10 Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki: A Walkable Guide to Greece’s Second City
It’s easy to underestimate Thessaloniki. Athens takes most of the limelight, along with the islands, but if you’re looking for an easy, good-value city break, Thessaloniki is absolutely worth considering. We visited in February and enjoyed crisp blue skies and comfortable daytime temperatures of around 14°C, perfect for exploring. It’s a relaxed year round destination, and, as a smaller city, you won’t be chasing your tail, ticking a long list of ‘must dos’, if you don’t want to.
If you’re looking for things to do in Thessaloniki, you’ll find a walkable city with a cosmopolitan food scene, filled with Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman history. You’ll also have the opportunity to see an extraordinary number of UNESCO-listed early Christian and Byzantine sites, scattered in plain sight around the centre. But the thing that really ties it all together is the waterfront promenade that has become the city’s defining feature over the past decade.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or passing through on a longer trip, this guide will share some of the best things to do in Greece’s second city, a vibrant university hub with plenty going on year-round.
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Where Is Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is in northern Greece, right on the Aegean Sea, not far from the borders with North Macedonia and Bulgaria. It’s the country’s second-largest city and a natural gateway between Greece and the Balkans, which gives it a slightly different vibe from Athens. From here it’s easy to reach Halkidiki’s beaches, Mount Olympus, and the wider northern mainland.
Map of Things to do in Thessaloniki
Here’s a map of the things to do in Thessaloniki, to help orientate you around the city.
1. Start in Aristotelous Square
Aristotelous Square is Thessaloniki’s showpiece: a long, sweeping plaza framed by grand arcaded buildings and opening straight out to the sea. I love the colouring and detailing on the buildings and the palm trees too.
Around the square and the streets leading off it you’ll find designer boutiques, jewellers and luxury brands alongside cafés and bakeries. You can also say hi to Aristotle, who lived and worked not far from here. Both the main square and the university have taken their name from him. Apparently, it’s a popular local tradition to rub the toe of his statue to bring good fortune and wisdom.
Designer Shops Aristotelous Square Thessaloniki Aristotle Statue in Aristotelous Square Thessaloniki
If you walk from Aristotelous Square towards the White Tower, it’s worth detouring via Agia Sofia Square to see the Hagia Sophia Cathedral, an iconic Orthodox church with elaborate mosaics and soaring arches, and one of Thessaloniki’s UNESCO-listed early Christian monuments. Nearby, you’ll also pass several landmarks, including the Rotunda, the Arch of Galerius, and the remains of the Palace of Galerius, some of the historically most important monuments in Thessaloniki. I’ve marked all of these on my map of things to do in Thessaloniki so you can weave them into your own route.
In amongst the apartment blocks and cafés, you’ll also find smaller, more modern neighbourhood churches, still full of character, even if they’re not Byzantine. This one, Nea Panagia (Holy Church of the Dormition), is a lovely example.
2. Visit the White Tower
No matter how briefly you’re in Thessaloniki, you’ll end up at the White Tower. It sits right on the waterfront and is easily the city’s most recognisable landmark. It’s an Ottoman fort and symbol of modern Thessaloniki.
And yes, you can climb it. Inside is a small museum about the city’s history, but the real reason to go up is the view from the top: a full sweep of the promenade, the boats moving across the bay, and the apartment blocks curving around the shoreline. Even on a hazy winter day it’s worth the climb, and, in the winter, you won’t be sharing the views with large crowds of people either.
The area around the tower is lively, so expect street musicians, locals out for a walk or a cycling along the seafront and you might get some good natured hustle from the owners of the pirate ship, moored off the front, wanting you to join them on their boat trips.
3. Stroll to the Umbrellas
Thessaloniki’s waterfront is flat, breezy, and perfect for a walk even in winter. Start at the White Tower, the city’s most recognisable landmark, and follow the long promenade eastwards along the water.
Zongolopoulos’ Umbrellas Thessaloniki Promenade Thessaloniki with White Tower and Hotels
Keep going and you’ll reach Zongolopoulos’ Umbrellas, an elegant modern art installation. Everyone takes photos here, the angles change constantly as the light and the weather shifts. From the Umbrellas, you also get one of the best views back towards the city including the White Tower. It’s especially pretty in late afternoon when the colours soften.
You can turn around at the Umbrellas, or carry on to the gardens beyond, or stop at one of the cafés along the way.
4, Explore Beyond The Umbrellas
If you keep walking past the Umbrellas, Thessaloniki’s promenade opens out into a string of themed Waterfront Gardens, with plenty of public art on display. These run for more than 3km along the waterside. We walked as far as Saints Cyril and Methodius, tucked just behind the promenade.
The church of Saints Cyril and Methodius is a bright, elegant church which is more modern than many in the city, but step inside and you get that unmistakably Orthodox mix of iconography and gold.
But this church isn’t the most famous in Thessaloniki. Here’s a list of much older UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches, most of them are in Ano Poli. And I’ve also added them on my Map of Things to Don in Thessaloniki.
Inside Church of Cyril and Methodius Thessaloniki Inside Church of Cyril and Methodius Thessaloniki
5. Discover Thessaloniki’s Markets
If you enjoy real, local markets rather than curated “artisan” ones, Thessaloniki has exactly this. The main central markets, Modiano and Kapani are a short walk from Aristotelous Square and make an easy detour when you’re exploring the city centre.
Fish Shellfish and Octopus at Thessaloniki market Olive Stall Market Thessaloniki
Kapani is the more traditional of the two: narrower lanes, tiny bakeries, spices, nuts, and butchers doing brisk business with locals. Modiano, recently renovated, is brighter and more polished, with cafés and small eateries tucked among the stalls. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, wandering through the markets gives you a glimpse of everyday Thessaloniki.
6. Take a Boat Trip Along the Bay
One of the more unexpected Thessaloniki experiences is the pirate-style wooden galleon bobbing up and down along the waterfront. And if you want tickets, it’s easy as the staff are on the waterfront encouraging you on board.
The way it works is simple: the ride is free, but you have to buy a drink. And by “drink,” read overpriced cocktail/beer/coffee. If you want a short cruise out into the bay to enjoy the views back to the city, it’s a decent deal, possibly less so, if you choose to turn it into a full on booze cruise!
These boats run throughout the day and into the evening and they add character to the seafront, whether you sail on them or not (we didn’t!).
7. Cafés and Nightlife in the Ladadika District
Ladadika is Thessaloniki’s classic bohemian quarter, the place for good food, music, and atmosphere, especially in the evenings. It reminded me of Skadarlija in Belgrade, Serbia. It’s also extremely central, so you’ll soon find it as you walk between Aristotelous Square and the waterfront.
Kazaviti Restaurant – a good place for a traditional Greek Meal Street in Ladadika
Historically, Ladadika’s taverns were gathering spots for artists, philosophers, and musicians, with the famous Ouzeri Aristotelis at the centre of the scene. During World War II it became a refuge for resistance fighters, and later a hub for poets and artists. It’s also the birthplace of Thessaloniki’s ouzeri tradition, that’s taverns serving ouzo with meze.
Street Art Cake shops
As well as traditional Greek restaurants like Kazaviti, you’ll find plenty of bakeries, cafes and cake shops and plenty of street art too.
8. Visit Thessaloniki’s Museums
Even if you’re not a big “museum person,” or you’d rather be outside in the sunshine, you might want to find time to drop by the Archaeological Museum. There’s a few things to see outside in the garden, including these headless exhibits as well as a wealth of Greek history inside. And if you’ve got a bit more curiosity left in the tank, the Museum of Byzantine Culture is right next door too.
9. Walk Up to the Old Town (Ano Poli)
Thessaloniki is mostly flat… until it isn’t. There’s an upper town, Ano Poli, which takes you up through a tangle of quiet neighbourhoods, Ottoman houses, and pockets of greenery. If you go to the top, you’ll get sweeping views across the bay, plus some of Thessaloniki’s most atmospheric historic sites, including stretches of the UNESCO-listed city walls, the Heptapyrgion fortress, and several of the early Byzantine churches. Do check my map of things to do for the full list of UNESCO sites in the city, many of them are in Ano Poli.
Visiting late afternoon late for golden hour provides a perfect opportunity for sunset views over the city and the bay from Heptapyrgion fortress.
More Posts from Mainland Greece and Neighbouring North Macedonia
- Visit Meteora: An Unforgettable Trip to Greece’s Cliff-Top Monasteries
- Best Things to Do in Skopje: Your Comprehensive Travel Guide to Europe’s Most Kitsch Capital
- Visit the Painted Mosque in Tetovo From Skopje by Public Bus
- Visit the Millennium Cross and Mount Vodno from Skopje by Public Bus
- 10 Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki: A Walkable Guide to Greece’s Second City
10. Take a day Trip From Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki makes an excellent base for exploring northern Greece, with plenty of day trips that take you to beaches, waterfalls, ancient sites and mountain scenery. If you have the time, it’s well worth venturing beyond the city and my top pick, without question, is Meteora.
Visit the Hanging Monasteries of Meteora
I’ve travelled all over Europe and Meteora is still one of the places that stopped me in my tracks. Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, you’ve almost certainly seen photos: monasteries perched on towering pillars of rock, seemingly suspended in mid-air.
Meteora is attracting more attention recently, but it isn’t the easiest place to reach, especially at the moment (December 2025), as the branch line to Kalambaka is closed and trains aren’t running.
You can visit Meteora on a long day trip by bus, but be aware that you may only have time to see a couple of the six monasteries on the main circuit. A better option, if you have the flexibility, is to travel independently and stay overnight. It gives you time to explore at a slower pace, visit more of the monasteries, and enjoy the incredible views at sunset.
We visited Meteora as part of a longer trip from Thessaloniki through Greece, and I’ll be sharing that itinerary shortly. In the meantime, you can read my full guide here: Visit Meteora: An Unforgettable Trip to Greece’s Cliff-Top Monasteries
If you’re looking for something a little easier to reach, there are plenty of excellent day trips that don’t require navigating train disruptions. These are some of the most popular and well-rated tours, covering beaches, ancient history, national parks and thermal baths.
Halkidiki Blue Lagoon Cruise (11 hours)
If you’re visiting in warmer weather, Halkidiki is one of the simplest ways to escape the city for clear water and island-style swimming. This cruise explores the Blue Lagoon and nearby bays, with plenty of time in the water. A long day, but one of the more laid-back options.
➡️ From Thessaloniki: Halkidiki Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch
Alternatively you could enjoy the best of both worlds by combining a short city break in Thessaloniki with the beach resorts of Haldiki.
If you want to reach Halkidiki by public transport, you’ll first need to get to KTEL Chalkidikis bus station in Thessaloniki (easy by local city bus). From there, KTEL intercity buses run to Kassandreia, the main town on the Kassandra peninsula. Most coastal resorts aren’t served directly by these long-distance buses, so you’ll need a local taxi or regional bus from Kassandreia to reach places like Kallithea, Afytos, Pefkochori or Hanioti. The journey to Kassandreia takes around 90 minutes. In summer there are sometimes extra buses to individual villages, but timetables change frequently, so it’s best to confirm locally or ask your accommodation for the easiest connection.
Kavala, Philippi & Beach Day Trip (10 hours)
A great mix of ancient history and coastal scenery. Philippi is a fascinating archaeological site, and Kavala is one of northern Greece’s prettiest small cities. A good all-rounder if you want culture without too much travel.
➡️ Thessaloniki: Kavala, Philippi, and Beach Full Day Trip
Dion & Mount Olympus National Park (10 hours)
Perfect for nature lovers. You’ll see the ancient site of Dion, remarkably peaceful compared to many Greek ruins. and you’ll spend time in Mount Olympus National Park too. Here there are forest trails, waterfalls and dramatic mountain views.
➡️ From Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Dion and Mount Olympus Park
Pozar Thermal Baths & Edessa Waterfalls (10 hours)
A slower, more relaxing day out. Soak in the naturally warm pools at Pozar, then continue to Edessa to see the waterfalls that cut right through the centre of town. Ideal if you want something restorative rather than cultural or high-energy.
➡️ From Thessaloniki: Pozar Thermal Baths and Edessa Day Trip
Vergina & Pella – Ancient Macedonian Kingdom (8.5 hours)
For history fans, this is one of the region’s highlights: the Royal Tombs at Vergina (including what is believed to be the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great) and the archaeological site at Pella. High-quality museums and easy sightseeing.
➡️ Thessaloniki: Vergina and Pella Day Trip
Mount Athos Cruise (view from the water)
You can’t visit Mount Athos itself without a permit, but you can take a boat trip along the peninsula to see the monasteries from the water. Atmospheric, unusual and very photogenic.
➡️ Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise with Ammouliani Island visit
Where To Stay In Thessaloniki
Our hotel in Thessaloniki was perfectly fine, but nothing special, and I prefer not to recommend places I haven’t personally stayed in. Instead, here’s a map with well-located accommodation options across the city centre, so you can quickly find something that suits your trip.
How to Get to Thessaloniki
Flying to Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is very easy to reach, with direct flights from many European cities. From the UK it’s especially straightforward, there are short flights from a wide range of airports, and off-peak fares can be extremely cheap (We paid around £15 one-way, without luggage). Most airlines fly into Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), about 30 minutes from the city centre.
Getting from the Airport to the City Centre
Thessaloniki Airport is close to the city, and you have several simple options for getting into the centre:
- Public Bus:
Bus X1 (or X2 at night) runs between the airport and the city centre/rail station. It’s the cheapest option and runs frequently, though it can be busy at peak times. - Taxi:
Taxis are widely available outside arrivals. The ride into the centre takes about 25–30 minutes, and fares are fixed or metered depending on the time of day. - Pre-arranged Transfer:
A private transfer is the easiest option if you prefer door-to-door travel or are arriving late. It’s more expensive than the bus but removes any hassle, especially if you have luggage or limited mobility.
Some Frequently Asked Questions about Thessaloniki
Is Thessaloniki worth visiting?
Yes. Thessaloniki is one of the most rewarding city breaks in Greece. It’s walkable, affordable, and packed with history, from Roman landmarks to fifteen UNESCO-listed Byzantine sites. Add in the waterfront promenade, great food, and easy day trips, and it’s well worth a visit.
When is the best time to visit Thessaloniki?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the best weather, warm, sunny and ideal for walking. Summer can be very hot, while winter is mild but a little quieter. We visited in February and still found plenty to do.
Is Thessaloniki safe?
Yes. Thessaloniki is generally a very safe city for travellers. Normal big-city awareness applies, particularly around busy transport hubs, but overall it feels relaxed and welcoming, even at night.
How long should I spend in Thessaloniki?
Two to three days is ideal to explore the main sights at a comfortable pace. You can see the highlights in one day, but staying longer gives you time for museums, neighbourhoods and side trips like Meteora or Halkidiki.
I hope you’ve found this post useful. I’d love it if you joined my monthly newsletter.
You may also be interested in my article on Classic Athens and the places not to miss or my alternative Athens article (coming soon), I you extend your trip, you could travel to Athens via Meteora, it’s possible by public transport. Meteora is one of my personal European highlights,
I have an expanding list of posts from the Balkans. Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia is around four hours by bus, from Thessaloniki, which I also recommend as a city ;under the radar’ but well worth your time and a natural starting point for trips in the wider Balkans,
Do let me know if you been to Thessaloniki or are planning a trip. I’d love to know your experiences or help if you have further questions.
