys From Thessaloniki
Whereas there are quite a few issues to see, do and eat in town itself, there are just a few nice day journeys you possibly can take as properly.
- Meteora Monasteries: This awe-inspiring website is UNESCO listed and is among the prime locations to go to in the nation. Be part of a full-day, highly-rated tour and see what all of the fuss is about. Click on right here for particulars concerning the tour, and study extra in our article: Meteora Monasteries: A Information to Greece’s Legendary Panorama.
- Mount Olympus and Dion: Be taught concerning the tradition and historical past of the spectacular Mount Olympus, hike Enipeas gorge and revel in lunch with a surprising view. Be taught extra about this in style day journey right here.
- Pozar Thermal Baths and Edessa: Soak in pure thermal scorching springs, gaze on the tallest waterfall in the Balkans, and revel in lunch in a picturesque village. Discover out extra about this enjoyable day journey right here.
Now You Know What To Do in Thessaloniki
With all these items to do in Thessaloniki, I’m certain you’ll have a enjoyable and thrilling journey to Greece’s second-largest metropolis.
You’re going to get to see a variety of historical past but additionally expertise the coed nightlife that’s typical of Thessaloniki. And also you’ll study extra concerning the metropolis’s multicultural previous.
I 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, a variety of the issues to do in Thessaloniki are both free or fairly low-cost. So make sure that to benefit from all these items and guide 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 possibly can discover different components in the north of Greece, such because the attractive Chalkidiki peninsula with its gorgeous seashores. Or you possibly can journey additional north to discover among the different Balkan international locations similar to Albania (if you happen to ask me my absolute favorite metropolis in the Balkans is Tirana).
Are you travelling to different areas in Greece? Take a look at our prime posts:
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