Things to Do in Thessaloniki
Sightseeing
Considered as the city’s landmark, the White Tower is clearly one of the best places to see in Thessaloniki.
Built in 1535, the tower was originally surrounded by heavy walls, as it was used as a prison during the Ottoman occupation of Greece. There, many prisoners were tortured and executed, and the Tower acquired its nickname: “The Tower of Blood”, or “The Red Tower”.
It was renamed “the White Tower” in 1890, after a prisoner entirely repainted it in white in exchange of his liberty. Another version of the story says that it was renamed by the Greeks in 1913, 1 year after they reconquered the city.
The 34-meter high tower is now hosting the White Tower Museum, dedicated to Thessaloniki’s History from the Roman Era to the present day.
During your visit, you should also go to the tower’s top floor. There, you will admire a beautiful 360° view of the city, the sea and even Mount Olympus, Greece’s highest summit.
540 locals recommend
White Tower of Thessaloniki
Considered as the city’s landmark, the White Tower is clearly one of the best places to see in Thessaloniki.
Built in 1535, the tower was originally surrounded by heavy walls, as it was used as a prison during the Ottoman occupation of Greece. There, many prisoners were tortured and executed, and the Tower acquired its nickname: “The Tower of Blood”, or “The Red Tower”.
It was renamed “the White Tower” in 1890, after a prisoner entirely repainted it in white in exchange of his liberty. Another version of the story says that it was renamed by the Greeks in 1913, 1 year after they reconquered the city.
The 34-meter high tower is now hosting the White Tower Museum, dedicated to Thessaloniki’s History from the Roman Era to the present day.
During your visit, you should also go to the tower’s top floor. There, you will admire a beautiful 360° view of the city, the sea and even Mount Olympus, Greece’s highest summit.
Restaurants next to the apartment
Γιόκ Μπαλίκ
34 Eth. AminisTo Elliniko
9 Str. KallariDORÉ ZYTHOS
7 Str. TsirogianniThe Rouga
28 KaripiThe garden Thermaikos
2 Nikiforou FokaOYiros του Θερμαϊκού
1 Stratigou KallariCin Cin
22 IktinouΦαγητό
Donkey the breakfast farm
3 SkraMuseums
The city has many museums, and here are the best ones:
-The Archaeological Museum showcases a collection of remains found around Thessaloniki and in Greek Macedonia
-The Museum of Byzantine Culture houses more than 3000 artefacts, jewelry and mosaics from the Byzantine Empire
-The Jewish Museum: there, you will learn more about the Jewish community in Thessaloniki and its History, especially during Word War 2.
-The Photography Museum, to discover ancient and modern Greek photographs.
-The Olympic Museum, if you want to know everything about the Olympic Games History, from the Ancient Times to the present day.
-The Museum of Cinema, if you want to know more about Greek cinema and how movies are made.
-The Contemporary Art Center of Thessaloniki
-The War Museum and its collection of Greek weapons, medals and uniforms.
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
6 Manoli AndronikouThessaloniki International Exhibition
MOMus-Museum of Contemporary Art
Shopping in Thessaloniki
You’ have already seen all the best places to visit in Thessaloniki? Then, you should take some time go shopping in the city.
And you will find everything you need!
If you enjoy luxury boutiques, go to Proxenou and Mitropoleos streets, and the perpendicular Morgenthau, Lassani or Chrysostomou streets.
You will find all the classic and international brands on Tsimiki, Ermou and Egnatia streets.
Finally, for a more vintage style, go to the city centre’s narrow alleys: Agias Theodoras, Issavron and Zefxidos.
Mitropoleos
MitropoleosTsimiski
TsimiskiHistoric city center
If you’re a History and Archaeology lover, then you should visit Thessaloniki’s most famous ancient sites:
-The Ancient Agora: the former social and religious city centre during the Greek and Roman periods.
-The Arch of Galerius, also named “Kamara”. It was built in 305 A.D to celebrate a victory over the Persians. The only remains still standing are 2 original pillars and an arch, decorated with battle scenes.
-The Rotunda of Galerius was built as a Mausoleum for the Emperor. Then, it became a church and later a Mosque. It’s one of Thessaloniki’s oldest monuments.
-The Galerius Palace is a ancient Roman palace. Located on Navarinou Square, it was part of a huge complex, with the Arch and the Rotunda I mentioned above. There isn’t much left of it.
Arch of Galerius
144 EgnatiaRotunda
5 Pl. Agiou Georgiou Rotonta
Navarinou Square
Roman Forum of Thessaloniki
75 OlimpouBuilt around the early 7th century CE, the Great Church was the main civic church of the city for much of its history. Today, the huge, freestanding building of classic Byzantine architecture is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside, intricate Greek Orthodox mosaics line the domes and chandeliers light the room, adding to the peaceful solemnity. The cathedral stands in green Agia Sophia Square in the old town Ana Poli, a lovely place to chill in the Grecian sunshine.
117 locals recommend
Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki
Agias SofiasBuilt around the early 7th century CE, the Great Church was the main civic church of the city for much of its history. Today, the huge, freestanding building of classic Byzantine architecture is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside, intricate Greek Orthodox mosaics line the domes and chandeliers light the room, adding to the peaceful solemnity. The cathedral stands in green Agia Sophia Square in the old town Ana Poli, a lovely place to chill in the Grecian sunshine.
Nightlife
Thessaloniki is one of the best places in Greece to go out at night!
This university city has a young population and offers an amazing nightlife.
All week long, you can go out and have a drink in one of Thessaloniki’s many bars. Ladadika and Valaoritou districts are the most lively.
There are many hip bars, night clubs or live music bars: you will always find a place to party all night long!
square Athonos
7 KastritsiouTake a walk at the famous Ladadika area, near
Aristotelous square, and you will nd a number
of traditional restaurants, ouzeries and taverns.
Enjoy grills and inventive recipes such as
Kontosouvli, Giaprakia and Gardoubes with a
glass of wine or ouzo. If you prefer seafood, you
will be excited when you taste Mussels’ pilaf,
grilled sardine, Frutti di mare, Shrimps Saganaki
and stued squid, in one of the many sh
taverns of the town.
280 locals recommend
Ladadika
Take a walk at the famous Ladadika area, near
Aristotelous square, and you will nd a number
of traditional restaurants, ouzeries and taverns.
Enjoy grills and inventive recipes such as
Kontosouvli, Giaprakia and Gardoubes with a
glass of wine or ouzo. If you prefer seafood, you
will be excited when you taste Mussels’ pilaf,
grilled sardine, Frutti di mare, Shrimps Saganaki
and stued squid, in one of the many sh
taverns of the town.
Valaoritou
Valaoritou