Thessaloniki Things to Do

Having become the absolute landmark of Thessaloniki, the White Tower definitely deserves to be on top of your bucket list! Built in the 15th century, this solitary tower that dominates the waterfront promenade is all that remains of the city’s Ottoman fortifications and today, it functions as a multimedia museum of the history of Thessaloniki. Nothing beats this for a first glimpse into the town’s glorious past! One of the best things to do is to climb up to the balcony, where you will be rewarded with amazing views of the city and the Thermaic Gulf!

Along the seaside promenade, a stone’s throw away from the White Tower, you can pause and take memorable pictures of two of the town’s most photogenic outdoor sculptures: the statue of the great Macedonian king Alexander the Great and the striking Umbrellas of Zongolopoulos, which look even more spectacular at sunset or at night, when they are beautifully illuminated. Lined with a plethora of cafes, bars, restaurants and nightlife spots, the bustling waterfront is arguably one of the most popular choices for a leisurely stroll among locals and visitors alike. Along the way, you will also pass by the famed Aristotelous Square, which stands out for its elegant neoclassical architecture.

Explore the waterfront

For a feel of old Thessaloniki, just head for Ano Poli! Being the only part of Thessaloniki to have escaped the Great Fire of 1917, Ano Poli has retained the charm of Ottoman vernacular architecture, with partly timbered houses that are often painted in lovely shades of ochre, terracotta and blue. Lose yourself in its maze of cobblestone streets and marvel at the Yedi Kule Fortress, whose imposing walls tower over the Old Town. Stand under the Trigonion —once the city’s upper gate— and behold the Seih Sou Forest and the Thermaic Gulf stretching out beneath you, with the majestic peaks of Mount Olympus looming in the distance.

Interspersed around the Old Town you will also find true gems of early Christian and Byzantine architecture, many of which have made it into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Before leaving Ano Poli, take the time to experience the vibe of its traditional taverns, where you can taste savory Thessalonian mezes to the sound of old rebetiko songs.

Explore the Old Town

Looking for a snug place to stay? Whatever your preferences or budget, this definitely won’t be a problem. Being the second biggest city after Athens, Thessaloniki offers a plethora of options, from cozy apartments and family rooms to upscale suites and bungalows. Here are some of our favorite hotels and accommodations in Thessaloniki:
• An excellent choice for combining amazing views of the Thermaic Gulf with all the comforts of the city center, Electra Palace is a luxury complex that boasts a rooftop swimming pool, a fully-equipped wellness center and a bar-restaurant with unobstructed views of Aristotelous Square.
• Located a stone’s throw away from Aristotelous Square, in the very heart of Thessaloniki, the Excelsior Boutique Hotel prides itself on its elegant neoclassical facade and its excellent eating establishments.
• If you would rather opt for a central yet more budget-friendly choice, you can check out the El Greco Hotel, which offers a selection of tastefully decorated rooms furnished with all the necessary amenities.

Find the best hotels in Thessaloniki

Feasting your senses on the mouthwatering local delicacies is hands-down one of the very best things to do in Thessaloniki, as few other places around the country are as famed for their cuisine as the Nymph of the Thermaic Gulf. Springing from the city’s unique geographical position, which has facilitated fruitful cultural encounters over the centuries, the town’s gastronomic identity is a melting pot of influences from Greeks, Turks, Slavs, and Sephardic Jews, as well as from the refugees that came from Asia Minor and the Black Sea in the 1920s. No wonder it became the first Greek town to be declared a UNESCO City of Gastronomy!

Though excellent taverns and restaurants can be found all over the town center, the vibrant Modiano market, the Ladadika quarter and the streets of the Old Town are particularly famed as hubs of taste, affording, at the same time, a feel of old Thessaloniki. One of the best places to embark on your culinary exploration is Toixo Toixo in the Old Town, while Full tou Meze in Ladadika and the Palati Music Restaurant in the town center, which organizes live performances of Greek music, are also great choices. For a more unique experience, don’t miss the Aigli Geni Hammam, an establishment housed inside a restored 16th-century Ottoman building.

Tip: Thessaloniki is also famed for its sweets, so follow the lead of the locals and start your day with a bougatsa (a dessert filled with semolina custard cream) or grab a trigono, one of the cream-filled phyllo cones that the town is famous for, to savor along the way!

See the best local restaurants

Though the bus network of Thessaloniki is well-developed, renting your own vehicle is a great way to save time on transportation around the town. It is also one of the best things to do in order to explore the natural and cultural beauties of the wider region of Macedonia with much greater freedom.
In cooperation with the best local car rental agencies, we offer the best prices and our service is rated .

Book your car with us

When it comes to idyllic swimming spots, few places around the country can compare with the beguiling Halkidiki. With over 60 beaches, many of which boast silky white sand and mesmerizing turquoise waters, this verdant peninsula has deservedly evolved into the ultimate holiday destination of northern Greece. Thus, one of the best things to do after exploring Thessaloniki is to drive to Halkidiki and soak up its stunning natural beauty! To make the most of your time there, don’t pass up the chance to go on a boat trip to one of the locations claiming the title of a “blue lagoon”, such as the thrilling Ammouliani Island Cruise!

Besides its dreamy beaches, Halkidiki also has much more to offer, with traditional mountainous villages, ancient sites and the spectacular Petralona Cave being just a few of them.

Discover Halkidiki

Boasting an astonishing number of museums, Thessaloniki is a true heaven for sightseeing enthusiasts. A visit to the Archaeological Museum, in particular, is a must whether you’re a history buff or not, as, besides other stunning findings from the necropolises of the ancient Macedonian kingdom, it exhibits the largest collection of golden wreaths in the world! To delve deeper into the history of Thessaloniki, you can also consider, among others, the Byzantine Museum, the Museum for the Macedonian Struggle, or the Jewish Museum, which is dedicated to the Jewish community that thrived in Thessaloniki after the 15th century.

For something more alternative, don’t miss the Museum of Illusions, which enthralls visitors with its immersive rooms and mind-blowing visual tricks, as well as the Selfie Museum — the first one of its kind in Greece!

See all museums of Thessaloniki

Wondering where to go for a great night out? Whatever your mood and tastes, Thessaloniki is sure not to disappoint you as, thanks to its student community, it features a wonderfully diverse nightlife scene. Along the waterfront promenade, you will find plenty of spots where you can sip a drink against the backdrop of the Thermaic Gulf, while the lively Ladadika quarter brims with eateries, bars, bistros and pubs with great vibes. Just stroll around the central streets, such as the upbeat Valaoritou —the favorite haunt of Thessaloniki’s youth— and see what catches your eye. If you’re a party animal, you don’t have to worry either, as you’ll find plenty of spots where you can dance the night away!

For something more romantic, head for the uphill Ano Poli, where you can take in the magnificent views and enjoy delicious mezes to the sound of Greek folk tunes.

More about the nightlife

While in Thessaloniki, seize the chance and visit some of the most stunning archaeological sites in the entire country! A full-day tour to Pella and Vergina is one of the best things to do, as it will allow you to marvel at such treasures as intricate armor, royal jewelry and other grave goods of outstanding aesthetic value. The highlight is, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the golden larnax and the golden funerary wreath of King Philip II (Alexander the Great’s father), a real masterpiece with 313 minutely crafted oak leaves and 68 acorns! Wandering through the ruins of ancient Pella and the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aegae, you will truly feel as if you’re walking in the footsteps of Alexander the Great!

Alternatively, embark on a captivating tour to Dion and Mount Olympus, and unravel the secrets of the majestic residence of the Olympian gods! Dedicated to Zeus, the ancient city of Dion was a major religious center for both the Greeks and the Romans, and the ruins of its grand temples, theaters and public buildings still bear witness to its former glory. Then, you will have a unique opportunity to venture into the spellbinding National Park of Mount Olympus and trek along its mystery-covered trails. Admire the rich flora and fauna, and take a refreshing dip into the turquoise waters of a scenic waterfall!

Book your tour with us

If you find yourself in Thessaloniki in November, don’t miss the International Film Festival, the biggest of its kind in Greece and one of the most important in all of Europe! Held at the historic Olympion and another four theaters throughout the city, this festival is a great opportunity for cinema lovers to discover the innovative work of new filmmakers or watch a tribute to artists from the Balkans and the entire world.

More festivals in Thessaloniki

Besides the dreamy beaches of Halkidiki, a few nice swimming spots can also be found on the periphery of the city of Thessaloniki. Easily accessible both by car and by bus from the town center, these beaches enchant bathers with their sparkling azure waters and well-organized facilities. Taking the time to explore them is definitely one of the best things to do if you find yourself in Thessaloniki in the summer. Here are some of the best choices:

• Stretching in front of a small seaside settlement around 27 kilometers from Thessaloniki, Agia Triada is one of the most popular destinations among locals and visitors alike. Nevertheless, it retains its tranquil ambiance, so you can sit back and take in the beautiful seascape.
• The cosmopolitan Perea is another excellent choice for a refreshing dip into the sea or a succulent meal with amazing views of the White Tower!
• Located close to Agia Triada and Perea, Epanomi stands out for its striking turquoise waters, which hug the wreck of an old cargo ship. To combine Epanomi Beach with an exhilarating sailing trip across the Thermaic Gulf, we recommended booking a boat cruise to Shipwreck Bay!

Find the best beaches

Though Thessaloniki is a densely built city, you will still find plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature and relax during your vacation. One of the top spots for a leisurely walk is Seih Sou, a lush suburban forest extending on the southwestern slopes of Mount Chortiatis. Also known as Cedar Hill, Seih Sou is home to hundreds of flora and fauna species, while, besides its ecological value, it also affords panoramic views of the entire city. The best time to visit it is at sunset, when the sky is dyed in flaming hues and you can listen to the nightingales!

Surrounded by lush vegetation and rolling hills, Lake Oreokastro is another great option that you can easily reach from Thessaloniki. Further away, you will also find the serene Lake Kerkini, one of the most invaluable wetlands in the entire country, where you can marvel at beautiful flamingos and stately buffalos!

Book a tour to Lake Kerkini

What better way to have a fantastic night out than watching a film of your choice under the starry sky? With the weather being normally warm and dry, open-air cinemas have become a trademark of Greek summer nights, so visiting one of the city’s outdoor cinemas is hands-down one of the best things to do during your summer vacation! With at least four venues located around the waterfront and the most central streets, all you have to do is pick a movie!

See the best cinemas

With plenty of options for all tastes and budgets, the city center of Thessaloniki has enough to leave no shopping fan unsatisfied! Start your tour on the famous Tsimiski Avenue, where you can find everything from boutiques, fashion shops and delicatessens to large department stores and shopping malls. For a taste of luxury, move on to the adjacent Mitropoleos Avenue, where you will come across branches of internationally renowned fashion brands and haute couture boutiques. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something more affordable, head for Agias Sofias Street, Egnatia or Navarino Square and browse through a broad range of stylish clothes and accessories.

Discover the best local shops

Meteora and Mount Athos easily rank among travelers’ top day-trip choices with good reason. A sailing tour to Mount Athos is one of the best things to do, as it will give you a unique chance to marvel at the sublime natural beauty of Halkidiki from the perspective of the sea and acquaint yourself with the centuries-long monastic tradition of the Holy Mountain!

For a one-of-a-kind sight, opt for the awe-inspiring Meteora. Roughly translated as “those that are suspended in midair”, the landscape of Meteora is characterized by dramatic vertical rocks that will take your breath away. Over the years, a series of monasteries were built at the top, testifying to the magnitude of human power, faith and endurance.

Book your tour to Meteora

Looking forward to an adrenaline rush? Then you need look no further, as Thessaloniki can provide you with a wide range of options! Try your hand at mountain biking, windsurfing, or skydiving, and experience Thessaloniki from a wholly different perspective! Hiking excursions are also available, making the natural treasures of Central Macedonia accessible to everyone. What is more, families and groups of friends can have the time of their lives partaking in such fun activities as canoeing, windsurfing, and SUP in the crystalline waters of the Thermaic Gulf.

Discover the best sports centers

If you’re looking for a way to experience the unique gastronomic culture of Thessaloniki like a local, a walking tour with food tastings is probably the best thing to do! Accompanied by a knowledgeable local chef who will be more than happy to share with you his passion for the local cuisine, you will have a traditional breakfast with such culinary trademarks as koulouri and bougatsa and then, you will get to discover recipes and gastronomic spots that would never catch a traveler’s eye. Roaming around the most famous food markets, you will be greeted by a symphony of aromas and flavors of spices, herbs, seafood, fruit, and freshly cooked meat that will make this walk a memory to cherish!

Book the food tour

“Where the waterfalls park meets the edge of the rock, on the brow of the town lies the stone that God steps on to climb up to the heavens” wrote the renowned novelist Menelaos Lountemis of the mind-blowing Edessa waterfalls. Indeed, a visit to the charming town of Edessa will reveal to you a spectacle of indescribable beauty: a dazzling 70-meter-high waterfall that cascades over the rocks, losing itself in a dense cloud of mist. Don’t think twice about it; driving to Edessa is fairly easy! Don’t miss this chance to stand on the little balcony that has been fashioned behind the cascade and marvel at this wonder of nature! Explore a little cave with astounding stalactite and stalagmite formations and stroll through the stone-built watermills of the Open-air Water Museum of Edessa!

Then, drive further north to the Pozar thermal baths and enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools of this enchanting spa town, or just have a therapeutic bath in one of the natural hot springs by the river. The healing properties of the baths and the surrounding landscape, with its luxuriant vegetation and imposing mountains, guarantee a profoundly relaxing and rejuvenating experience, making a day trip to Edessa and the Pozar baths one of the very best things to do!

Discover more day tours

Following its foundation in the Hellenistic times, Thessaloniki soon evolved into a major economic and trading center where the arts could flourish. Especially during the Roman era, the city became the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia, while, later on, it was the second-largest city in the entire Byzantine Empire. This has left a profound mark on the aspect of Thessaloniki, with a plethora of Roman antiquities and early Christian churches, many of which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage monuments. Stroll along the Roman Forum, visit the Rotonda and take memorable pictures under the triumphal Arch of Galerius. Then immerse yourself in the city’s Byzantine legacy through such monuments as the Church of Agios Dimitrios and Agios Nikolaos Orfanos.

Explore more sights

Why look back on the flavors and aromas of Thessaloniki with nostalgia? Have a cooking class with a local family and learn how to prepare an assortment of traditional dishes like moussaka, tzatziki, homemade salad and desserts. Savor your own creations to the sound of Greek music and delight your friends and relatives back home with all the delicacies you will have learned to prepare!

Book the cooking workshop

For moments of endless fun with your loved ones, spending a day in Waterland is one of the best things to do! Covering an overall surface of 150,000 square meters, this is the biggest waterpark in Greece and one of the largest in the entire continent! Try out thrilling waterslides, wavepools and other state-of-the-art facilities, and relax in one of its restaurants and bars. Also, don’t miss stopping by the water park’s zoo, where you can meet a range of adorable animals!

Discover Waterland

But that's not all! There are a lot more things to do, from trying your luck at the casino to enjoying the palatable trigona Panoramatos for dessert!
We invite you to explore even more options that the island has to offer: