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 £41 per night
This weekend
From £78 per night
Next weekend
From £77 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | € 10 = £8.57 |
| Language | Greek |
| Average weekend price | £72 per night |
| Average weekday price | £75 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 is an easily accessible city either by foot or...
7 May 2024
Thessaloniki is an easily accessible city either by foot or the 90 cents bus rides. A great vibe from the large student population with cafe or bars on nearly every corner. Meals at any levels are good value for money with both traditional Greek food and modern cuisine available. Plenty to see within the city with museums or locations - easy to venture further a field if desired. Note this is a city break and not a beach holiday. Beaches are at least 35 minutes out of the city via transport. However, it was still easy to find places to relax within the city and you are never too far from the sea. The highlights were definitely the market and the Archaeological Museum but there are plenty of ancient landmarks to find throughout the streets.
Great city to chill and enjoy street art, modern art and...
6 May 2024
Great city to chill and enjoy street art, modern art and great architecture. Also, the food was amazing everywhere and the possibility to walk by the sea is always a good addition to a relaxing vacation. I believe this city would be perfect for a 4 days trip and then explore the other cities nearby.
Its a charming place.
6 May 2024
Its a charming place. Lots of old places. Looks like it fits for a short stay. THere are free walking tours that are nice to participate in. We took also a trip to Meteora with a company called Ammon, we recommend it! We ate at a taverna in the market near the city center called Ouzo Ston Pinaka, food was excellent and not expensive. Late at night it had live music.
You can travel most of the places by walking.
5 May 2024
You can travel most of the places by walking. I highly recommend tsir tsir mezze for lunch and dinner, Albeta is a good choice for breakfast. Next time i will choose hotels for staying. Sea side walking and coffee places are the most beautiful part of the city.
Nice city, vibrant.
3 May 2024
Nice city, vibrant. Shopping is ok for those who like it though prices are not that low. Nice museums and friendly people. Public transportation is great. Good starting place for those would like to explore the surroundings - Olympus, Meteora and other villages.
A bustling, interesting cosmopolitan city of more than a...
27 April 2024
A bustling, interesting cosmopolitan city of more than a million people. The city centre / sea front is mostly modern high rise, mixed in with archaeological sites and old churches and other places of religious worship. Some excellent museums and a sprinkling of sculptures and statues. It is worth taking a taxi to the top of the old town to see the old Byzantine city walls and walk down through the old city to the new. Taxis are not expensive. There are lots of places to eat out, with a wide range of styles and prices. there is a 'hop on hop off' bus tour of the city, but we didn't have time to try it.
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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S Hotel Boutique Thessaloniki Thessaloniki City Centre, Thessaloniki
From £188 per night
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Vanoro Hotel Thessaloniki City Centre, Thessaloniki
From £123 per night
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Pillow urban stay Thessaloniki City Centre, Thessaloniki
From £91 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 £30 per night
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Boats
From £48 per night
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Self Catering Accommodation
From £16 per night
