Thessaloniki is a city full of history, culture and unique sights that will enchant you from the very first moment.
If you’re thinking of visiting Greece’s second largest city, this travel guide will help you discover the highlights you shouldn’t miss.
Transportation in Thessaloniki
You can take three bus lines from Thessaloniki airport. Line 1X / 1N connects the airport with the centre of Thessaloniki, the new railway station and the Macedonia bus station.
Line 79 connects the airport with the East Transfer Station (IKEA) and Line 2X connects the airport with the Metro transfer station in Nea Svizzera. The bus stops are located outside the Arrivals and Departures level and the cost of the shuttle is only 1.80€.
If you are staying in the centre of Thessaloniki, you can see all the sights on foot. Otherwise, to get around you can use the buses or the Metro.
Attractions in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Beach
Thessaloniki beach is the ultimate meeting point for locals and tourists alike.
Overlooking the Thermaikos Gulf, the beach offers plenty of space for a walk, a coffee or just to enjoy the sea. Here you can relax, walk or cycle along the coastal boulevard, which connects various parts of the city.
White Tower
The White Tower is the most emblematic monument of Thessaloniki and a symbol of the city.
It is located next to the sea and is one of the best spots for photographs. The tower, which was built in the 15th century by the Ottomans, now hosts a museum and offers a stunning view of the city from the top.
Alexander the Great Statue
The statue of Alexander the Great is located on the coastal avenue of Thessaloniki and is a symbol of the city, which is the birthplace of the great general.
The statue of Alexander is impressive and is a popular spot for photographs.
Umbrellas of Zongolopoulos
The “Umbrellas” by artist Zongolopoulos is a contemporary and original installation in the coastal area of Thessaloniki.
The metal umbrellas that seem to “float” in the air are a unique work of art and one of the most popular photo spots in the city.
Aristotelous Square
Aristotelous Square is the heart of Thessaloniki. It is where many residents and tourists gather, enjoying the cafes, restaurants and shops that surround it.
The square is surrounded by historic buildings and is an ideal place to start your tour of the city.
Bey Hammam
The Bey Hamam is a building of the Ottoman period in Thessaloniki and is located on Egnatia Street at about the height of Aristotelous Street.
It was built in 1444, 14 years after the conquest of Thessaloniki by Murat II, on the remains of Byzantine churches. It functioned as a hammam until the 1960s and was restored in the 1980s. It is also known as Loutra Paradisos.
Today it is used as a venue for cultural events. It is the largest hammam in Thessaloniki and one of the most important in the Balkans.
Thessaloniki Roman Agora
The Roman Agora of Thessaloniki is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the city.
There you can admire the classical Roman structures, such as the “Propylaea” and the “Royal Building”, which are impressive examples of ancient Roman architecture.
The Church of St. Sophia
The Holy Church of Agia Sophia is one of the most important Byzantine churches in Thessaloniki.
Built in the 8th century, the church impresses with its architecture and beautiful mosaics. If you find yourself in the area, it is impossible not to visit this unique monument.
Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
The Arch of Galerius, also known as “Kamara”, is one of the most famous and characteristic monuments of Thessaloniki.
Built in 305 AD, the Arch bears witness to the history of the city and the region during the Roman era.
Eastern Byzantine Walls of Thessaloniki
The Eastern Byzantine Walls are another important spot for history and architecture lovers.
These walls, dating back to the 4th century, were part of the city’s defence and reveal its historical development during the Byzantine period.
Rotunda
The Rotunda is one of the most impressive buildings in Thessaloniki, with a unique circular form and impressive architecture.
Originally intended to be the mausoleum of Galerius, it was converted into a church and then into a mosque. Today, it hosts exhibitions and is open to the public.
Eptapyrgion
The Eptapyrgio, or “Yenti Koule”, is a castle with a long history, located in the Ano Polis area. Built in the 12th century, the castle offers stunning views of Thessaloniki and is an important archaeological monument, while today it hosts cultural events.
Agios Dimitrios church
The Church of Agios Dimitrios is the patron saint of Thessaloniki and one of the most imposing Byzantine monuments of the city.
Built in the 7th century, the church is dedicated to Agios Dimitrios, the patron saint of the city, and impresses with its magnificent architecture and magnificent mosaics.
Food in Thessaloniki
In Thessaloniki, one thing is certain. You will eat delicious food!
“To Anoteron”
You can’t go to Thessaloniki and not eat bougatsa. You will eat the best pasta of the city at the “To Anoteron”, opposite the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace.
I tried one with cream and one with minced meat and they were both amazing.
G. Elenides
Another dessert that you should not miss to try is the triangles of Panorama, a syrupy dessert filled with cream.
In the shop “G. Elenidis” shop you will reasonably find a queue, but it’s worth the wait because there you will eat the best Panorama triangles of your life! You can get one (and more) to hand or of course a box to take home.
“Giannis”
One of the most famous places to eat bougatsa in Thessaloniki is “Giannis”. It has various flavors to try and they will surely become one of your favorites.
Loupino
Near the beach of Thessaloniki (Katouni 4) you will find Loupino a restaurant with very delicious food.
We had fried feta with honey and sesame (a favorite appetizer), delicious fried chicken and juicy pork chops with potatoes.
Everything was delicious, the prices were very reasonable and at the end they gave us a syrupy dessert with ice cream.
To Limanaki
Next to Thessaloniki’s beach, we sat at the ouzeri “To Limanaki”, another place with great food.
We had a rustic salad, calamari, Cretan sfakian pie with honey and seafood orzo, which was amazing.
The staff was very polite and they even treated us to dessert at the end. If you visit Thessaloniki, I highly recommend it.
Ta Babatsika
We ate souvlaki in Thessaloniki from “Ta Babatsika”. We ordered chicken gyro on a sandwich (wrapped souvlaki for us Athenians), only it was a giant version and made enough for two skewers!
It cost 5,90€ (+0,40€ extra if you want tzatziki or sauce, because they put ketchup-mustard on the souvlaki there).
If you want to see more of my trip to Thessaloniki, check out my Instagram profile.
