4 km
from city center 1 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Standing on the city’s waterfront boulevard at the point where Nikis Avenue meets Alexander the Great Avenue, the White Tower of Thessaloniki is rich in Macedonian history. The tower served as a communication centre for the Allied Forces during World War I and later accommodated Thessaloniki’s air defence and meteorological departments. Today, the tower houses the Museum of Byzantine Culture, with the country’s social, cultural, and political evolution through history on display.

5 km
from city center 2 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

The new and exquisite Thessaloniki Waterfront runs for 3 km along the seaside, with ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. On one side, the sunkissed gulf hits the breakwater, an ideal strip of land for running, jogging, leisurely walking, or simply enjoying the view. The inner side of the coast boasts 13 green spaces, which are individual gardens - each with a unique selling point and worth exploring.

4 km
from city center 3 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Located near the city's waterfront along Nikis Avenue, Aristotelous Square forms the main city quadrangle and the heart of Thessaloniki. The square is abuzz with numerous bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. Several of them offer a view of the Thessaloniki harbour. You will also find jewellery and curio shops to pick up souvenirs.

3 km
from city center 4 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Ana Poli, or the Upper Town of Thessaloniki, is where most of the town’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritages are preserved. The area houses the Acropolis, a medieval fort known as the Eptapyrgio, from where one can witness a majestic Macedonian sunset. Mount Olympus can be seen in the distance on days with clearer skies.

5 km
from city center 5 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Perched on the shore of Thermaikos Bay, Thessaloniki offers several day cruises to stunning locations on nearby islands. The monastery-dotted peninsula of Mount Athos is one of the most popular destinations for full-day cruises from Thessaloniki. These trips usually include bonus commentary on the history and heritage of the local communities and onboard folklore shows along with meals. Another must-experience trip is a private cruise to Shipwreck Bay and Navagio Beach on the coast of Zakynthos Island on the Ionian Sea.

4 km
from city center 6 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Ladadika is a historic marketplace district five minutes from Aristotle Square, right opposite the central gate of the Port of Thessaloniki. A quick walk around the district will introduce you to numerous cosy, charming, eclectic shops. The squat two-story houses that line the street on two sides also exude the charm of old Thessaloniki with their colourful exteriors and rectangular glass windows.

5 km
from city center 7 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is the central museum of Northern Greece and one of the primary attractions of Central Macedonia. Standing on Manoli Andronikou Street, the museum has its collection divided into eight units starting back from prehistoric Macedonia. The Derveni krater, the statue of Harpocrates, the Head of Serapis, the Marble food from the Macedonian tomb of Agia Paraskevi, and the gold coins, diadems, disks and Medusa heads are among the most notable exhibits on display.

5 km
from city center 8 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

The Umbrellas, a notable seafront attraction in Thessaloniki, is a piece of standout artwork by the renowned sculptor Giorgios Zongopoulos. The stands as the centre of attention outside the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art on the Nea Paralia promenade overlooking the Thermaikos Gulf. The sculpture is illuminated on special occasions, giving it an even more magical look.

5 km
from city center 9 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

The Hagios Demetrios, or Church of Saint Demetrius, is the main sanctuary dedicated to Thessaloniki's patron saint, Saint Demetrius. Underneath the church is the sacred crypt - a catacomb-like structure where Hagios Demetrios’ remains were found. It is now a museum displaying a collection of sculptures, paintings, inscriptions, and other artefacts from the early to middle Byzantine period.

5 km
from city center 10 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

The Rotunda of Galerius, also known as the Rotunda of Saint George, is one of the oldest structures in Thessaloniki and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located just north of the intersection of two main axes of the city - Egnatia and Dimitriou Gounari streets - where the Arch of Galerius stands. It closely resembles the Pantheon in Rome, with 6-metre-thick walls and a 30-metre-high brick dome with an oculus in the middle.

6 km
from city center 11 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

The Heptapyrgion, also known as Yedikule, is a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress situated on the northeastern corner of the Acropolis of Thessaloniki in the Ana Poli region. Towering over the city for more than 1500 years, the fortress that once served as a redoubt for Thessaloniki is now a major historical site to explore. The name suggests it is a fortress with seven towers, but Heptapyrgion has ten. Be prepared to walk quite a bit uphill to be compensated with a beautiful panorama of the city from the top.

4 km
from city center 12 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Located right in the heart of Central Thessaloniki, next to Aristotelous Square, Agora Modiano is an enclosed market. Agora Modiano celebrates flavours and textures from high-quality fresh meat, seafood, and vegetables to aromatic coffee and spices. There are approximately 75 shops in the new floor plan, with restaurants and cafes in the northern and southern parts. It can be accessed via Vasileos Heraklion and Ermou Streets.

5 km
from city center 13 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

As the last standing Byzantine monastery in Thessaloniki that is still functioning, Vlatadon Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated next to the Byzantine Portara in northern Ano Poli, the monastery is believed to be located at the site where Apostle Paul preached Thessalonians during his second voyage. Out of the original monastery, only a limited number of architectural elements have been preserved to date, including pediments, semi-columns, and curved arches.

5 km
from city center 14 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Right at the centre of Thessaloniki, between Agiou Dimitriou Street and Egnatia Street at the upper side of Aristotelous Square, lies the Roman Forum. Also known as the Ancient Agora of Thessaloniki, it is a multi-terraced forum that was accidentally dug up in the 1960s while preparing the land to be the site of the Thessaloniki Municipal Courthouse. The excavations include a two-storey stoa, Roman baths, and a small theatre presumably used for gladiatorial events.

5 km
from city center 15 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Located on Stratou Avenue, the Museum of Byzantine Culture takes visitors on a journey in time through the 11 galleries of permanent exhibitions. From the early to middle Byzantine period to the Ottoman occupation, the artefacts, coins, seals, and paintings on display at the museum tell the story of the country’s past in detail.

5 km
from city center 16 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

The Arch of Galerius, also known as Kamara, stands south of Thessaloniki’s iconic Rotunda on the modern-day intersection of Egnatia and Dimitriou Gounari streets. Credited as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988, the Arch is an exemplary monument of early Byzantine architecture and a must-visit archaeological site in Thessaloniki.

4 km
from city center 17 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

‘Agia Sophia’ translates to ‘The Wisdom of God’, and the Church of Hagia Sophia in Thessaloniki exudes a similar mysticism and spirituality because of its legacy. Located a minute away from the main street Egnatia, the cathedral stands on the site of an older, 3rd-century church that possibly collapsed because of an earthquake. It is one of the oldest and most important Early Christian monuments in Greece and the Orthodox world.

4 km
from city center 18 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Located a minute from Agora Modiano, Thessaloniki’s Kapani Market comprises multiple pedestrian streets like Vlali, Menexe, Chalkeon, Spandoni, Askipou, and other smaller gullies encased by the main streets of Egnatia, Ermou, and Aristotelous. Garments, accessories, household items, fresh meat, vegetables and other food products are available. It is one of the places to find hand-picked Mediterranean olives from Halkidiki, Volos, and Thassos, and special pelagic fish not available in most places. There are cafes and taverns as well.

4 km
from city center 19 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Located on Agiou Mina Street in Central Macedonia, the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki honours the history of Sephardic Judaism that took root in the city after the 15th century. The collection includes remains of a destroyed Israeli necropolis, parts of Jewish synagogues destroyed during Nazi occupation, rare books in Hebrew, religious artefacts, costumes, and several personal belongings of Jewish citizens, including letters sent during World War 2.

5 km
from city center 20 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

An annexe of its Athenian counterpart, the War Museum of Thessaloniki is a preservation of Greece’s military history through time. It is located in the wider area of the Ares Field Camp, the headquarters of the 3rd Army Corps. The permanent exhibitions include more than ten thousand historical exhibits on display that give insight into the milestone military campaigns of Greece and Macedonia.

6 km
from city center 21 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

A walk along the city’s Acropolis will bring one closer to the famous Walls of Thessaloniki. The Tower of Trigonion, also called the Triangle Tower, is one of the most significant segments of the walls. The tower is situated several metres high above sea level and offers a balcony view of the city, the sea, and Mount Olympus on a clearer day.

39 km
from city center 22 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

The Folk Life and Ethnological Museum of Macedonia and Thrace in Thessaloniki is a cultural display spread over four levels. It is housed in the Old Government House, which is historic itself. The museum collects, researches, preserves, and puts on display items about the traditional and contemporary culture of Macedonia and Thrace, a region between the Balkan Mountains and the Aegean Sea now split between Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece.

6 km
from city center 23 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki’s Olympic Museum celebrates the glorious past and present of Greek sporting culture upheld within glass enclosures. The attraction is next to two athletic and cultural giants, the Kaftanzoglio National Stadium and Aristotle University. It displays historical archives - documents, pictures, medals, flags, and other items relevant to Greece’s participation in the Olympics and other sporting events over the years.

6 km
from city center 24 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

The Acropolis of Thessaloniki lies in the northernmost part of the city, enclosed by the walls, just beyond Vlatodon Monastery. Two massive gates, called ‘portares’ lead into the Acropolis. The Tower of Trigonio, a medieval-era arsenal and weaponry that now offers a stunning view of Mount Olympus, also stands here.

5 km
from city center 25 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki, also known as the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, is a place for tourists interested in contemporary art. It boasts a collection of over 7,000 works of art by Greek and international artists. Visitors can explore a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, and photography, and also participate in educational programs and special events. One of the highlights of the Museum is its focus on Greek artists, offering a unique perspective on contemporary art in Greece. The museum also frequently hosts exhibitions of work by international artists, providing diverse artistic perspectives. It also has a café and gift shop.

26 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Located in the heart of Thessaloniki, the Church of St. Demetrios is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture. It is considered one of the most important religious sites in the city. The interior of the church is adorned with intricate frescoes and mosaics depicting scenes from the life of St. Demetrios, the patron saint of Thessaloniki. Visitors can also tour the underground crypt, which houses the tomb of St. Demetrios and is believed to have miraculous healing powers. The church is also home to a museum, which displays various religious artefacts and historical items, including ancient manuscripts and religious icons.

5 km
from city center 27 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Located in the heart of the city, the Ataturk Museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Visitors can explore the various exhibits and displays that showcase Ataturk's life and contributions to the country, including his military career, political achievements, and cultural reforms. The museum also has a large collection of photographs, documents, and personal artifacts that provide insight into Ataturk's life and the history of Turkey

11 km
from city center 28 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

Noesis is a science and technology museum located in Thessaloniki, Greece. It features interactive exhibits on topics such as energy, communication, transportation, and robotics and also has a planetarium and an observatory. Noesis also hosts events and workshops, such as science festivals and robotics competitions. It offers visitors a chance to learn and explore in a fun and interactive way and is a must visit for science enthusiasts.

4 km
from city center 29 out of 29
Things To Do in Thessaloniki

The Photography Museum in Thessaloniki features a wide range of exhibits showcasing the evolution of photography over the years. The collections include works by some of the most famous photographers in history and contemporary pieces by emerging artists. One of the museum's highlights is the permanent exhibit, which traces photography's development from the daguerreotype's early days to the modern digital age. Visitors can also enjoy temporary exhibitions focusing on specific photographers' themes. In addition to the exhibits, the Photography Museum also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for children and adults.