Thessaloniki is a city that is often on the route for our tourists traveling to and from the sea. Thessaloniki is a place our people visit for shopping, but also for its historical significance. Therefore, in this text, we will introduce you to Thessaloniki, what you can visit, and share with you some important information related to the city, ticket prices, working hours, discounts, and similar things that can be helpful.

What is good to know about Thessaloniki?

It is well known that Thessaloniki is the second largest Greek city, but also the second most important port in Greece. Thessaloniki is the capital of Central Macedonia, the bride of the Thermaic Gulf. Geographically located at the starting point of a natural path leading from the Aegean Sea, through the valleys of the Axios River (Vardar, Morava), on the way to Central Europe. It is a central point on the route between West and East, via the Via Egnatia. These have been strong geographical and strategic factors that have continuously contributed to the economic development of the city since ancient times. Throughout its rich history, Thessaloniki has been a constant target of various peoples’ attacks, starting from the 3rd century. Goths, Avars, Slavs, Saracens, Franks, then Byzantine Thessaloniki, followed by the Ottoman rule in the city, as well as the two World Wars in 1914-1918 and 1939-1945.

All these historical changes have left their traces and consequences. These traces of the past, together with the natural beauties surrounding Thessaloniki, provide a picture of a strong Hellenistic city, with elements of the Roman era, as well as with a pronounced Byzantine and Ottoman stamp. It is impossible to visit the city and not get acquainted with this unique spirit - past and present intertwined with images, scents, and tastes of both the East and the West.

What can you visit in Thessaloniki depending on the time you have?

A visitor to Thessaloniki, depending on the time they have, can get to know the city in several ways: Regardless of how much time you have, at the very beginning of your visit to Thessaloniki, we suggest you visit the Serbian Military Cemetery - Zeitenlik. For a long time, the late Uncle Djordje, the guardian of that cemetery and its emblem, welcomed visitors and told them about the heroes, and there was no visitor who did not feel admiration while standing in front of him. This place is very significant for the history of the Serbian people.

If you have half a day to explore Thessaloniki, we suggest that after Zeitenlik, you take a walk along the old city promenade by the sea (Palia Paralia), visit the White Tower and the park around it with the monument to Alexander the Great.

At the White Tower, throughout the year, you can take a small boat that takes a panoramic tour of the Thermaic Gulf. The ticket is at least one drink (prices range from 6.50 euros for a cold frappe, while for children the drink is 2 euros), and the duration of the ride is about an hour. You can get all the information on this website.

Continue your walk through the old town of Thessaloniki - Aristotelus, Platia Elefterias, Ladadika, where you can also try Greek cuisine specialties in one of the taverns in the traditional spirit of old Thessaloniki. Some of them are: “Ladadika” tavern, “Kantouni”, “Haroupi” restaurant (with traditional flavors from Crete), “Agkalitsas” tavern (with very affordable prices and traditional cuisine). You will get to know Greek cuisine, so if you stay longer, it will be a real gastro journey through Thessaloniki.
Ladadika
In articles about the best restaurants and taverns as well as the best pastry shops and desserts that you must try, you will find out where each food is best, from our experience and the recommendation of the people of Thessaloniki.

You can continue your tour by visiting the parks and monuments of Nea Paralia (New promenade by the sea).
In that part of the city, within the streets of Vasilisis Olgas, Markou Botsari, 25th Martiou, you can visit a series of villas and buildings in the neoclassical style. One of them (Casa Bianca) is the seat of the city Gallery where you can see a valuable collection of artworks. Within the facility, there is also a café.
The address of the city Gallery is Vasilisis Olgas 162
Working hours: Tuesday-Friday 09:00-13:00, 17:00-21:00 and **Saturday-Sunday: 09:00-13:00.
Entrance is free.

In addition to this text, on our website, there are several more on the topic of Thessaloniki, and we have combined them all into one Guide to Thessaloniki.

Cultural heritage of Thessaloniki worth visiting

If you are more interested in history, religion, and museums of Thessaloniki, we suggest visiting one of the Byzantine churches:
Hagia Sophia,
Church and catacombs of Saint Demetrius - the patron saint of the city of Thessaloniki
Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos - legacy of Serbian King Milutin.
Rotunda recognizable round building in the center with a valuable early Christian fresco collection.
The churches are located in the wider city center and can all be visited on foot, with free entrance. In them, you can admire Byzantine church architecture and magnificent frescoes and mosaics.
Finally, you can also see the International Fair, with an exceptional program throughout the year. You can learn about the program on the fair’s website.

Also, the Thessaloniki university campus, where there are a large number of monuments, old and new buildings housing faculties and the headquarters of the Aristotle University, the Observatory, as well as a large number of green areas with benches and walking paths. Several small lakes, fenced, and plenty of trees. A true little oasis in the city center, as it is a 10-minute walk from the Kamara. A wonderful place for relaxation, accessible not only to students but also to all visitors.

Museums

We also recommend visiting the two main museums - the Archaeological and Byzantine. Both museums are located in the city center, a 5-minute walk from the White Tower, in the immediate vicinity of the Thessaloniki City Hall. Each of them requires about an hour or two for a visit.

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Address: Manoli Andronikou, No. 6.
Working hours are daily 8:30-15:30. The museum is closed on 25 and 26.12., 01.01., 25.03., 01.05., and on Easter day.
The full ticket price is 8 euros, reduced ticket is 4 euros. From 11.01. until 31.03., a reduced ticket price is valid for all visitors.

Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki
Address: Leoforos Stratou, No. 2.
The working hours of the museum and the White Tower are 08:30 – 15:30.
The museum is closed on: 25. and 26. 12, 01. 01, 25. 03, 01. 05. and on Easter day. Good Friday 12:00-17:00, Holy Saturday 08:00-15:00.
The full ticket price is 8 euros, reduced ticket is 4 euros. From 11.01. until 31.03., a reduced ticket price is valid for all visitors.

White Tower: full ticket price is 8 euros, reduced ticket is 4 euros. From 11.01. until 31.03., a reduced ticket price is valid for all visitors.
More about the White Tower which used to be a prison and execution site and is now a museum you can visit during your walk.

If you have a full day in Thessaloniki, you can visit something from the previous, but also Ano Poli (Upper Town), with extremely beautiful characteristic folk architecture houses and narrow streets.

Just above the Upper Town are the Byzantine walls of the Thessaloniki fortress, which end at the Eptapyrgio, from where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Thessaloniki. You can take a break and have a coffee in an authentic atmosphere there. To reach the Upper Town and the Fortress, follow the signs for Ano Poli and Eptapyrgio by car, but also by city bus (more information in the article City bus lines in Thessaloniki).

One of the places we especially recommend is the legacy of Serbian King Milutin - Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos – from Milutin’s legacy to UNESCO heritage which is also located in a beautiful place near Ano Poli.

You can also visit and walk through the forest with a thousand trees (Seih Su, or Kedrova Hill), the most popular resort and promenade for the people of Thessaloniki. Just a 15-minute drive from the city center, following the signs for Asvestohori and the Agios Paulos hospital, you can reach a viewpoint located at 450 meters above sea level and enjoy a beautiful view of the city, the Thermaic Gulf, and Mount Olympus when weather conditions allow. The network of well-maintained trails offers the opportunity for a nature walk so close to Thessaloniki.

You can also visit the Zoo (open daily from 9:00 until dusk, entrance is free), as well as Theatro Dasus - an open-air amphitheater where a series of concerts and performances are held during the summer. Seih Su is undoubtedly one of Thessaloniki’s most beautiful hidden gems, which does not require more than an hour or two to visit.

At the exit from the ring road around Thessaloniki to Agios Paulos, in the area of the same name, is the temple dedicated to Saint Paul, just above Agiasma (Holy Spring) of the Apostle Paul. This part of the city is linked to his pilgrimage when he passed through Thessaloniki in 50 AD. According to tradition, in this area, at the foot of Kedrinos hill, there was a spring of water, where the Apostle Paul refreshed himself when he stopped to rest on his way to Veria. This spring became known as the “Holy Spring of the Apostle Paul” and for centuries has been a place of worship for the faithful people. Today, on the estate of the Thessaloniki Philoptochos Brotherhood, in the shade of the impressive large temple, you can visit a small church on the site of the Holy Spring, walk through the beautifully landscaped courtyard, see the place where Apostle Paul rested during the tradition, and admire the view of the Thermaic Gulf. You can reach this place also by public transport from the city center (more information in the article City bus lines in Thessaloniki).

If you have more time, we recommend exploring the surroundings of Thessaloniki

If you have extra time, it’s worth exploring the surroundings of Thessaloniki: tourist attractions, organized day trips, and excursions. During the summer, from May to October, boats depart from the White Tower to nearby seaside suburbs in Perea: Agia Triada, Mihaniona, Epanomi, where you can also swim. The boat ride takes about 50 minutes one way.
One-way tickets are 5€, entrance is free for children up to 6 years old, while for children 6-11 years old, the ticket is 3 euros. For more information, check the website.

Thessaloniki truly offers a lot, so it’s not a bad idea to consider spending two full days in this city.

If you plan to stay longer, read our article weekend in Thessaloniki.

About 20 km from Thessaloniki is the area of the “Macedonia” International Airport, which is full of nightclubs for those looking for good fun. They are located in the wider area of the airport (the most famous is Casino Regency Thessaloniki), but also on the main road Thessaloniki-Perea, as well as near the town of Nei Epivates.

From the seaside suburbs of Thessaloniki, it is worth visiting and trying fresh fish, grilled on the barbecue, seafood, or appetizers in the famous Marina Aretsou (Kalamaria). “Aretsou” taverns, “Ta Varelakia”, “En Plo”, are just some of the taverns you can visit.
Marina Aretsou is known for its beautifully arranged yacht harbor, and anyone who has time and is a boat lover, but also likes to dream about it, can walk around here.

The mountainous suburbs of the city are also very picturesque, such as Panorama with beautiful houses and a wonderful view of the Thermaic Gulf. It is located northeast of the center of Thessaloniki at an altitude of 250 meters. Due to its location, as well as its natural beauties, it is considered one of the most privileged areas of the wider region. Trigona Panoramatos – the triangles from Panorama is a famous pastry that originates from this part of Thessaloniki, and we suggest you try it. Some of the pastry shops where you can enjoy this dessert are: “Trigona Elenidi”, “Tasos”, and “Panorama”, and for the best pastry shops and desserts, read HERE.

Enjoy Thessaloniki

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