Top things to do in Thessaloniki
Attractions, tours and activities in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki: the city's best neighbourhoods
Find a great area to stay in Thessaloniki
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Kalamaria
3.9 miles from city centre
Thessalonians do like to be beside the seaside. This suburb’s yacht clubs pull in posh families and wannabe jetsetters alike. Take a jaunt around the marina to taste the good life. At Miami, feast on freshly caught squid and polish it off with a rich, regional wine. Then dance until dawn among the beautiful people that frequent funky Shark Bar.
Places to stay from £23 per night
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Ano Poli
0.7 miles from city centre
The Byzantine and Ottoman empires held fort here for centuries. The only district to survive the Great Fire of 1917, Ano Poli retains an old-world charm. Ramble its winding, hilly streets up to Genti Koule fortress to glimpse pretty city views. Then, settle in for a night of merriment at Bar Kastra – locals dig its laid-back vibes and hearty grub.
Places to stay from £11 per night
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Ladadika
0.3 miles from city centre
Ladadika is anything but “la-di-da”. Though it’s cleaned up since the days when bordellos and boozy sailors lined its alleys, it retains a raucous vibe. For a sturdy start try the minty meatballs at Negroponte, then sink raki shots in the wild Rover Bar. At Eightball music club, you never know what’s coming next – disco night or headbanger’s ball?!
Places to stay from £16 per night
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Panorama
5.4 miles from city centre
This area delivers on its name. Full of fancy hillside villas, it overlooks the Thermaic Gulf and the city’s expanse. Park yourself on Villa Luna Bistro’s terrace and savour the view over a mouth-watering Mediterranean buffet. Just leave room for something sweet – the gooey goodness of Elenidi Bakery’s flaky-pastry triangles are famously addictive!
Places to stay from £45 per night
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Thessaloniki City Centre
In the city centre
This area’s been a commercial hub since Roman times. The ruins of the Agora market are still visible today. Visit the old place of trade, then parade down Egnatia Street like an emperor – give its vintage shops the thumbs up or down. Around Zefksidos-Iktinou, hunt for handmade trinkets and jewellery in between frappés at cutesy Pastaflora Darling.
Places to stay from £9 per night
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Paralia Thessalonikis
0.4 miles from city centre
This revamped district packs a lot in. Its waterfront promenade pulls the biggest crowd. Stroll among skaters and street musicians, from bustling Aristotelous Square to the iconic White Tower. In Alexander’s Garden, snap shots of “the Great” one and peek Mount Olympus in the distance. At Zithos Bar, taste a local brew and some old-school ambience.
Places to stay from £25 per night
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Thessaloniki Port
0.5 miles from city centre
The port harbours more than boats and warehouses. Behind the industrial façade lies a cultural enclave. Movie buffs flock to the international film festival each November, and at other times, swot up on all things celluloid at the Cinema Museum. Call it a wrap on the waterfront – Kitchen Bar’s fusion food and classy cocktails could be a contender.
Places to stay from £33 per night
About Thessaloniki
Including tips for the best time to visit Thessaloniki
Situated on the northwest shores of the Aegean Sea, the ancient Greek port city of Thessaloniki offers a cosmopolitan culture with archaeological museums, white-sand beaches and alleyway restaurants serving traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
Named after the sister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BCE and remains the capital of the Macedonian region to this day. While an important location for Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, the Balkan Wars and the Young Turks brought radical reform that saw Greece return to its democratic roots. You can find evidence of the city’s rich heritage at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Arch of Galerius and Rotunda, the Church of Saint Demetrius and the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle.
On Thessaloniki’s waterfront, you’ll find the White Tower and Alexander the Great Monument, while Aristotelous Square and the Ladadika district feature a selection of restaurants and nightlife within the city’s most historical buildings. Alternatively, the Valaoritou district is home to arty bars and clubs, while the ancient Upper District offers a chill setting with views across the Aegean Sea and the city below.
Featuring convenient transport links, Thessaloniki offers many beach options that are popular for swimming and sunbathing just outside the city. Visit Agia Triada, Perea and Asprovalta, where you’ll find luxurious holiday resorts and can watch the beautiful sunset over Mount Olympus – a sight not to be missed while in the Greek city.
Tonight
From £53 per night
This weekend
From £95 per night
Next weekend
From £85 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | € 10 = £8.58 |
| Language | Greek |
| Average weekend price | £71 per night |
| Average weekday price | £73 per night |
| Typical stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in Thessaloniki
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Thessaloniki
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White Tower
0.6 miles from city centre
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Aristotelous Square
0.1 miles from city centre
Thessaloniki reviews
What other travellers say about Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki: A charming city ideal for a quick getaway,...
26 April 2024
Thessaloniki: A charming city ideal for a quick getaway, brimming with historical treasures and a diverse array of delicious cuisine. Staying centrally in Thessaloniki allows for delightful walks to explore the city’s gems, like the quaint ‘Donkey Garden' restaurant, the must-visit ‘Bougatsa Vasilis' for traditional breakfast, and ‘Loukoumia Papadopoulos’ for sweet treats.
Thessaloniki is a great place for history.
21 April 2024
Thessaloniki is a great place for history. it has been a melting pot of different cultures. it has had its tragedies , a fire that destroyed much of the city just over a hundred years ago. There was the rounding up and transportation of Jews to Auchwitz and similar extermination camps. Three Empires ruled Thessalpniki in the past Rome , The Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. So much to see and do with great food at good prices . Above all very friendly people,
Very interesting historic sights - the White Tower, Rotunda,...
18 April 2024
Very interesting historic sights - the White Tower, Rotunda, Yeni Kule, as well as countless churches. Great nightlife with lots of interesting bars and restaurants catering for all tastes and pockets. I'd recommend Gorillas and the Blue Cup for drinks, especially the cocktails.
Not much to do if you are staying for more than two or three...
15 April 2024
Not much to do if you are staying for more than two or three days. There is some sightseeing, walking around, and very good dining options. its a good stopover point to go visit other areas of Greece though, close to the airport and ferry terminal.
Thessaloniki is a unique city in every respect.
15 April 2024
Thessaloniki is a unique city in every respect. I recommend you to walk around the city completely and explore the cafes and restaurants. I recommend you to visit historical squares, architectural works and museums. Especially visit the war museum and the Olympic museum. The exterior of the archaeological museum can be seen free of charge. I think the fee requested for the Macedonian gold section is too high. Have dinner at the tavern (make a reservation). Be sure to try the grilled mushrooms.
Much underrated city that has so much to offer to those...
10 April 2024
Much underrated city that has so much to offer to those interested in culture and history. Late antique Roman sites and early Byzantine churches can match those in Rome, as can the excellent archaeological museum. Not suitable for beach holidays, though (only an unprotected promenade, not a beach), or for people with mobility issues (much walking in hot weather involved). As far as shopping is concerned, this is second hand/vintage shopping heaven, with lots of shops (so-called "outlets") offering "collections" of imported second hand clothing from Europe at extremely cheap prices. Also to be recommended is the excellent food. There are cafes with delicious cakes and outdoor sitting everywhere, as are restaurants with traditional Greek food at very reasonable prices, not to mention the street food at every corner.
Popular places to stay in Thessaloniki
Stay in some of the best accommodation Thessaloniki has to offer
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Super Nuova - Private Parking Thessaloniki, Greece
From £63 per night
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ON Residence Thessaloniki City Centre, Thessaloniki
From £158 per night
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Vanoro Hotel Thessaloniki City Centre, Thessaloniki
From £118 per night
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S Hotel Boutique Thessaloniki Thessaloniki City Centre, Thessaloniki
From £178 per night
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Pillow urban stay Thessaloniki City Centre, Thessaloniki
From £88 per night
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Other accommodation in Thessaloniki
Choose from a wide variety of places to stay in Thessaloniki
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Apartments
From £16 per night
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Villas
From £103 per night
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Cottages
From £103 per night
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Serviced Apartments
From £36 per night
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Holiday Homes
From per night
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Guest Houses
From £11 per night
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Hostels
From £9 per night
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B&Bs
From £32 per night
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Homestays
From per night
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Boats
From £48 per night
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Self Catering Accommodation
From £16 per night
