Thessaloniki holidays
Still a bit under the radar, Greece’s second-largest city has a rich, multicultural heritage spanning four empires. The best holidays to Thessaloniki toggle between Byzantine monuments — like the 15th-century White Tower — and a buzzing seaside promenade full of cafes, bars and prime-time people-watching. Throw in epic day trips to Mount Olympus and an exploding food scene, and you’ll see why this charming port town is quickly making a name for itself.
Thessaloniki holiday highlights
GNTO/H. Kakarouhas
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 a cheap holiday to Thessaloniki, make your way to historical attractions on foot. Take a classic holiday pic 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 budget-friendly 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
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Photographer name
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
Things to do in Thessaloniki
GNTO/H. Kakarouhas
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.
Plan your holiday to Thessaloniki
FAQs about Thessaloniki holidays
Many conversations will be in Greek. Picking up a few local expressions can be an easy way to start conversations and connect with people during your city break in Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki’s average high temperatures rise above 25°C in May and remain there through to September. July and August are the driest months and the best time to visit Thessaloniki for beaches, outdoor attractions, and alfresco dining and nightlife.
January brings the coolest weather for a Thessaloniki holiday. Plan your trip then and you'll find lows of -2ºC (28ºF).
The official currency in Thessaloniki is the euro (EUR). It's wise to carry a small amount of cash during your trip to Thessaloniki, but digital payments and cards are generally accepted.
August is the hottest month in Thessaloniki, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 34ºC (93ºF).
You can generally expect your holiday to Thessaloniki to be an exciting and safe experience, especially if you're sticking to the popular tourist spots. However, it's always smart to take some precautions to ensure a smooth trip. For example, keep your valuables safe and secure, stay alert to your surroundings, and stick to well-lit areas after dark.
While a weekend getaway might be tempting if you want to sample the food and nightlife, it’s worth setting aside five days or more to delve deeper into the museums and surrounding nature areas.
From Arch of Galerius to Aristotelous Square, this city is filled with experiences worth your time. Start the countdown to your next adventure by making a list of the best things to do in Thessaloniki.
With an average rainfall of 7 cm, March is the rainiest month to go on a Thessaloniki holiday. When the clouds roll in, venture indoors and make the most of the city's restaurants, shops, museums and more.
The time of year you go, how you get there, and where you stay will influence what you spend on your city break in Thessaloniki. If you want to keep costs low, keep an eye out for special offers or last-minute deals on Thessaloniki flights and hotels. Travelling on weekdays and using frequent flyer miles can also help you save.
Dress for the balmy weather with light, casual clothing in the summer high season. Carry a jacket for when it gets cooler in spring and autumn. For Thessaloniki’s winter festivities, pack suitable clothes for average daily highs of around 10°C and lows of 2°C.
More holiday inspiration
How to get cheap last-minute flights
How to get a flight upgrade
How to search for multi-city flights on Skyscanner
Plan your holiday to Thessaloniki
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