Your guide to Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki highlights
Drinks after dark
Even short breaks to Thessaloniki should work in a little nightlife. Start at a Mitropoleos Street meze bar for drinks and small plates before joining the city’s movers and shakers at tavernas in the Ladadika area. For something a little more low-key, stroll along the waterfront past the White Tower and Aristotelous Square.
Historical walks
For an affordable visit to Thessaloniki, make your way to historical attractions on foot. Take a classic photo in front of the White Tower, the city's most famous landmark. From there, it’s a short walk to the Archaeological Museum and the Roman-era Rotunda. Hop on a bus to the hilltop Trigoniou Tower. It’s worth the trip for the views of the city.
Hot springs and waterfalls
Pozar Thermal Baths are a network of natural hot springs, pools, and waterfalls set amid a lush forest less than 70 miles from the city. Part of the historic Pella district, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, these mineral-rich waters are famed for their healing properties. Make time to stop at nearby Edessa, the ‘city of water,’ known for its many gushing waterfalls and springs.
Thessaloniki: Know before you go
| Language | Greek |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST) |
| High season | July - August |
| Low season | January - February |
Find the best time to go to Thessaloniki
Weather in Thessaloniki
March – May: Spring is a great time to visit Thessaloniki. The beaches are uncrowded, and bright blooms line the streets. Days can reach 24°C in May.
June – August: You can bank on hot, sunny days with temps reaching the low 30s°C. Hit the beach in the early morning or late afternoon, and duck into tavernas to escape the midday heat.
September – November: Summer weather lingers into September but cools off in late autumn. This is high time for exploring ancient ruins.
December – February: Winters are mild, with daytime highs of around 10°C. Enjoy bustling Christmas markets, and be sure to pack warm layers.
Events in Thessaloniki
Street Mode (September): Over one long weekend, this Greek city shows off its urban side. Enjoy a lively celebration of street culture that includes graffiti, breakdancing, hip-hop, skateboarding and even parkour.
Thessaloniki International Film Festival (November): This long-running annual festival showcases the best in Greek, Balkan and international cinema over 11 days of screenings. Tickets sell fast, so book in advance.
Dimitria (September to November): In honour of Thessaloniki’s patron saint, the city organises a large procession through the streets. The event has blossomed into a month-long party, with theatre shows, art exhibitions and live musical performances.
The best neighbourhoods in Thessaloniki
Ano Poli
Thessaloniki’s Old Town sits on a hill surrounded by Byzantine-era walls and dotted with stone homes. Settle in at cafes and pubs for shots of ouzo and local delicacies like ‘soutzoukakia’, a hearty meatball curry. The hilltop location makes this the best area to stay in Thessaloniki for views of the city and the sea.
Good for: Cafes, pubs, city views
Malakopi
If you love the outdoors, you might consider basing yourself in this leafy, central neighbourhood. Most attractions are within walking distance of Elaiorema, a large urban park with fields and trails. After sunset, wander down to the Malakopi Arcade. This ornate former home to the city’s elites is now the heart of a lively nightlife scene.
Good for: Parks, trails, bar-hopping
Agia Triada
This tiny district in the heart of the city feels like a self-contained village where everything is conveniently located, including the sea, which is just steps away. In summer, tour the shoreside gardens, and browse a collection of independent shops and first-rate tavernas. You’ll also be within walking distance of top attractions like the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Culture.
Good for: Museums, gardens, restaurants
Things to do in Thessaloniki
Family friendly things to do
If you're travelling with the kids, choose from a long list of fun things to do with family in Thessaloniki. People of all ages love taking a cruise on a ‘karavakia’, a boat decorated with lights at Christmas. More in the mood for summer thrills? Spend a day speeding down the slides at Waterland. Curious kids love the interactive exhibits at the NOESIS Science Centre & Technology Museum.
Shopping
Your shopping experience in Thessaloniki might focus on everything from luxury brands and local designs to souvenirs and antiques. If you’re a fashionista, check out Tsimiski for local labels and Proxenou Koromila for Louis Vuitton and other high-end brands. Visit the Kapani Market to find vats of glistening Greek olives, the perfect souvenir.
Take in the culture
The Archaeological Museum and Museum of Byzantine Culture top many itineraries, but these headliners are just the start. A closer look at the museums in Thessaloniki reveals other lesser-known gems worth exploring. Don’t miss the excellent Olympic Museum, the MOMus Museum of Photography, or the Seikilo museum, which is dedicated to ancient musical instruments and Greek mythology.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Thessaloniki is famous far and wide. Be ready to occupy the dance floor at the nightclubs around Tsimiski Street. Or skip the dress code and hit any of the wine bars or cocktail bars in the neighbourhoods. Mingle with locals and tourists at the tavernas in the Old Town. Later, watch bands take the stage in the Bit Bazaar area, and cap the night with alfresco drinking along the waterfront.
Places to eat
Greeks take dining out seriously, and Thessaloniki is no exception. On your way to exploring the city in the morning, grab sesame-covered ‘koulouri’ (bread rings) or ‘bougatsa’ (custard-filled pastry) from street vendors. For lunch and dinner, try modern Greek cuisine in restaurant and hotel dining rooms in the city centre and Ladadika areas. Waterfront Kalamaria is the neighbourhood for seafood feasts.
Free things to do
Thrifty travellers will find plenty of free things to do in Thessaloniki. Photograph the city’s most famous sites, the White Tower and the Arch of Galerius, at dusk for a guaranteed screen saver. Keep your wallet in your pocket, and simply enjoy the bustling atmosphere at Modiano Market. Stroll the waterfront at sunset, or visit some of the many UNESCO-listed churches, like the Church of St Dimitrios.
Get ready for Thessaloniki
Budget
Visiting Thessaloniki on a budget is doable with a few travel hacks. Book in the shoulder months (May and October), take advantage of affordable transport and enjoy street food like ‘souvlaki’ (grilled meat skewers). Expect to pay around €15 for dinner, €5 for a beer and under €4 for a cappuccino. A short taxi ride costs about €6.
Day trips from Thessaloniki
Grab your binoculars and drive 90 minutes north to Lake Kerkini for some of Europe’s best birdwatching. Or explore history and myth at the home of the gods, Mount Olympus, just 90 minutes south. For a laid-back day trip, head into the hills of northern Greece to taste world-renowned reds in the Naoussa wine region.
Getting around Thessaloniki
It’s possible to explore Thessaloniki on foot. But you could also ride the city’s OASTH bus system. Line 50 runs hourly and has more than a dozen stops that bring you to the area’s biggest attractions. Buy tickets at self-serve kiosks and mini-marts. If you’re planning to take a day trip or two, consider hiring a car.
FAQs about visiting Thessaloniki
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