Best Places to Visit in Thessaloniki

It is so easy to fall in love with Thessaloniki thanks to the wonderful cuisine, rich history, and pristine beaches. This vibrant Greek city has plenty to offer when it comes to tourist attractions, with monumental structures and landmarks gloriously erected across its land. During the day, you can explore the city and go back in time, and by night, you are invited to dine and wine at quaint eateries.

When in Greece, forget about thrilling adventurous activities. You are here to appreciate the cultures and of course, to create endless content for your social media feed! Here are the best places you can visit in Thessaloniki, Greece!

Read also: Things to Do in Kos Island, Greece

Best Places to Visit Thessaloniki, Greece

Best Places to Visit in Thessaloniki, Greece

The White Tower

The White Tower is Thessaloniki's most iconic landmark. It can easily be spotted when you take a leisurely walk along the seaside promenade. Built in 1530 by the Ottoman Turks, this massive tower was formerly a jail. Known locally as Lefkós Pyrgos, it is located in a small public park at the southern end of the promenade, and was previously a part of the town's Ottoman-era walls. There is an observation deck at the top of the monument, which provides a breath-taking view of the city and the adjacent port.

Address: Nikis Avenue 01, Thessaloniki 546 21, Greece.

Entrance fees: €3 (adults), €2 (senior citizens and students), free for visitors under 18 years old

Opening hours: 8.30am – 3.30pm

Contact number: +30-231 026 7832

The White Tower in Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki Waterfront

In the evening, you can stroll along the redeveloped waterfront of the city. There is a 5-kilometre-long seaside promenade here, where you can see many locals jogging or just lounging with their loved ones. This promenade, which connects to the Photography Museum, the White Tower, and the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, was refurbished a few years ago. There are several popular pubs and restaurants along the beach which makes it a lively spot for you to hang out or grab a drink!

Address: Aggelaki 13, Thessaloniki 546 21, Greece.

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Umbrellas by George Zongolopoulos is the most well-known landmark at the Thessaloniki Waterfront

Thessaloniki Waterfront is a place to discover the city's artistic heritage

Rotunda of Galerius

Also known as the Saint George's Church, the Rotunda of Galerius is the most spectacular historical landmark in Thessaloniki. It spans over 24 metres in circumference and 30 metres in height, and it features a cylindrical dome that is reminiscent of the Rome's Pantheon. Beautiful mosaics adorn the dome and the arched recesses on the inside. You can also see exquisite representations of angels and architectural facades on a gold backdrop underneath the dome.

Address: Platia Agiou Georgiou Rotonta 5, Thessaloniki 546 35, Greece

Entrance fee: €2

Opening hours: 8am–8pm

Contact number: +30 231 020 4868

Rotunda of Galerius in Thessaloniki, Greece

Church of Agios Dimitrios

The Agios Dimitrios Church is devoted to the town's patron saint, Dimitrios - a Roman soldier who was killed here in 306. Also known as Hagios Demetrio or the Church of Saint Demetrius, the sanctuary is the primary church in Thessaloniki today. Admission is free to all visitors and it is open daily. However, the church is typically crowded with locals and devotees throughout the week.

Address: 83, Agiou Dimitriou St., Thessaloniki 546 33, Greece.

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: 10am–8pm

Contact number: +30 231 027 0008

Church of Agios Dimitrios in Thessaloniki, Greece

Arch of Galerius

If you walk from the Egnatia Street towards the city centre of Thessaloniki, you will come across the Arch of Galerius – an ancient Roman monument dating back to around AD 297. The relief-encrusted piers portray war events from Emperor Galerius' third and fourth-century Persian, Mesopotamian, and Armenian conquests. These ornately and elaborately carved reliefs are among the most well known in the world. While admiring the majestic structure and taking close-up pictures, don’t forget to notice the animated scenes on the south pier.

Address: Egnatia 144, Thessaloniki 546 22, Greece.

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Contact number: +30-231 331 0400

Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki

Agora Modiano Market

Familiarise yourself with the local culture by making your way to one of Thessaloniki’s most popular markets, the Agora Modiano. You can try the traditional Koulouri (Greek sesame bread rings) and Bougatsa (custard pies) - both which are carb-heavy dishes created over hundreds of years ago. From artisanal confectioneries to the flavoursome dry anise-flavoured aperitif known as ouzo, you can get to know the Greek way of life better through your taste buds. Besides this, the Kapani food market is also a great place to kickstart your food adventures in Thessaloniki.

Address: Historic & Modern Centre, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece

Opening hours: 8.30am-8.30pm

Contact number: +30 21 1108 8400

Agora Modiano is a local market in Thessaloniki

With great ancient monuments and beautiful beaches around the city, Thessaloniki is indeed a fantastic holiday destination. Although the history is complex, the city is easy to navigate – many of the attractions are fairly close to one another, and it is possible to visit most parts of Thessaloniki on foot. We hope you will fall in love with the beauty of Thessaloniki just as much as we did!

There are so many fun activities for everyone at Thessaloniki. Which one is your favourite? Comment below and let us know!

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