Things to do in Thessaloniki

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Thessaloniki which includes a city and general coastal views
Thessaloniki showing a city, a sunset and general coastal views
Thessaloniki showing general coastal views, a garden and a city
Thessaloniki showing a sunset and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Thessaloniki which includes a city, night scenes and landscape views

Thessaloniki Attractions

Want to know the best things to do in Thessaloniki? Shopping galore, delectable cuisine and lots of interesting attractions are just a taste of what's in store. It's time to pack your suitcase and explore this buzzing city.

Discover the sights of Thessaloniki with some unique tours & day trips, or get through our list of {151 fun activities in Thessaloniki fun activities in Thessaloniki}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can rest easy and concentrate on planning the vacation of a lifetime.

Thessaloniki must see attractions

1. Aristotelous Square

Aristotelous Square is the beating heart of Thessaloniki. Lined with shops, restaurants, bars and hotels, it’s the perfect place to get a feeling for the pace of life in this city. Stretching down to the waterfront, the square opens up to reveal beautiful views of the Thermaikos Gulf. As one of the city’s centre’s only open outdoor spaces, this square is frequently chosen as the site for large public events, from Christmas markets to political speeches.
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Aristotelous Square featuring a square or plaza, general coastal views and a coastal town

2. White Tower of Thessaloniki

Depicted on almost every Thessaloniki travel guide and souvenir, the White Tower of Thessaloniki is by far the city’s most recognizable attraction. The tower is known for its characteristic cylindrical shape and the panoramic harbour views its top level affords. The tower’s role has changed dozens of times over the years, and today it serves as an exhibition space of the Museum of Byzantine Culture.
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White Tower of Thessaloniki featuring heritage elements

3. Church of Hagia Sophia

One of the oldest churches in the city, Agia Sophia represents a characteristic example of middle-Byzantine architecture. Although its exterior may appear modest, its expansive interior is home to a number of centuries-old mosaics and frescoes that are worth taking the time to see.
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Church of Hagia Sophia showing a church or cathedral

4. Church of Saint Demetrius

Saint Demetrios Church, also known as Agios Dimitrios, is a historic 5th-century church that is part of the UNESCO-listed Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki. Learn about the early spread of Christianity in Thessaloniki and marvel at the intricate mosaics, which date back as far as the 8th century.
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Thessaloniki featuring religious aspects, street scenes and a church or cathedral

5. Museum of Byzantine Culture

The Museum of Byzantine Culture houses more than 2,900 artifacts from Greece’s Byzantine period, which spanned over a thousand years from the 3rd century. Many of the ancient pieces in the museum’s collection were discovered here in Thessaloniki, one of the centers of the Byzantine Empire.
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Museum of Byzantine Culture showing outdoor art

Recommended things to do in Thessaloniki

Number of things to do
151
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Thessaloniki: Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $13
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Thessaloniki

Free Things to Do in Thessaloniki

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's a cinch to have a ball in Thessaloniki without spending a cent.

War Museum of Thessaloniki - Approach the friendly staff and gain an insight into the collections housed here.

Arch of Galerius - Get to grips with some of the unique history of the area through this site.

Aristotelous Square - This is a vibrant location where you can soak up the vibe and discover the local way of life.

Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center - If you'd like to explore some of the more important or interesting places in the community, this place is worth a visit.

Church of Aghia Sofia - Gain a better understanding of local religious beliefs at this holy site.

Things to Do in Thessaloniki with Kids

There are lots of awesome experiences in Thessaloniki that the whole gang will love. Here are a few of the best family friendly experiences around.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Thessaloniki? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Thessaloniki

Aristotelous Square featuring a square or plaza, general coastal views and a coastal town

Aristotelous Square

4.5/5(134 reviews)

Visit Thessaloniki’s main square, a busy gathering place for locals and the site of major events throughout the year.

Aristotelous Square
Tsimiski Street

Tsimiski Street

5/5(1 review)

You can enjoy retail therapy at Tsimiski Street during your trip to Thessaloniki.

Tsimiski Street
White Tower of Thessaloniki featuring heritage elements

White Tower of Thessaloniki

4.5/5(129 reviews)

This distinctly shaped tower has evolved alongside Thessaloniki over the centuries and now houses a museum dedicated to the city’s history.

White Tower of Thessaloniki
Sunset in the most romantic city of the planet, Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Port

4.5/5(81 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Thessaloniki with a trip to Thessaloniki Port. Savor the lively bars and top-notch restaurants while in town.

Thessaloniki Port
Church of Hagia Sophia featuring a church or cathedral

Church of Hagia Sophia

4.5/5(68 reviews)

See the city’s largest Byzantine church to discover a centuries-old religious site and the striking artwork found in its interior.

Church of Hagia Sophia
Thessaloniki featuring religious aspects, street scenes and a church or cathedral

Church of Saint Demetrius

4.5/5(58 reviews)

Pay homage to Thessaloniki’s patron saint, the Roman martyr Dimitrios, whose relics are held in this ancient church, which is considered one of the most important in the city.

Church of Saint Demetrius
Museum of Byzantine Culture showing outdoor art

Museum of Byzantine Culture

4.5/5(39 reviews)

Home to one of the country’s finest collections of Byzantine art, this museum presents an overview of a significant period in Thessaloniki’s history.

Museum of Byzantine Culture
Arch of Galerius featuring heritage elements

Arch of Galerius

4.5/5(68 reviews)

See one of Thessaloniki’s most famous monuments, a symbol of the city and an intriguing example of 4th-century Roman architecture.

Arch of Galerius
Thessaloniki which includes outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

Alexander the Great Garden

An enormous statue of the leader of Macedonia atop his famous horse overlooks the water in a square filled with monuments.

Alexander the Great Garden

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Thessaloniki

Church of Hagia Sophia showing a church or cathedral

Thessaloniki City Centre

4.5/5(202 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Thessaloniki City Centre, check out sights like Tsimiski Street or Nikis Avenue and hop on the metro to see more the city at Agias Sofias Metro Station or Venizelou Metro Station.

Thessaloniki City Centre
Great place in Ladadika, Thessaloniki... afternoons well spent

Ladadika

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Ladadika is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Nikis Avenue and Place Katouni while in the area.

Ladadika
Thessaloniki which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Kamara

If you're spending some time in Kamara, Ataturk Museum and Church of Saint Demetrius are top sights worth seeing.

Kamara
Breathtaking view of Thessaloniki from above.

Old Town Thessaloniki

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Travelers like the historic sites in Old Town Thessaloniki, and Vlatadon Monastery is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Old Town Thessaloniki
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Vardaris

3.5/5(21 area reviews)

Vardaris is positively reviewed for its shopping, bars, and spas, and you can quickly pop around to sights in the larger Thessaloniki area at New Railway Station Metro Station or Dimokratias Metro Station.

Vardaris
Breathtaking view of Thessaloniki from above.

Ano Poli

You'll enjoy the gardens and monuments in Ano Poli. You might want to make time for a stop at Vlatadon Monastery or Eptapyrgio Castle.

Ano Poli
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Thessaloniki

Photo by Sofia Mis

Pylaia-Chortiatis

Photo by Maria Athanasopoulou

Kalamaria

Byzantine Walls showing a castle, a city and night scenes

Ágios Pávlos

Photo by Giorgos Tzitzis

Polichni

Byzantine Walls showing a coastal town, general coastal views and heritage architecture

Neapoli-Sykies

Frequently asked questions

Is Thessaloniki worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Thessaloniki is visit White Tower of Thessaloniki. Check this major sight off your agenda, then experience more of this area's history and culture.
How do I spend a day in Thessaloniki?
White Tower of Thessaloniki and Ataturk Museum are two good places to start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Thessaloniki while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Thessaloniki?
You can't leave without checking out White Tower of Thessaloniki, ranked the top tourist attraction in Thessaloniki.
Is three days enough to stay in Thessaloniki?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out many city sights, including White Tower of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki Concert Hall and Ataturk Museum. The average stay in Thessaloniki is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, Thermi isn't far away.
Is Thessaloniki a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Thessaloniki, such as White Tower of Thessaloniki and Thessaloniki Concert Hall, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 1 mile from the city center of Thessaloniki is Thessaloniki City Centre and Vardaris is 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Thessaloniki with kids?
If you're searching for sights and activities for all the family, take a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Thessaloniki with kids.

What to do in Thessaloniki for adults?
Tsimiski Street and Nikis Avenue are just a couple of the things to do in Thessaloniki. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Thessaloniki?
In Thessaloniki, Ataturk Museum is a popular spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a top way to discover the best free things to do in Thessaloniki.

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