There are so many things to do in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city, you could spend a month in this northern powerhouse and still not have covered all its charm.
Capital of the Macedonia region and overlooking the beautiful Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki has a long and storied history. Its strategic position on ancient trade routes make it a prize possession of many an empire over the years, with long stints under Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule before it became part of modern Greece in 1912.
While history here runs long and deep, the city is, at the same time, thoroughly modern. A devastating 1917 fire razed much of the downtown area to the ground and it was rebuilt in the style of the great European capitals. As such, shopping streets are lined with chic boutiques, there’s an ever-inventive foodie scene, and even a number of delightful city beaches on which to escape the city itself for an hour or two. Here, then, are some of the best things to do in Thessaloniki.
Climb the White Tower
White Tower
An icon in the city, the White Tower was once famed for its grisly past. A prison in Ottoman times, it used to be known as the “Tower of Blood” thanks to the number of executions that took place within its walls. Local lore has it that its once red-brick walls were painted white by a prisoner in exchange for his liberty.
Built as part of the city fortifications in the 15th century just after Ottoman rule began, the tower is now the city’s most famous landmark, adorning everything from tourism publicity materials to even a brand of canned foods.
It’s packed with exhibits detailing the city’s history from its founding to modern times. Visitors can also climb to the turreted roof terrace for amazing views over the city and the Thermaic Gulf.
Hang Out at Aristotelous Square
Aristotelous Square
The 1917 Great Fire of Thessaloniki burned for more than 30 hours and destroyed some two thirds of the city. Instead of rushing to rebuild, though, the then-Greek government took its time over restoration plans, bringing in French architect Ernest Hébrard to create a new urban plan.
Thessaloniki rose like a phoenix from those ashes as Hébrard created a city with a magnificent and unique blend of Byzantine and Western architecture. One of the best examples of his work is Aristotelous Square, a grand civic and social hub used for everything from casual gatherings to public celebrations and cultural events.
The expansive square links the vibrant waterfront with the more commercial streets, making it a great place to explore, but also a wonderful spot for people watching, especially in the late afternoon when locals head out for their evening coffee and stroll.
Sample the Unique Bougatsan
Bougatsa is a typical sweet snack from northern Greece, a flaky pastry with a semolina custard filling, usually eaten as part of breakfast. Bougatsan, on the other hand, is the Greek equivalent of the cronut, a hybrid pastry that takes a typically French croissant and adds bougatsa cream to it.
The delicacy didn’t exist until 2013 when Kostas Kapetanakis left his public sector job and poured his life savings into Estrella, a hip café on Pavlou Mela Street. Bougatsan became a viral hit on social media, catapulting Estrella to near the top of Thessaloniki’s burgeoning food scene.
Now a small chain with outlets around the country, the Thessaloniki branch is still the best. Set in a bright, airy building next to the beautiful church of Agia Sofia, it offers all day breakfast, brunch, and street food, fusing Greek and international flavours into an ever-changing array of flavors.
Wander the Streets of Ano Poli
Ano Poli
The great fire of 1917 means that much of Thessaloniki is relatively modern. Not so Ano Poli, the Upper Town, one of the few parts of the city to escape the fire.
Exploring here is an absolute joy. Set on hills to the north of the city, it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle below. The winding cobblestone streets are lined with a mixture of traditional Macedonian and Ottoman architecture in the form of small, colorful houses, many of which now house chic boutiques, restaurants, and cafés.
As such, visiting Ano Poli is one of the best things to do in Greece for a long afternoon wander, particularly for photography enthusiasts. Protected by the old city walls, its elevated position means there are also great views over the city out to the Aegean Sea in the distance. While here, make sure to also visit the Heptapyrgion, a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress that once protected the city.
Explore Modiano and Kapani Markets
Modiano Market
Thessaloniki is quite the foodie city, a gateway to a slightly different take on Greek cuisine. Here, dishes are heavily influenced by the city’s Byzantine and Roman roots, 400 or so years of Ottoman occupation, and the cuisine of near neighbours in the surrounding Balkans.
One of the best things to do in Thessaloniki, then, is to get to the heart of the city’s foodie scene with a visit to the two main centrally located markets.
Modiano takes its name from Eli Modiano, the Jewish architect who designed the market back in the 1920s. Set in the elegant historic buildings he designed, the market has been given a modern makeover with artisanal hipster outlets sitting side by side with more traditional vendors, some of whom have been here for years.
Kapani Market
Neighboring Kapani Market is equally impressive, a massive, covered space that can feel like a sensory overload. Huge slabs of ice keep the catch of the day cold, sides of meat hang from hooks, and dried herbs and spices overflow from their hessian sacks. Try, if you can, to dine at any of the eateries in either market. Freshly cooked food rarely comes with fresher ingredients.
Read: Expert Tips for Visiting Greece for the First Time
Take a Stroll on Thessaloniki’s Waterfront
Waterfront
Thessaloniki’s maritime history dates back to the fourth century BC when it was a major naval center in the Byzantine Empire. That love of the sea remains today and nowhere is it more prominent than on the city’s expansive waterfront.
The promenade here runs for the best part of three miles, an urban oasis with a walking path and cycle route punctuated by green spaces, art installations, and plenty of seating to rest potentially weary legs. Stretching from the port of Thessaloniki to the city’s Concert Hall in the east, the scenic walkway also takes in some of the city’s major sights.
These include the White Tower, the Royal Theater, and the National Resistance Monument. Look out, too, for the hugely impressive statue of Alexander the Great, as well as the famed Umbrellas of Zongolopoulos, an art installation with a series of umbrellas on towering poles. Views over the Thermaic Gulf are excellent here, and on a clear day you can even see Mount Olympus on the horizon.
Sunbathe on Perea Beach
Perea Beach
One of the best things to do in Thessaloniki is to head to the beach. For many sunseekers, the city acts as the gateway to Halkidiki, the three-pronged peninsula famed for its relaxed resorts and white sand beaches.
While Halkidiki is undeniably beautiful with some stunning stretches of sand, it’s more than an hour’s drive away. Luckily, for those short on time, there’s still some great beach action to be had within the city limits themselves.
A great example is Perea, a sandy beach close to the international airport at the southern extremes of the city. Less than 15 miles from downtown and stretching for more than a mile in length, it’s well organized with umbrellas and sun loungers to rent, while the coast road that leads to the beach is dotted with fish tavernas and restaurants.
With calm, shallow waters Perea is one of the best beaches in Thessaloniki for families or those less confident in the sea, and there’s a boat pier that reaches into the water for those looking for an impromptu diving platform.
Pay Respects at the Allied Cemetery
Salonika Military Cemetery
Thessaloniki’s strategic position and harbor made it a valued spoil of war over the centuries, perhaps no more so than in World War I.
In 1915, the then Greek Prime Minister invited the Allied forces to protect this Greek city, leading to British, French, Canadian, Irish, and other Commonwealth soldiers being stationed here. Towards the end of the year, the first Allied casualties started to mount. They were originally buried in the local Protestant and Catholic cemeteries before the Salonika Military Cemetery was begun in 1915.
Today, though, there are more than 1,600 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated here, as well as Bulgarian and Serbian war graves. A peaceful, reflective spot, all the graves follow the tradition of having a rose bush planted next to them. The cemetery is also home to two memorials, the Cross of Sacrifice and Stone of Remembrance.
See the City’s Roman History
Palace of Galerius
Thanks to its strategic location on the Via Egnatia—the land route across the Balkans to Byzantium—Thessaloniki played a significant role during the Roman era when it was a co-reigning city during the Tetrarchy.
This period saw the Roman Empire governed by four rulers, one of whom, Galerius, had a significant victory over the Persians. To celebrate, the Palace of Galerius was built here in his honor.
Arch of Galerius
While the palace itself is largely now gone, two significant structures remain almost intact. The famed Greek landmark Arch of Galerius is festooned with reliefs that illustrate his victory, the fine details of which are still jaw-dropping today.
Nearby the Rotunda, originally built to be a mausoleum to Galerius, impresses thanks to its huge circular structure and impressive dome. Resembling Rome’s Pantheon, it was converted into a mosque in the Ottoman era but is now a museum housing some masterful mosaics, among other exhibits.
Worship at St. Demetrius Church
St. Demetrius Church
The city’s patron saint is St. Demetrius or Hagios Demetrios, a fourth century AD Roman soldier who became a martyr and saint, and who is said to protect the city. His remains, along with those of other Christian martyrs are said to have been buried in a former Roman bathhouse with this church then built over the top.
Rebuilt several times due to fire and earthquakes, the church today stands as an amazing example of Byzantine architecture, as well as a quiet place of worship. Another building converted to a mosque during the Ottoman era, it was returned to its original purpose after Thessaloniki became part of Greece in 1912.
A visit is now considered one of the best things to do in Thessaloniki thanks to some beautiful mosaics that tell of Demetrius’ life story, as well as the underground crypt in which he is believed to have been both imprisoned and martyred.
Have a Drink in the Ladadika District
Ladadika District Photo by C messier on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Most cities have some kind of regenerated arts and entertainment district and in Thessaloniki, that district is Ladadika. Once a market area near to the port, its name translates as “shops that sell oil”, a throwback to the Ottoman era when it was a trade center for olive oil.
Despite it suffering significant damage in a 1978 earthquake, revitalization of Ladadika began in earnest as part of a wider regeneration program in 1990. Now, it’s a hub of entertainment and one of the most vibrant things to see and do in Thessaloniki.
The cobblestone streets are lined with colorful neoclassical buildings that house bars, cafés, and restaurants, that throng with people at all times of day, as well as night clubs with dancing into the night. There are also a number of art, film, and photography museums here, including the ever-popular Museum of Illusions.
Take in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki Photo by Tilemahos Efthimiadis on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
With the verdant surrounds of the YMCA Park as a backdrop, Thessaloniki’s Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in the history of Macedonia and the wider Balkan region.
Considered one of Greece’s most important museums, it houses a treasure trove of ancient art and historical artefacts from prehistoric relics to Roman sculptures. One of the most impressive permanent exhibits is The Gold of Macedon, dedicated to precious metals uncovered at the royal tombs of Vergina and with links to both Alexander the Great and his father Philip II Of Macedon.
Another highlight is the Derveni Krater, a fourth century BC mixing vessel made of bronze and weighing in at a hefty 88 pounds. Even the museum building itself has an archaeological context, built on the site of what was once a Roman villa. Some of those ancient walls have been incorporated into the more contemporary 1962 main building.
Waterfront
Discover this captivating city on one of Celebrity’s cruises to Thessaloniki. Browse itineraries and plan your dream European vacation.
