16 Awesome Things to Do in Thessaloniki for First-Timers

16 Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki

1. Watch the Sunset Atop the White Tower

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Thessaloniki, the White Tower is a cylindrical tower with six floors and a height of approximately 34 meters located right at the heart of Thessaloniki overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Originally built in the 15th century as part of the city's fortifications, the tower was used as a prison and a place of execution during the Ottoman period.

It was then renamed the "Tower of Blood" due to the dark history associated with it before it was painted white and given its current name, the White Tower in the early 20th century as the city was looking to rebrand the tower. Since then, it has become a symbol of the city's resilience and rebirth.

Today, you can explore the tower and learn about its history through the museum exhibits inside as well as climb up to the top floor and be blown away by the stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea.

From up here, you can see the Aegean Sea as well as the city of Thessaloniki stretching along the coastline all across the hills around it. You can even see Ano Poli, the hillside old town we will be exploring after, and the Acropolis of Thessaloniki, a byzantine fortress built atop the hill.

One of the best times to visit go up the White Tower is around sunset as the tower offers you a great vantage point to watch the sun as it dips behind the Aegean sea.

The museum inside is nothing special and you don't really have to spend much time there as there isn't a whole lot to see and most of them are not in English. Just go straight up to the top for an incredible view of the city.

Definitely one of the best things to do in Thessaloniki. The White Tower is open from 8 AM to 8 PM every day and the entrance fee is 8 EUR per person or you can buy a combined ticket for 15 EUR which will include access to Rotunda, the Archeological Museum, and the Byzantine Museum, both are worth a visit. If you plan to follow my itinerary, I highly recommend you buy the combined ticket.

2. Learn More About Thessaloniki at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

Located not too far from the White Tower, you will find the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, a great museum to visit for those who are interested in learning the history of Thessaloniki and the region as a whole.

The museum is considered to be one of the largest museums in the country and its collection includes artifacts and exhibits from prehistoric times to the late Roman period that covers a wide range of topics such as ancient Greek art, Macedonian history, and the Roman Empire.

You spend around an hour or 2 exploring the various exhibition halls to learn about the history of the region, including the ancient city of Thessaloniki and its significance in the Byzantine Empire.

Some of the highlights of the museum's collection include the Derveni Krater, a large ancient Greek vase that is considered one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century, and the Vergina Sun, a symbol of the ancient Macedonian kingdom.

The museum also features a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing different themes and periods from ancient history. The place is kept in great condition with rooms and sections divided for easy navigation.

If you are interested to learn more about the history of Thessaloniki, be sure to check out the Archeological Museum while you are here. The museum is open from 8 AM to 8 PM every day and the ticket is 8 EUR per person.

Again, if you wish to visit this museum as well as the White Tower, Rotunda, and the Byzantine Museum while you are here, you should get the combined ticket that will give you access to these places for 15 EUR.

3. Learn More About the Byzantine at the Museum of Byzantine Culture

One of the most interesting parts of the history of this region of Europe is its Byzantine period and there is no better place to learn more about it than at the Museum of Byzantine Culture.

Considered one of the best museums in the country, the Museum of Byzantine Culture's extensive collection includes artifacts and exhibits from the early Christian period to the Ottoman Empire, with a focus on the Byzantine era from the 4th to the 15th centuries.

While here, you can explore the various exhibition halls, all divided into different periods, to learn about the history of the Byzantine Empire, including its art, religion, and what life must have been like living in one of the prominent empires at the time.

The highlights of visiting the museum are seeing the famous 6th-century mosaics from the ancient city of Thessaloniki, as well as the stunning collection of Byzantine icons, and a ton of artifacts, artworks, and frescoes from that period.

The collection is massive and you can expect to spend at least 30 minutes to an hour, exploring all the rooms inside that spread out across several floors.

The museum is open from 8 AM to 8 PM every day and the ticket is 8 EUR per person. Again, if you wish to visit this museum as well as the White Tower, Rotunda, and the archeological museum, be sure to get the combined ticket to get access to all for only 15 EUR.

4. Take Photos of The Umbrellas

While you are strolling along Thessaloniki Beach Promenade, be sure the check out a unique-looking art installation, the Umbrellas, one of the most beloved landmarks in the city.

The Umbrellas in Thessaloniki were installed in 2014 as part of a public art project aimed at revitalizing the city's commercial district. The installation has since become a popular photo opportunity for tourists, and a favorite gathering place for locals.

The installation features hundreds of brightly colored umbrellas suspended high above the street, creating a stunning canopy that provides shade and visual interest for locals and tourists alike.

I highly recommend you check out the Umbrellas in the evening and enjoy a leisurely stroll beneath the colorful canopy, and take in the sights and sounds of one of Thessaloniki's most vibrant neighborhoods.

The installation is particularly stunning at night when the umbrellas are illuminated with bright lights that create a dazzling display of color and light so be sure to stay after the sunset.

5. Check Out Arch of Galerius

Arch of Galerius is a beautiful ancient monument located right in the heart of Thessaloniki, built in the early 4th Century to celebrate the victory of the Roman Emperor Galerius over the Persians.

The arch is made of marble and consists of four main pillars that support a large central arch, adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs that depict scenes from Galerius's military campaigns, as well as scenes from mythology and ancient Greek history.

This extremely old monument is a great reminder of how old the city you are currently exploring is. To think that something that was built almost 2000 years ago is still standing here today is rather surreal.

While here, you can walk through the arch and admire the intricate carvings and reliefs up close, and take in the beautiful surroundings of the city and all the structures around it.

6. Visit Rotunda

One of the structures you will see from the Arch of Galerius, or from anywhere in the city for that matter, is Rotunda, a massive ancient Roman building originally built in the 4th century AD as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Galerius, who was buried there after his death.

The Rotunda is a massive, circular building with a dome that stands over 30 meters tall. You can find Rotunda in other old Roman cities across Europe but none is as well-preserved as this one. It is considered one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings in all of Greece!

Over the centuries, the Rotunda has been used and repurposed several times as the city changed hands between empires, including as a Christian church, a mosque during Ottoman rule, and as a military hospital in the 20th century.

Today, it is a museum you can visit that showcases the history and architecture of the building, as well as its various uses throughout history.

The Rotunda is open from 8 AM to 8 PM every day except on Tuesdays and the entrance fee is 8 EUR per person. You can access Rotunda for free if you hold the combined ticket that costs only 15 EUR. Be sure to get that ticket if you wish to see other tourist attractions in the city.

7. Discover the Roman Ruins Around Thessaloniki

One of the charms of visiting an old city like Thessaloniki is being able to walk wherever and I guarantee you, you will stumble upon some sort of old ruins nestled in between all the buildings and streets of the city.

One of the best Roman ruins you should drop by as you explore Thessaloniki is the Roman Forum of Thessaloniki, an ancient Roman marketplace that dates back to the 2nd century AD. Located in the heart of Thessaloniki, Greece, it was once the center of public life in the city and served as a hub of economic and political activity.

Palace of Galerius, also known as the Galerius Complex, is an ancient Roman palace built in the 3rd century AD by the Roman Emperor Galerius, who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from 305 to 311 AD, and it is another place worth visiting as you explore the city.

There are a ton of other old ruins nestled amidst the modern buildings in Thessaloniki, just waiting to be discovered, so be sure to spend some time exploring the city and uncovering these fascinating historical gems.

8. Drop By the Holy Church of Hagia Sophia

One of the most sacred religious sites you can visit in Thessaloniki is the Holy Church of Hagia Sophia. Built in the 8th century, it is one of the oldest surviving churches in the city and is renowned for its exquisite Byzantine architecture.

As you have probably noticed in the name, the church is named after the once Orthodox cathedral, Hagia Sophia located in the old capital city of the Byzantine Empire, or as we all know nowadays as Istanbul located in modern-day Turkey.

Although not on the same scale as the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the Holy Church of Hagia Sophia still boasts an incredible interior with stunning frescoes, decors, and ornaments you can discover.

It is a great place to visit if you want to see what an Eastern Orthodox church is like in Greece. The church is open from 7 AM to 9 PM every day and it is free to enter.

9. Check Out the Church of St. Demetrios

Church of St. Demetrios is another sacred religious site in the city that you can visit. The church is dedicated to Saint Demetrios, the patron saint of Thessaloniki, and is renowned for its stunning Byzantine architecture and beautiful mosaics.

What is unique about this church is its interesting-looking exterior and the fact that it was built upon the site of an ancient Roman bath house in the late 4th century, hence why it doesn't look anything like the orthodox church you find in Thessaloniki.

You can explore its ornate interior, which is adorned with stunning mosaics and frescoes that tell the story of Saint Demetrios and the city's history.

The church also features a crypt where the saint's remains are believed to be buried, as well as a museum with a collection of religious artifacts and treasures. Be sure to drop by here when you are in Thessaloniki. The church is open from 6 AM to 10 PM every day and it is free to enter.

10. Learn About the Founder of Turkey at Atatürk Museum

Did you know that the founder of modern-day Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, or Ataturk for short, was in fact born in this city when the city was part of the Ottoman Empire?

In fact, the entire house he was born in was preserved and turned into the Atatürk Museum, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Atatürk, run exclusively by the Republic of Turkey itself inside the territory of Greece.

How is that possible, you asked? Well, you see, the Greece government decided to gift the house to Turkey in good faith to try and mend the relationship between the 2 neighboring countries that often see each other as rivalries.

Since the house is owned by Turkey, when you enter the Ataturk Museum, you are literally stepping foot inside the territory of Turkey hence why you will have to go through securities to get in.

Once inside, you will be able to learn more about Ataturk and his accomplishments throughout his life. Each room is equipped with boards explaining its function while providing more information on his humble beginnings.

The museum is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Ataturk and his upbringing in the city of Thessaloniki. The place is open from 10 AN to 5 PM every day except on Mondays and it is free to enter.

11. Explore Ano Poli

After exploring most of the tourist attractions in Thessaloniki, it is time to go uphill and visit Ano Poli, or the Upper Town, a historic district known for its winding cobbled streets, traditional architecture, and stunning views of the city and the Thermaic Gulf.

Ano Poli was founded in the late 14th century and was once home to the city's wealthy merchants and aristocrats. Today, the neighborhood is considered to be a hidden gem of Thessaloniki and a great place to escape from tourist crowds to explore its rich cultural heritage.

One of the most notable attractions in Ano Poli you should definitely drop by as you explore the neighborhood is the Church of Prophet Elijah, a beautiful Greek Orthodox church, known for its striking red dome and intricate frescoes.

Other attractions you should drop by in Ano Poli are the Byzantine Bath of Thessaloniki, an old bath house built in the 12th Century, the Holy Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos, a small but beautiful stone church with some of the most beautiful frescoes you will see in Thessaloniki, and Vlatadon Monastery, a hilltop Byzantine Temple with an amazing view over Thessaloniki.

As you explore Ano Poli, you will be ascending uphill toward the Acropolis of Thessaloniki, a historic 4th Century fortress located at the top of the hill. The fortress was once a major stronghold and defensive position for the city but now, you can explore the remains of ancient walls, towers, and gates.

The way up from the city center to the top can be rather steep at times so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack a few bottles of water for your exploration of Ano Poli.

12. Check Out the View from Trigonion Tower

While you are up at the top of Ano Poli, be sure to check out the view from Trigonion Tower, a 15th Century tower, one of the few remaining remnants of the city's old Byzantine fortifications.

The Trigonion Tower is a triangular-shaped tower that once served as an important defensive position for the city. The tower features three levels, with the top level offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area as well as a small exhibition that offers a glimpse into Thessaloniki's rich history and architectural heritage.

Even if you don't go inside the tower, you will still be able to appreciate the stunning view of Thessaloniki from above as well as its coastline and mountainous surroudings as far as the eyes can see.

From this viewpoint, you can see some of the most iconic structures in the city like the Rotunda as well as the chaotic nature of Thessaloniki and all its messy yet beautiful cityscape that makes Thessaloniki so charming to visit.

It is a worthy reward for having to climb all the way up from the city center to the top of Ano Poli to get to the Trigonion Tower.

The tower is open from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM on weekdays and it is close on weekends. The ticket fee is 6 EUR. You do not have to get inside to enjoy the view so it is worth visiting either way.

13. Hang Out at Aristotelous Square

If you are looking for a nice place to hang out in the evening, Aristotelous Square is a great place to be. It is a large public square named after the famous philosopher Aristotle and a popular place for the locals to hang out.

The square is surrounded by beautiful neoclassical architecture, fountains, and statues, as well as restaurants, cafes, and shops, you can indulge yourself in, making it a great place to visit after sunset.

Throughout the year, the Square is often used to host a variety of cultural events, concerts, and festivals, including the annual Thessaloniki International Film Festival and occasionally some concerts for people to visit for free.

When I was there, there was a classical concert happening and I was able to find a nice restaurant to sit in and eat dinner as I enjoy the beautiful performance from what seemed like a German orchestral band performing a variety of songs from Disney's movies.

It was totally random as I stumbled upon it by accident and so if you are visiting Thessaloniki in the summer and you want to see what is happening in the city, be sure to drop by Aristotelous Square after sunset.

14. Enjoy the City's Evening Vibe at Egiptou Street

For the best nightlife spot in the city, I highly recommend you check out Egiptou Street, a street filled with all kinds of restaurants and bars, along both sides, and a great place to find a nice place to sit and enjoy the vibrant city vibe.

The street is located in the Ladadika district, a commercial area that was once used as a place for selling wholesale oil products not too far from close to the port.

After the 1980s, the area was renovated and transformed into a pedestrian zone while converting all the warehouses into taverns, bistros, pubs, and nightclubs, giving rise to one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city.

Definitely one of the best things to do in Thessaloniki and so if you are looking for a nice place to go out for the night and enjoy the city vibe, be sure to check out Egiptou Street.

15. Visit Meteora as a Day Trip

One of the best day trips you can make from Thessaloniki is to visit Meteora, a collection of ancient monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, and hands down my favorite place in Greece.

The mysteries and stories behind these monasteries are also very interesting. The rock formations here are believed to have formed millions of years ago, and the monasteries themselves were constructed by monks seeking refuge from invaders and seeking a spiritual retreat somewhere around the 14th Century.

At its height, there were more than 20 monasteries in the Meteora region. Today, there are only six surviving monasteries remaining that you can explore.

To get to Meteora, you are going to have to go on an organized tour which will take you from Thessaloniki to Meteora and back in about 11 hours. You will be guided by an English-speaking guide as you visit 2 of the 6 monasteries in Meteora.

You will also be visiting some of the many amazing viewpoints around the rock formation where you will be able to see all 6 monasteries in one go.

Meteora is a one-of-a-kind place that you won't find anywhere else in the world and it would be a shame if you didn't get to see it while you are in Greece.

You can also do it independently if you don't mind staying overnight in Kalabaka. In fact, I would even insist you do it that way as you will be able to enjoy the area a bit more at your own leisure and let me tell you, the sunset at Meteora is one of the best sunsets you will ever experience in your life.

Looking for a complete guide to Meteora? Check out:A Complete Guide to Backpacking Meteora

16. Go on a Day Trip and Visit Mt. Olympus and Dion Archaeological Site

Another great day trip to make from Thessaloniki is to visit Mt. Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece where the 12 gods of ancient Greece lived, and the archaeological site of Dion, an ancient city located on the foothills of Mt. Olympus.

With an organized tour, you will be spending around 8 hours visiting these 2 places which are not so easy to do independently, and you will be able to learn more about the myths behind Mt. Olympus and its gods from a local English-speaking guide.

At Dion, there are a ton of notable structures you can check out like the Hellenistic Theater, the Roman Theatre, the Great Thermae, and more as you will have around 2 hours to explore freely here.

After the archeological, you will be transported to a museum where you will be able to learn more about the history of Dion and see one of the largest, most well-preserved mosaics you will see in this region.

After exploring Dion, you will then be taken to Býthos where you will be able to hike to a gorge nearby as Mt. Olympus towers over you before we stop for lunch and head back to Thessaloniki.

The Mt. Olympus tour is a great way to get out of the city, go on a full-day excursion, and explore the rich history of this part of Greece which is not so easy to do given how poor the public transportation here is. If you have a day to spare in Thessaloniki, be sure to check out the Mt. Olympus tour.

What to Eat and Drinks in Thessaloniki?

1. Eat Local Cuisine at Phagaki

If you are craving for local Greek dishes to try in Thessaloniki, be sure to check out Phagaki, a small family-run restaurant that serves traditional food you can try at a very affordable price.

All their dishes are homemade and range from classic dishes like Moussaka, and Greek Salad to grilled specialties like Greek-style meatballs, soutzoukakia, and more.

The restaurant is open from 1 PM to 8 PM every day except on Sundays although I recommend you go a little earlier as the food may have run out towards 8 PM.

How to get to Thessaloniki?

You easily reach Thessaloniki by flying into Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG) via airlines like Ryanair and once you arrive at the airport, you can catch local bus X1 from the bus stop in front of the departure hall to take you to Thessaloniki's city center.

The bus ticket is 2 EUR and you can buy it from a kiosk at the bus stop. The bus rarely ever comes on time which is something that is quite common, I discovered so keep your expectation low. It should take you about 1 hour before arriving in Thessaloniki.

Further Reading for Greece

I hope you found this Greece travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Greece, here is a selection of articles you might like:

• For a complete itinerary of Greece, check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Greece Itinerary.
• Most journeys in Greece begin in Athens. For a complete travel guide to the capital city of Greece, check out: 13 Best Things to Do in Athens.
• One of the best day trips you can make from Athens is to go visit Delphi, an ancient Greek sanctuary that was considered to be the center of the world by the ancient Greeks. To visit this historical site, check out our Complete Guide to Backpacking Delphi.
• Have 3 days but want to see the Greek Islands? Check out this itinerary: 3 Days Backpacking Greek Islands Itinerary.
• My favorite place out of all of Greece is Meteora, with its incredible towering rock formations and stunning monasteries perched atop. If you plan to visit Meteora, be sure to check out: A Complete Guide to Backpacking Meteora.
• Want to explore the Greek Islands but not sure where to base yourself? Naxos is the best island for that. Here are the 10 Best Things To Do In Naxos.
• Santorini, despite the crowd, is a place you have to see once in your life. If you plan to visit Santorini, the best place to base yourself is Fira, the capital of the island. For a complete travel guide, check out 10 Best Things To Do In Fira, Santorini.
• Renowned for its picturesque streets and crystal-clear water, Mykonos is another great island to visit in Greece. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Mykonos.
• One of the most interesting islands in the Cyclades that you shouldn't miss is Delos, home to stunning ruins of an ancient Greek city of Commerce. Want to visit Delos? Check out the Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Delos.
• Want to visit Santorini but not sure where to begin? Check out our 3-Day Backpacking Santorini Itinerary.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• To see all the articles about Greece, visit the Greece Travel Guide page.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.