Thessaloniki Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. Visit the iconic White Tower, explore ancient Roman ruins, and savor local delicacies at bustling markets. Stroll along the waterfront promenade for stunning views of the Thermaic Gulf.
With 303+ hand-picked places to explore, Thessaloniki rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Thessaloniki
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Church of Panagia Chalkeon — located at Platia Aristotelous, this historic Byzantine church showcases original frescoes and unique architectural elements. Just as worthwhile is Monument of Thessaloniki's Holocaust Victims: located in Eleftherias Square, this memorial invites reflection on Thessaloniki's Jewish history. Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum completes the picture: located in Thermi, this interactive science museum engages visitors of all ages with its modern exhibits.
Church of Panagia Chalkeon
Thessaloniki • Historic Architecture
Located at Platia Aristotelous, this historic Byzantine church showcases original frescoes and unique architectural elements.
Monument of Thessaloniki's Holocaust Victims
Thessaloniki • Monuments & Statues
Located in Eleftherias Square, this memorial invites reflection on Thessaloniki's Jewish history.
Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum
Thessaloniki • Famous Landmarks
Located in Thermi, this interactive science museum engages visitors of all ages with its modern exhibits.
Statue of Alexander the Great
Thessaloniki • Monuments & Statues
A significant stop along Thessaloniki's waterfront, perfect for a sunset stroll.
Museums & Culture in Thessaloniki
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is Agios Nikolaos Orphanos Church: located in the Ano Poli district, this church showcases remarkable Byzantine frescoes from the 14th century. Locals will also point you to Heptapyrgion (Yedi Kule) — a Byzantine and Ottoman fortress offering stunning views from Thessaloniki's acropolis. And for something different, there's Museum of Byzantine Culture: one of Greece's most extensive collections of Byzantine art awaits at this museum showcasing rich history and culture.
Agios Nikolaos Orphanos Church
Thessaloniki • Historical Sites
Located in the Ano Poli district, this church showcases remarkable Byzantine frescoes from the 14th century.
Heptapyrgion (Yedi Kule)
Thessaloniki • Historical Sites
A Byzantine and Ottoman fortress offering stunning views from Thessaloniki's acropolis.
Museum of Byzantine Culture
Thessaloniki • Museums
One of Greece's most extensive collections of Byzantine art awaits at this museum showcasing rich history and culture.
National Theatre of Northern Greece
Thessaloniki • Theaters
A vital stop in Thessaloniki's cultural scene, perfect for a night out after dinner.
Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Therme Thessaloniki — a wellness center that complements a day of exploring Thessaloniki, especially during the colder months. Kalamaria Beach Kayaking earns its reputation too — a kayaking adventure at Kalamaria Beach fits perfectly into an active day by the sea in Thessaloniki. Round out the shortlist with Action Field Paintball — one of the largest paintball venues in Northern Greece features diverse thematic fields for tactical gameplay.
Therme Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki • Indoor
A wellness center that complements a day of exploring Thessaloniki, especially during the colder months.
Kalamaria Beach Kayaking
Thessaloniki • Outdoor
A kayaking adventure at Kalamaria Beach fits perfectly into an active day by the sea in Thessaloniki.
Action Field Paintball
Thessaloniki • Sports
One of the largest paintball venues in Northern Greece features diverse thematic fields for tactical gameplay.
Action Park
Thessaloniki • Sports
An ideal stop for adventure lovers seeking outdoor activities in Thessaloniki's dynamic atmosphere.
Where to Eat in Thessaloniki
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Duck Private Cheffing — a personalized dining experience that complements a day exploring Thessaloniki's culinary scene. Just as worthwhile is Mavri Thalassa: fresh seafood sourced from the Aegean Sea defines this fine dining experience in Thessaloniki. The Saints Store completes the picture: this vegan cafe offers a fully plant-based menu and eco-friendly practices in Thessaloniki.
Duck Private Cheffing
Thessaloniki • Fine Dining
A personalized dining experience that complements a day exploring Thessaloniki's culinary scene.
Mavri Thalassa
Thessaloniki • Fine Dining
Fresh seafood sourced from the Aegean Sea defines this fine dining experience in Thessaloniki.
The Saints Store
Thessaloniki • Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
This vegan cafe offers a fully plant-based menu and eco-friendly practices in Thessaloniki.
Asian House
Thessaloniki • Asian Cuisine
Ideal for couples and groups seeking a lively Asian dining experience in Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Duende Jazz Bar: located on Karolou Ntil, this live jazz venue is a staple for music lovers in Thessaloniki. Locals will also point you to Principal Club Theater — a central spot in Thessaloniki for live music, showcasing major international acts throughout the year. And for something different, there's Beer O' Clock: ideal for craft beer lovers and those looking for a casual night out with friends.
Duende Jazz Bar
Thessaloniki • Live Jazz Venues
Located on Karolou Ntil, this live jazz venue is a staple for music lovers in Thessaloniki.
Principal Club Theater
Thessaloniki • Live Music Venues
A central spot in Thessaloniki for live music, showcasing major international acts throughout the year.
Beer O' Clock
Thessaloniki • Craft Beer Bars
Ideal for craft beer lovers and those looking for a casual night out with friends.
Beer Tales
Thessaloniki • Craft Beer Bars
One of the largest selections of craft beers in Thessaloniki awaits those who appreciate quality brews.
Where to Stay in Thessaloniki
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it The Met Hotel — ideal for luxury travelers seeking modern comfort and stunning city views in Thessaloniki. Daios Luxury Living earns its reputation too — stunning sea views define this modern boutique hotel on Thessaloniki's waterfront. Round out the shortlist with Electra Palace Thessaloniki — start your day in Thessaloniki at this elegant hotel overlooking the bustling Aristotelous Square.
The Met Hotel
Thessaloniki • Luxury Hotels
Ideal for luxury travelers seeking modern comfort and stunning city views in Thessaloniki.
Daios Luxury Living
Thessaloniki • Luxury Hotels
Stunning sea views define this modern boutique hotel on Thessaloniki's waterfront.
Electra Palace Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki • Luxury Hotels
Start your day in Thessaloniki at this elegant hotel overlooking the bustling Aristotelous Square.
Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki • Luxury Hotels
Located along the Thessaloniki - Perea road, this hotel combines modern comfort with Greek hospitality.
Shopping in Thessaloniki
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Bazaart — ideal for vintage enthusiasts and collectors seeking unique finds in Thessaloniki. Just as worthwhile is Louloudadika Market: a lively market with a legacy of traditional trading and blooming floral displays in Thessaloniki. Mediterranean Cosmos completes the picture: combine shopping and entertainment in Thessaloniki's largest mall, perfect for weekend outings.
Bazaart
Thessaloniki • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Ideal for vintage enthusiasts and collectors seeking unique finds in Thessaloniki.
Louloudadika Market
Thessaloniki • Markets
A lively market with a legacy of traditional trading and blooming floral displays in Thessaloniki.
Mediterranean Cosmos
Thessaloniki • Malls
Combine shopping and entertainment in Thessaloniki's largest mall, perfect for weekend outings.
To Pikap
Thessaloniki • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Olympou Street features this eclectic shop blending vintage fashion with a passion for music.
Parks & Green Spaces in Thessaloniki
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Nea Paralia: leof. Nikis 1 offers a scenic waterfront experience in Thessaloniki's Nea Paralia park. Locals will also point you to Botanical Garden of Stavroupoli — ideal for families and nature enthusiasts seeking to explore diverse ecosystems in Thessaloniki. And for something different, there's Chortiatis Mountain Trail: a scenic hiking route connecting you with nature while providing views of Thessaloniki and the surrounding area.
Nea Paralia
Thessaloniki • Parks
Leof. Nikis 1 offers a scenic waterfront experience in Thessaloniki's Nea Paralia park.
Botanical Garden of Stavroupoli
Thessaloniki • Botanical Gardens
Ideal for families and nature enthusiasts seeking to explore diverse ecosystems in Thessaloniki.
Chortiatis Mountain Trail
Thessaloniki • Hiking Trails
A scenic hiking route connecting you with nature while providing views of Thessaloniki and the surrounding area.
Kedrinos Lofos
Thessaloniki • Parks
Ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquility and scenic views in Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki Like a Local
The spots most visitors walk straight past.
If you only make time for one stop, make it The Hoppy Pub — start your evening with a visit to this cozy pub, perfect for beer lovers in Thessaloniki. Mourga earns its reputation too — couples and food enthusiasts will appreciate this contemporary dining experience in Thessaloniki. Round out the shortlist with Bougatsa Giannis — stop by this cherished bakery for a taste of authentic bougatsa during your exploration of Thessaloniki.
The Hoppy Pub
Thessaloniki • Secret Bars & Speakeasies
Start your evening with a visit to this cozy pub, perfect for beer lovers in Thessaloniki.
Mourga
Thessaloniki • Secret Foodie Spots
Couples and food enthusiasts will appreciate this contemporary dining experience in Thessaloniki.
Bougatsa Giannis
Thessaloniki • Secret Foodie Spots
Stop by this cherished bakery for a taste of authentic bougatsa during your exploration of Thessaloniki.
Ouzeri Aristotelous
Thessaloniki • Secret Foodie Spots
Ideal for groups seeking an authentic Greek dining experience in a lively atmosphere.
79 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Thessaloniki that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Thessaloniki list:
- Makedonia Palace· Luxury Hotels
- The Green Pepper· Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
- Hatzifotiou· Secret Foodie Spots
- Ano Poli· Hidden Neighborhoods
- Kritikos Gallery & Restaurants· Secret Foodie Spots
Planning where to stay in Thessaloniki?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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