Thessaloniki Travel Guide

The White Tower stands at the edge of the Thermaic Gulf promenade, with the Nea Paralia walk stretching south from it.

Neighbourhoods With Kids In The Rain At Night Right Now When To Go

Things To Do In Thessaloniki: The Short List

From the White Tower on the waterfront to the Rotunda and the Arch of Galerius on Egnatia, the main sights sit close together across the centre.

White Tower in Thessaloniki, Greece White TowerThe White Tower is a museum monument on the city waterfront. Rotunda in Thessaloniki, Greece RotundaThe Rotunda is one of the fifteen Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki inscribed by UNESCO in 1988. Arch Of Galerius in Thessaloniki, Greece Arch Of GaleriusThe Arch of Galerius stands on Egnatia as an open-air monument and is free to view at any time. Church Of Saint Demetrius in Thessaloniki, Greece Church Of Saint DemetriusThe Church of Saint Demetrius is a working church with free entry and hours that follow the liturgical schedule. Archaeological Museum in Thessaloniki, Greece Archaeological MuseumThe Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is the state museum of archaeology. Aristotelous Square in Thessaloniki, Greece Aristotelous SquareAristotelous Square is the city's central square and the reference point for road distances across this guide. Nea Paralia in Thessaloniki, Greece Nea ParaliaNea Paralia is a promenade along the waterfront; for swimming, visitors go to Perea, 23 km by road. Hagia Sophia in Thessaloniki, Greece Hagia SophiaHagia Sophia is a working church with free entry, open outside service hours.

Thessaloniki Neighbourhoods At A Glance

Four parts of the city worth a day between them, from the old streets of Ano Poli to the seafront of Kalamaria.

1Morning
Ano Poli in Thessaloniki, Greece

Ano Poli

Ano Poli is the old upper town of Thessaloniki, sitting 1.4 km straight-line from Aristotelous Square within the former walled city.

2Midday
Ladadika in Thessaloniki, Greece

Ladadika

Ladadika is a district of low buildings and eating places just 0.5 km straight-line west of Aristotelous Square, near the old port end of the centre.

3Afternoon
City Centre in Thessaloniki, Greece

City Centre

The city centre around Aristotelous Square holds the main shops, the waterfront and sights such as the White Tower within a short walk of each other.

4Evening
Kalamaria in Thessaloniki, Greece

Kalamaria

Kalamaria is a seaside district 5.9 km straight-line southeast of Aristotelous Square, reached since 2026 by the metro extension.

Guided walking tour group passing the White Tower on the Thessaloniki waterfront.
3-Hour Guided City Walk 4.9 from 34 reviews · from $67
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13,783 traveller reviewsacross 46 checked tours
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Thessaloniki Tours Worth Booking

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A starting six, chosen from the best-reviewed tours here. Answer below and the list rebuilds around you.

  1. Full-Day Bus Trip to Meteora 11 hours from $62 ★ 4.8 4,426 Check availability
  2. Pozar Baths and Edessa 10 hours from $55 ★ 4.8 1,539 Check availability
  3. Dion and Mount Olympus Park 10 hours from $55 ★ 4.6 1,286 Check availability
  4. OTE Tower, Light Meal Included 1.5 - 2 hours from $22 ★ 4.6 1,051 Check availability
  5. Vergina and Pella Day Trip 8.5 hours from $55 ★ 4.7 881 Check availability
  6. Hop-On Bus, One-Day Ticket 1 day from $19 ★ 4.2 760 Check availability
  7. Blue Lagoon Cruise, Lunch Included 10 hours from $74 ★ 4.4 390 Check availability
  8. Hop-On Bus, Multilingual Audio 1 day from $19 ★ 4.1 332 Check availability
  9. Meteora Day Trip, English Guide 11 hours from $51 ★ 4.7 294 Check availability
  10. Chef Tour, Tastings and Drinks 4 hours from $89 ★ 5 256 Check availability
  11. Open Market Tastings 3 hours from $50 ★ 4.8 229 Check availability
  12. Philippi, Kavala, Beach Stop 10.5 hours from $44 ★ 4.7 211 Check availability
  13. Museum of Illusions Entry 1 day from $12 ★ 4.3 179 Check availability
  14. Private Walk with a Local 2 - 6 hours from $54 ★ 4.4 166 Check availability
  15. E-Bike Neighborhood Tour 2.5 - 3 hours from $56 ★ 4.7 113 Check availability
  16. Local Guide, Monastery Interiors 1 day from $99 ★ 4.6 103 Check availability
  17. Private Kassandra Beaches Trip 7.5 hours from $84 ★ 4.3 103 Check availability
  18. Bike Tour, White Tower Route 3 hours from $47 ★ 4.8 99 Check availability
  19. Private Meteora with Transfer 10 hours from $502 ★ 4.9 98 Check availability
  20. 4-Hour Food Tour with a Chef 4 hours from $91 ★ 5 95 Check availability
  21. Classic Highlights, Private Guide 4 to 6 hours from $68 ★ 4.9 82 Check availability
  22. Vergina Tombs and Edessa Falls 10 hours from $47 ★ 4.7 82 Check availability
  23. Sailing Cruise to Shipwreck Bay 6 hours from $108 ★ 4.9 70 Check availability
  24. 2-Hour Sights and Hidden Gems 2 hours from $39 ★ 4 68 Check availability
  25. Feast of Local Delicacies 3 hours from $87 ★ 5 65 Check availability
  26. Private Philippi and Kavala 8 hours from $251 ★ 4.8 64 Check availability
  27. Aigai Tombs, 5-Hour Day Trip 5 hours from $123 ★ 4.7 61 Check availability
  28. Street Food with Local Guide 3 hours from $102 ★ 4.9 55 Check availability
  29. Traditional Greek Food Tour 3 hours from $97 ★ 4.9 54 Check availability
  30. Upper Town History Walk 3 hours from $125 ★ 5 49 Check availability
  31. Olympus Lagoons Nature Trip 4 hours from $87 ★ 5 49 Check availability
  32. Small-Group Meteora, 9 Hours 9 hours from $184 ★ 5 48 Check availability
  33. Private Jewish Heritage, 4 Hours 4 hours from $239 ★ 4.9 48 Check availability
  34. Aigai Tombs and Pella with Pickup 5 to 8 hours from $125 ★ 4.3 37 Check availability
  35. Small-Group Wine Tasting, Appetizers 2.5 hours from $94 ★ 4.9 35 Check availability
  36. 3-Hour Guided City Walk 3 hours from $67 ★ 4.9 34 Check availability
  37. Home Cooking with Greek Family 2 hours 30 minutes from $90 ★ 5 33 Check availability
  38. Apostle Paul Story Walk 2 hours from $89 ★ 4.9 33 Check availability
  39. Lokafyer Walk, Tailored Itinerary 2 to 6 hours from $55 ★ 4.6 33 Check availability
  40. Mythology and Botany Walk 3 hours from $48 ★ 4.8 30 Check availability
  41. Winery Visit, Cruise Friendly 3 hours from $113 ★ 4.8 29 Check availability
  42. Shore Excursion, Port Pickup 5 hours from $56 ★ 4.4 29 Check availability
  43. Sunset Highlights Walk 3 hours from $55 ★ 4.9 26 Check availability
  44. Cooking Class, Market, Lunch 3.5 hours from $103 ★ 4.9 17 Check availability
  45. Gerovassiliou Winery Tasting 3 hours from $88 ★ 5 13 Check availability
  46. Free Tip-Based Walk 2 hours Tip-based, no fixed price ★ 4.64 28 See this free tour on GuruWalk

Thessaloniki At Night

Evenings in Thessaloniki begin along the waterfront promenade and in the Ladadika district, where the city's night life is concentrated.

Thessaloniki Nightlife in Thessaloniki, GreeceThessaloniki NightlifeEvening options cluster in the Ladadika district by the waterfront. Ladadika in Thessaloniki, GreeceLadadikaA historic district near the port, with lanes that fill with tables and music after dark. Nea Paralia in Thessaloniki, GreeceNea ParaliaA promenade along the waterfront used for evening walks, not swimming.
Guided walking tour of Thessaloniki covering the main sights and ending at sunset, lasting three hours.Bookable TourSunset Highlights Walk4.9 from 26 reviews · from $55Check availability
Aristotelous Square in Thessaloniki, Greece Nea Paralia promenade in Thessaloniki, Greece

Free Things To Do In Thessaloniki

Much of Thessaloniki costs nothing: Aristotelous Square, the Nea Paralia promenade and the lanes of Ano Poli, plus churches that are free to enter.

Aristotelous Square Nea Paralia Ano Poli All Free Things To Do
Free walking tour group with a local guide in Thessaloniki
Free Tip-Based Walk 4.6 from 28 reviews · free, pay what you want
See this free tour on GuruWalk

Food And Evening In Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Start with bougatsa in the morning, shop at Modiano and Kapani markets, then walk the Nea Paralia as the evening sets in.

Market stall counter with trays of pastries, olives and fresh produce in warm morning light, Thessaloniki What To Eat Bougatsa for breakfast, market snacks at Modiano and Kapani, fresh fish, and sweets with coffee. Square of hot custard bougatsa dusted with sugar and cinnamon on a white saucer at a bakery counter, Thessaloniki Bougatsa Bougatsa is a filo pastry filled with warm custard, cheese or minced meat, dusted with sugar and cinnamon. Evening taverna table with small plates and glasses under warm lamplight in a cobbled lane, Thessaloniki Thessaloniki Restaurants Tavernas in Ladadika and Kapani serve seafood, meze and grilled meats, from midday into the night.

Thessaloniki On The Map

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Click the map to zoom with the scroll wheel. Numbers match the list.

  1. Aristotelous SquareAristotelous Square, the city centre
  2. White TowerLandmark · 920 m from the Aristotelous Square
  3. RotundaLandmark · 1 km from the Aristotelous Square
  4. Arch of GaleriusLandmark · 920 m from the Aristotelous Square
  5. Palace of GaleriusLandmark · 740 m from the Aristotelous Square
  6. Roman AgoraLandmark · 730 m from the Aristotelous Square
  7. Hagia SophiaLandmark · 520 m from the Aristotelous Square
  8. Church of Saint DemetriusLandmark · 920 m from the Aristotelous Square
  9. Panagia AcheiropoietosLandmark · 660 m from the Aristotelous Square
  10. Hosios DavidLandmark · 1.4 km from the Aristotelous Square
  11. Church of the Holy ApostlesLandmark · 1.2 km from the Aristotelous Square
  12. HeptapyrgionLandmark · 2.2 km from the Aristotelous Square
  13. Trigonion TowerLandmark · 1.9 km from the Aristotelous Square
  14. Vlatadon MonasteryLandmark · 1.6 km from the Aristotelous Square
  15. Bey HamamLandmark · 520 m from the Aristotelous Square
  16. BezesteniLandmark · 470 m from the Aristotelous Square
  17. Modiano MarketLandmark · 300 m from the Aristotelous Square
  18. Kapani MarketLandmark · 430 m from the Aristotelous Square
  19. Yeni MosqueLandmark · 2.3 km from the Aristotelous Square
  20. Hamza Bey MosqueLandmark · 580 m from the Aristotelous Square
  21. Alaca ImaretLandmark · 1.1 km from the Aristotelous Square
  22. Nea ParaliaLandmark · 2.2 km from the Aristotelous Square
  23. Umbrellas SculptureLandmark · 1.5 km from the Aristotelous Square
  24. Statue of Alexander the GreatLandmark · 1.2 km from the Aristotelous Square
  25. Port of ThessalonikiTransport · 620 m from the Aristotelous Square
  26. Archaeological Museum of ThessalonikiMuseum · 1.4 km from the Aristotelous Square
  27. Museum of Byzantine CultureMuseum · 1.5 km from the Aristotelous Square
  28. Jewish Museum of ThessalonikiMuseum · 340 m from the Aristotelous Square
  29. Ataturk MuseumMuseum · 1.2 km from the Aristotelous Square
  30. Thessaloniki Museum of PhotographyMuseum · 470 m from the Aristotelous Square
  31. Teloglion FoundationMuseum · 1.7 km from the Aristotelous Square
  32. Museum of the Macedonian StruggleMuseum · 280 m from the Aristotelous Square
  33. Thessaloniki Concert HallLandmark · 3.9 km from the Aristotelous Square
  34. Seich Sou ForestPark · 5.7 km from the Aristotelous Square
  35. LadadikaNeighbourhood · 450 m from the Aristotelous Square
  36. Ano PoliNeighbourhood · 1.4 km from the Aristotelous Square
  37. KalamariaNeighbourhood · 5.9 km from the Aristotelous Square
  38. ValaoritouNeighbourhood · 590 m from the Aristotelous Square
  39. Navarinou SquareNeighbourhood · 690 m from the Aristotelous Square
  40. ToumbaNeighbourhood · 3.4 km from the Aristotelous Square
  41. Thessaloniki Railway StationTransport · 1.6 km from the Aristotelous Square
  42. KTEL Macedonia Bus StationTransport · 4.1 km from the Aristotelous Square
  43. Agios Nikolaos OrfanosLandmark · 1.4 km from the Aristotelous Square
  44. PanoramaNeighbourhood · 9.2 km from the Aristotelous Square

Day Trips From Thessaloniki: Halkidiki, Vergina, Mount Olympus

Thessaloniki sits close to Halkidiki's beaches and to the ancient sites of Macedonia, with Mount Olympus and Meteora reachable on a long day trip by road.

Halkidiki in Thessaloniki, GreeceBeaches

Halkidiki

Halkidiki starts about 60 km from Aristotelous Square, roughly an hour by road without traffic, with Nea Moudania the gateway to the peninsulas.

4.3 from 103 reviews · from $84Check availability
Vergina in Thessaloniki, GreeceRoyal Tombs

Vergina

Vergina (Aigai), the royal Macedonian tombs, lies 68 km by road from Aristotelous Square, about an hour's drive without traffic.

4.7 from 881 reviews · from $55Check availability
Mount Olympus in Thessaloniki, GreeceMountain

Mount Olympus

The Dion archaeological park and the Mount Olympus area lie about 107 km by road from Aristotelous Square, roughly an hour and a half without traffic.

10-hour tour · 4.6 from 1,286 reviews · from $55Check availability
Meteora in Thessaloniki, GreeceMonasteries

Meteora

Meteora is a long day trip: 227.5 km by road from Aristotelous Square, about two and a half hours each way without traffic.

11-hour tour · 4.8 from 4,426 reviews · from $62Check availability

All Thessaloniki Day Trips

Thessaloniki Right Now: Weather And Golden Hour

At the last check, on 1 November, the forecast for Thessaloniki was 14°C with heavy rain. Sunset was at 17:24, so golden hour along the seafront and over the Thermaic Gulf began at about 16:24.

Forecast, Aristotelous Square
14°C
heavy rain, cloud 98%
Sunrise and sunset
06:58 / 17:24
1 November, local time
Golden hour
from 16:24
about an hour before sunset

Weather data from MET Norway (Locationforecast 2.0 and Sunrise 3.0, Norwegian Meteorological Institute), under NLOD 2.0 / CC BY 4.0. A forecast-model value for the grid point at Aristotelous Square, not a thermometer reading.

When To Visit Thessaloniki, Month By Month

The chart below shows monthly average high and low temperatures and rainfall recorded at the HNMS Thessaloniki Mikra station over the period 1959 to 2010.

The whole year brings Thessaloniki about 444.5 mm of rain. December is the wettest month at 55.1 mm over 12.7 rainy days, while August, the driest, gets 19.3 mm over 5.1 days, so the wettest month sees about 2.9 times the rain of the driest. July is the hottest month, with a mean daily high of 31.7 C. These are station averages for 1959-2010 at the airport, on the coast about 12 km from the city centre.

Jan: 5.4℃Feb: 6.8℃Mar: 9.8℃Apr: 14.3℃May: 19.9℃Jun: 24.7℃Jul: 26.9℃Aug: 26.4℃Sep: 21.9℃Oct: 16.5℃Nov: 11.3℃Dec: 7℃ 03570 0°18°35° JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec Rain mm Temp ℃
  • Monthly rainfall (mm)
  • Mean temperature (°C)
Station averages for 1959-2010 from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), Thessaloniki Mikra airport station on the coast: July is warmest at 26.9°C average, January coldest at 5.4°C, December wettest at 55.1 mm and August driest at 19.3 mm, 444.5 mm across the year.
MonthMean tempMean highMean lowRainfall
January5.4°C9.3°C1.5°C37.7 mm
February6.8°C11°C2.3°C35 mm
March9.8°C14.3°C4.7°C37.9 mm
April14.3°C19.1°C7.9°C36.1 mm
May19.9°C24.6°C12.6°C44.2 mm
June24.7°C29.4°C17°C29.8 mm
July26.9°C31.7°C19.3°C23.8 mm
August26.4°C31.4°C19.1°C19.3 mm
September21.9°C27.1°C15.4°C29.8 mm
October16.5°C21.2°C11.3°C43 mm
November11.3°C15.5°C7.1°C52.8 mm
December7°C10.9°C3.2°C55.1 mm

Data: Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), Thessaloniki Mikra station, 1959-2010.

Where To Stay In Thessaloniki

Three parts of the city cover most needs: Ladadika and the port, Aristotelous Square and the centre, and the seafront east of the White Tower.

Ladadika And The Port in Thessaloniki, Greece

Ladadika And The Port

Best For Evenings Out

Old merchant quarter by the port, with boutique hotels in 19th-century buildings, nightlife on the doorstep and Aristotelous Square a short walk away.

Where To Stay In Thessaloniki
Aristotelous Square And The Centre in Thessaloniki, Greece

Aristotelous Square And The Centre

Best For A First Visit

The city's central square, with hotels directly on or within 200 m of it, rooftop dining and quick access to shops and sights.

Where To Stay In Thessaloniki
The Seafront in Thessaloniki, Greece

The Seafront

Best For Waterfront Walks

Hotels along the Thermaic Gulf with sea-facing rooms, including a five-star on Megalou Alexandrou Avenue east of the centre.

Where To Stay In Thessaloniki

Getting To Thessaloniki From The Airport And The Train Station

1

16.4 Km From The Centre

Thessaloniki Airport "Makedonia" (SKG), run by Fraport Greece, sits 16.4 km from Aristotelous Square, about 20 minutes away by road.

2

OASTH Airport Buses

OASTH airport lines are the X1 from KTEL, X2 from Nea Elvetia Metro Station and X3 from Mikra Metro Station, with the N1 night line from KTEL.

3

Metro Fares And Hours

A metro ticket costs EUR 0.60 (EUR 0.30 reduced) and a 24-hour unlimited metro ticket EUR 2.50; trains run 05:15-00:30 Sunday to Thursday and 05:15-02:00 Friday and Saturday.

4

The Train Station

Hellenic Train connects Thessaloniki with Athens and northern destinations such as Larissa, Litochoro, Katerini, Veria, Edessa and Florina; times and fares are on the operator's site.

5

The KTEL Bus Stations

KTEL Macedonia intercity buses leave from Giannitson street in Menemeni, 4.0 km from the centre, while KTEL Chalkidiki serves Halkidiki from the 9th km of the road to Nea Moudania.

6

Greece Uses The Euro

Greece has used the euro since joining the euro area on 1 January 2001, with euro notes and coins circulating from 1 January 2002.

Thessaloniki Planning Guides

Thessaloniki Airport To City Centre Best Time To Visit Thessaloniki Getting Around Thessaloniki Thessaloniki Museums Byzantine Churches Of Thessaloniki Thessaloniki On A Budget
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