Thessaloniki

Travel Guide
Thessaloniki which includes a sunset, a city and general coastal views
On the shores of the Thermaikos Gulf, the second-largest city in Greece offers historic buildings, traditional cuisine, beach resorts and nightlife.

Frescoed Byzantine churches, Roman remains, beaches and an energetic nightlife make Thessaloniki one of Greece’s most fascinating tourist destinations. Visit the second-largest city in the country for its relaxed coastal atmosphere and proud display of more than 2,000 years of history.

Get acquainted with the city by walking the cobblestone streets of the upper town and admiring the traditional Greek and Ottoman houses. Appreciate the sculptures that decorate the imposing 4th-century Arch of Galerius. Stop for coffee and some bougatsa, traditional pastries with a savory or sweet filling, at one of the city’s numerous bougatsa stores.

Savor the sights, sounds and tastes of the Modiano Market at stalls heaped with cheeses, spices, vegetables and fish, and barrels filled to the brim with olives. Join locals on their evening stroll, called a volta, along the 3-mile (5-kilometer) seaside promenade. Cruise the harbor on a small boat.

Thessaloniki was founded in 315 B.C. and has been ruled by Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Echoes of these civilizations can be felt in the buildings they left behind. Tour the city’s ancient sites including the Byzantine walls, the 16th-century White Tower and the Roman Forum. Visit Byzantine churches that are more than 1,000 years old and see the 15th-century Hamza Bey Mosque.

The sea is close at hand. Sunbathe and enjoy watersports at Agia Triada, Perea, Epanomi and Nea Michaniona, all within 18 miles (30 kilometers) of the city center.

For evening entertainment, start with a drink in a waterfront bar, then move on to a traditional taverna. Catch live music at a downtown bouzoukia club and dance at a late-night spot in Ladadika Quarter.

Reach Thessaloniki by flying into Macedonia International Airport, 11 miles (17 kilometers) south of the city. Alternatively, make the 320-mile (516-kilometer) trip from Athens by train, bus or rental car. Get around by bus, taxi, car or on foot. With one of the best Mediterranean climates, Thessaloniki’s coast, culture and history can be enjoyed year-round.

Where to stay in Thessaloniki

Church of Hagia Sophia which includes a church or cathedral

Thessaloniki City Centre

4.5/5(94 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Thessaloniki City Centre, Tsimiski Street and Church of Hagia Sophia are top sights worth seeing.

Thessaloniki City Centre
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Old Town Thessaloniki

5/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers like the historical sites in Old Town Thessaloniki, and Church of St. Nicholas Orphanos is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Old Town Thessaloniki
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Ladadika

5/5(3 area reviews)

Travellers come to Ladadika for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Nikis Avenue and Place Katouni while you're in town.

Ladadika
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Ano Poli

You'll enjoy the gardens and monuments in Ano Poli. You might want to make time for a stop at Church of St. Nicholas Orphanos or Eptapyrgio Castle.

Ano Poli
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Vardaris

3/5(9 area reviews)

Check out the shopping, bars and spas while spending some time in Vardaris. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like One Salonica Outlet Mall or Port of Thessaloniki Passenger Terminal.

Vardaris
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Chinatown

When in Chinatown, you can plan a visit to Port of Thessaloniki Passenger Terminal and Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Chinatown
Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki
Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki
4 out of 5
18 Monastiriou Street, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia
The price is €72 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
€72
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Aristotelous Square and White Tower of ...
8/10 Very Good! (222 reviews)
"No comment"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2024

Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki
Electra Palace Thessaloniki
Electra Palace Thessaloniki
5 out of 5
9, Aristotelous Square, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia
The price is €191 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
€191
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free breakfast, a full-service spa, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Had a great stay overall, the only thing I would update is the gym by increasing the space if possible and / or getting new equipment."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Electra Palace Thessaloniki
Holiday Inn Thessaloniki, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Thessaloniki, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
8 Monastiriou, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia
The price is €91 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
€91
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Popular attractions Aristotelous Square and White Tower of Thessaloniki ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (113 reviews)
"Location a little distance away from eating places. Shower awkward position in bath, forgot to leave us a bath mat."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Holiday Inn Thessaloniki, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Elephant Suites
Elephant Suites
15 Nik. Mantzarou, Thessaloniki, Greece
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle. Popular attractions One Salonica Outlet Mall ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)
"Handy location to excellent shopping mall with big food court . Best gyros in Greece there ! Rooms large and quiet Beds very comfortable Good common area downstairs"

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2024

Elephant Suites
Zenith Premium Suites
Zenith Premium Suites
3 out of 5
12 Mitropoleos, Thessaloniki
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Place Katouni and Jewish Museum ...
Zenith Premium Suites
Thess Residences
Thess Residences
4 out of 5
Gladstonos 20, Thessaloniki
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour business center. Popular attractions Aristotelous Square ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
Good value for money
"They offer what they say...! The neighbourhood isn't the best but if you like to walk you can go after 10~20 minutes to the city centre. The staff is very friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Thess Residences
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Thessaloniki

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
51
" "5 - Excellent 65.38461538461539%
4 - Good
24
" "4 - Good 30.76923076923077%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 3.8461538461538463%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
29 Jan 2020

Lovely vibrant city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Jan 2020

The old town in Thessaloniki, Ano Poli, is just lovely and definitely worth a visit. It is so beautiful and very historic

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
4 Jan 2020

Great city to visit and Park Hotel in great location to walk to all areas

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
29 Dec 2019

Traffic jams and overall transport system very poor

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Oct 2019

A great city Lots going on, great restaurants, cafes, and bars And of course all the history A great place to visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
22 Oct 2019

A wonderful Greek city. Real nice people, lots of authentic food, nice bars and a massive promenade. A great place to feel relaxed and excited all on the same trip. We never felt ripped off or unsafe during our week long trip.