Travel to Thessaloniki

Travellers and cabin class

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 travel 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 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.

Thessaloniki day trips

It’s less than two hours by road to each of the region’s three top attractions. Grab your binoculars, and drive to Lake Kerkini for some of Europe’s best birdwatching. Explore history and myth at the home of the gods, Mount Olympus. After those adventures, a soak in the Pozar Thermal Baths will be welcome relief for tired muscles.

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

The attractions in Thessaloniki make it an ideal holiday destination for groups, families and couples looking for a city break. Sample the shopping, enjoy adventures on the water, or simply lie back and appreciate the ocean views.

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.