Thessaloniki

Travel Guide
Thessaloniki which includes a sunset, general coastal views 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 savoury or sweet filling, at one of the city’s numerous bougatsa stores. 

Savour 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-kilometre) seaside promenade. Cruise the harbour 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 kilometres) of the city centre.

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 kilometres) south of the city. Alternatively, make the 320-mile (516-kilometre) 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

4.5/5(94 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Thessaloniki City Centre, Tsimiski Street and Church of Hagia Sophia are top sights worth seeing.

Thessaloniki City Centre
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Old Town Thessaloniki

5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Old Town Thessaloniki
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Ladadika

5/5(3 area reviews)

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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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
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Vardaris

3/5(9 area reviews)

Check out the shopping, bars and spas while spending some time in Vardaris. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like Port of Thessaloniki Passenger Terminal or Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki.

Vardaris
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Chinatown

When in Chinatown, you can plan a visit to Port of Thessaloniki Passenger Terminal and Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Chinatown
Colors Urban Hotel Thessaloniki
Colors Urban Hotel Thessaloniki
4 out of 5
13 Tsimiski Street, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia
The price is RM354 per night from 6 Jun to 7 Jun
RM354
per night
6 Jun - 7 Jun
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (405 reviews)
"The property has a good location. We really liked breakfast and the beds and rooms were very comfortable. I would have preferred a nicer bathroom... but what was there was acceptable and clean."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Colors Urban Hotel Thessaloniki
Electra Palace Thessaloniki
Electra Palace Thessaloniki
5 out of 5
9, Aristotelous Square, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM909 per night from 29 May to 30 May
RM909
per night
29 May - 30 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free breakfast, a full-service spa, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"N/A"

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

Electra Palace Thessaloniki
MonAsty, Thessaloniki, Autograph Collection
MonAsty, Thessaloniki, Autograph Collection
5 out of 5
45 VASSILEOS IRAKLEIOU ST, Thessaloniki
The price is RM757 per night from 26 May to 27 May
RM757
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Aristotelous Square and White ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
"Amazing service Incredible design Fabulous Comfort Superb Cleanliness Location Location Location Parking challenging at first but with staff just great … Extra cost though …"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

MonAsty, Thessaloniki, Autograph Collection
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.
Taskou Luxury Suites
Taskou Luxury Suites
3.5 out of 5
12 Taskou Papageorgiou, Thessaloniki
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Aristotelous Square and White ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (7 reviews)
Great choice
"Great location; spotless room; great for late check-in; very comfortable"

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2024

Taskou Luxury Suites
Thess Residences
Thess Residences
4 out of 5
Gladstonos 20, Thessaloniki
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour business center. Popular attractions Aristotelous Square ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (95 reviews)
Thessaloniki Favorite!
"Cheerful staff. Clean, well-appointed apartments. Safe and tidy. Great common areas. Good neighborhood. All around excellent stay."

Reviewed on 20 May 2024

Thess Residences
City Plaza Apartments & Rooms
City Plaza Apartments & Rooms
3 out of 5
3 Gimnasiarchou Mpountona E, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Thessaloniki. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Aristotelous Square and White Tower ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (79 reviews)
"The buildings across the street are abandoned and covered with graffiti giving the neighborhood a rough appearance. But once inside the hotel was clean, modern and inviting. The room as small but sufficient. The staff was helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2023

City Plaza Apartments & Rooms
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 65.38461538461539%
4 - Good
24
" "4 - Good 30.76923076923077%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 3.8461538461538463%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
29 Jan 2020

Lovely vibrant city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Jan 2020

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
4 Jan 2020

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
29 Dec 2019

Traffic jams and overall transport system very poor

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Oct 2019

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
22 Oct 2019

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.