Thessaloniki

Travel Guide

Thessaloniki showing general coastal views and a city
Thessaloniki which includes a sunset, a city and general coastal views
Thessaloniki showing general coastal views, a garden and a city
Thessaloniki featuring a sunset and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Thessaloniki showing landscape views, night scenes and a city

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

If you're spending time in Thessaloniki City Centre, check out sights like Tsimiski Street or Church of Hagia Sophia and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Agias Sofias Metro Station or Venizelou Metro Station.

Thessaloniki City Centre
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Ladadika

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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Old Town Thessaloniki

Travellers like the historical sites in Old Town Thessaloniki, and Vlatadon Monastery is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Old Town Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Kamara

If you're spending some time in Kamara, Ataturk Museum and Church of Saint Demetrius are top sights worth seeing.

Kamara
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Vardaris

Vardaris is positively reviewed for its shopping, bars and spas, and you can quickly pop around to sights in the larger Thessaloniki area at New Railway Station Metro Station or Dimokratias Metro Station.

Vardaris
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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 Eptapyrgio Castle or Vlatadon Monastery.

Ano Poli
Electra Palace Thessaloniki
Electra Palace Thessaloniki
5 out of 5
9, Aristotelous Square, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia
The price is €203 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
€203
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Excellent customer service"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Electra Palace Thessaloniki
City Hotel Thessaloniki
City Hotel Thessaloniki
4 out of 5
11 Komninon Street, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia
The price is €110 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€110
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (592 reviews)
"The room was very hot and clearly the AC could not cope"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

City Hotel Thessaloniki
Makedonia Palace
Makedonia Palace
5 out of 5
2, Megalou Alexandrou Avenue, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia
The price is €215 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
€215
15 Jul - 16 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"Free valet parking, great breakfast with many choices, friendly staff. Love the sea view!"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Makedonia Palace
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.
City Plaza Apartments & Rooms
City Plaza Apartments & Rooms
3 Gimnasiarchou Mpountona E, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia
Stay at this apartment in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Aristotelous Square and Church of Agioi ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (94 reviews)
"Clean . Peaceful. Nice location"

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

City Plaza Apartments & Rooms
Zeus is Loose Hostel
Zeus is Loose Hostel
Klisouras 13, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia
Stay at this aparthotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Aristotelous Square and Church of ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (31 reviews)
"Great place, great people, great location and so clean."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Zeus is Loose Hostel
Esther Suites, Nilie Hospitality MGMT
Esther Suites, Nilie Hospitality MGMT
6 Grigoriou Zaliki, Thessaloniki
Stay at this aparthotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, concierge services, and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Aristotelous Square and Church of ...
7.8/10 Good! (8 reviews)
"Excellent service from the desk staff when we reported an issue with the air conditioning in our room. The receptionist joined us to the room to check and then arranged for an engineer to fix the issue when we were out."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

Esther Suites, Nilie Hospitality MGMT
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%
4 - Good
24
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely vibrant city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Traffic jams and overall transport system very poor

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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.