Things to do in Thessaloniki: the waterfront, churches and the table
Thessaloniki is Greece's second city, a port with Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman layers, a long waterfront promenade and some of the best eating in the country. Two days cover the center. A third adds the museums or a day trip. The one thing to know is that the city is walkable, but its hills and traffic are not.
The short answer
- First trip
- Stay near Aristotelous Square, walk the waterfront to the White Tower, and climb to the Upper Town for the view.
- Where to stay
- The center near Aristotelous Square or Ladadika for walking and nightlife, Ano Poli for quiet and views.
- How many days
- Two to three days for the city. Add a fourth for Mount Olympus or Vergina.
- Best time to go
- April to June and September to October. July and August are hot and humid.
- Book ahead
- The Archaeological Museum's special exhibitions and tables on weekends at the popular ouzeri.
- From the airport
- Macedonia airport is about 15 km south east. The bus to the center takes about 40 minutes, a taxi 20 to 25.
Where to stay in Thessaloniki, in brief
Aristotelous Square and the center
first-timers
Flat, central and close to the waterfront, the Roman Forum and most restaurants. The main choice for a short stay. Some streets are noisy on weekends.
Ladadika
evenings and nightlife
A grid of restored warehouses by the port, full of bars and tavernas. Lively and loud on weekends.
Ano Poli, the Upper Town
views and quiet
Narrow lanes and Byzantine walls above the city. Lovely at dusk, but steep and a taxi ride from the center at night.
Kalamaria and the east waterfront
a local feel and sea air
A residential district with a long promenade and good tavernas. A bus or taxi ride from the main sights.
Things to do in Thessaloniki
White Tower of Thessaloniki
The waterfront tower is the city's emblem and now a museum of its history. Check opening days on the official site.
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Gold and finds from the Macedonian tombs, in a calm modern building. Allow two hours.
Rotunda and Arch of Galerius
A Roman monument that became a church and then a mosque. Walk through the nearby Navarinou Square.
Ano Poli and the Byzantine walls
A hillside of lanes and city walls. Walk up through Eptapyrgio and down to the center.
Museum of Byzantine Culture
A well-organized museum of Byzantine art, opposite the White Tower.
Church of Agios Dimitrios
A major Byzantine church with a crypt and mosaics. Dress modestly.
Waterfront promenade
A long flat walk from the port to the White Tower and on to the Nea Paralia. Best at sunset.
Modiano and Kapani markets
Two historic covered markets for fish, spices and street snacks. Go in the morning.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Thessaloniki can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Thessaloniki, and which to pick- Dinner at a busy ouzeri on a weekenda few days ahead
The well-known places fill, and the better tables go early.
- Day trips to Vergina or Mount Olympusa week ahead in summer
Tours run in small groups and sell out.
What to skip in Thessaloniki
- Eating on the waterfront strip near the White Tower
It is priced for views. Walk to Ladadika or the side streets for better food.
- Driving in the center
Traffic and parking are poor. Walk, take a taxi or use the bus.
Best time to visit Thessaloniki
April to June and September to October are the best months, with warm days and a lively city. The Thessaloniki International Film Festival and the Thessaloniki International Fair run in autumn.
July and August are hot and humid and some independent places shut for holidays. Winter is cool and quiet, with the food still good.
- From Macedonia airportThe city bus takes about 40 minutes. A taxi to the center takes 20 to 25 minutes.
- In the centerWalk. Taxis are cheap and plentiful for the Upper Town and the east.
- Buses and the metroThe city's metro line opened in 2024. Buses cover the rest and are useful for Kalamaria.
Thessaloniki in three days
- Day 1
White Tower and the waterfront, Museum of Byzantine Culture, lunch at Modiano. Evening in Ladadika.
- Day 2
Archaeological Museum, then Rotunda and Arch of Galerius. Climb to Ano Poli for sunset.
- Day 3
Church of Agios Dimitrios, a long promenade walk, and a late lunch of meze.
Day trips from Thessaloniki
- VerginaThe Macedonian royal tombs, about an hour and a half by car or bus.
- Mount Olympus and LitochoroA mountain village at the foot of Olympus, about 1 hour 20 minutes by car or bus.
Thessaloniki: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Thessaloniki?
Two days cover the main sights and the food. A third day lets you slow down and add museums or the Upper Town.
Where should I stay in Thessaloniki?
Near Aristotelous Square or in Ladadika for walking distance to most things. Ano Poli if you want quiet and views.
Is Thessaloniki safe and walkable?
Yes. The center is flat and the waterfront is pleasant at night. Keep to the usual city care.
What is the best time to visit Thessaloniki?
April to June and September to October. The weather is warm and the city is lively.
Is Thessaloniki worth visiting?
Yes, especially for food, Byzantine churches and the waterfront. It is less crowded than Athens.