Must-See Attractions
Must-See Attractions
Must-See Attractions
5 Things to do in Thessaloniki
1. The White Tower
Let’s start this guide of Thessaloniki with the White Tower, the most iconic monument of the city.
Considered as the city’s landmark, the White Tower is clearly one of the best places to see in Thessaloniki.
Built-in 1535, the tower was originally surrounded by heavy walls, as it was used as a prison during the Ottoman occupation of Greece. There, many prisoners were tortured and executed, and the Tower acquired its nickname: “The Tower of Blood”, or “The Red Tower”.
It was renamed “the White Tower” in 1890 after a prisoner entirely repainted it in white in exchange for his liberty. Another version of the story says that it was renamed by the Greeks in 1913, 1 year after they reconquered the city.
The 34-meter high tower is now hosting the White Tower Museum, dedicated to Thessaloniki’s History from the Roman Era to the present day.
During your visit, you should also go to the tower’s top floor. There, you will admire a beautiful 360°view of the city, the sea, and even Mount Olympus, Greece’s highest summit.
2. Thessaloniki Waterfront
If you’re spending a few days in the city, then you should definitely take a stroll along its waterfront. It’s one of the best things to do in Thessaloniki.
There, you can walk on a 5-km long promenade at the seaside. This promenade was completely renovated a few years ago and connects the Photography Museum, the White Tower, and Thessaloniki Concert Hall.
On the seaside, you will find many bars and restaurants frequented by locals and tourists alike: the place is really vibrant! It feels a bit like the Greek version of the “Croisette”, in Cannes, or the “Promenade des Anglais” in Nice.
Don’t miss “The Umbrellas”, a modern sculpture located in the park, about 500m away from the White Tower.
During your walk, on the seaside, you will also discover beautiful thematic gardens:
Alexander the Great Garden
The Garden of the Afternoon Sun
The Garden of the Sand
The Garden of Mediterranean
The Garden of Sculptors, Sound, Water, and more!
There are more than a dozen thematic gardens in Thessaloniki. If you’re traveling with children, it’s a great place to take a break and let them enjoy one of the playgrounds.
You can also ride a bike on the bicycle path along the waterfront. There are many bicycle rentals shops nearby, you can’t miss them.
It’s clearly one of the best places to visit in Thessaloniki, especially during the evening, when the weather is cooler!
3. The Archaeological Sites
If you’re a History and Archaeology lover, then you should visit Thessaloniki’s most famous ancient sites:
- The Ancient Agora: the former social and religious city centre during the Greek and Roman periods.
- The Arch of Galerius, also named “Kamara”. It was built in 305 A.D to celebrate a victory over the Persians. The only remains still standing are 2 original pillars and an arch, decorated with battle scenes.
- The Rotunda of Galerius was built as a Mausoleum for the Emperor. Then, it became a church and later a Mosque. It’s one of Thessaloniki’s oldest monuments.
- The Galerius Palace is a ancient Roman palace. Located on Navarinou Square, it was part of a huge complex, with the Arch and the Rotunda I mentioned above. There isn’t much left of it.
4. Thessaloniki's Museums
Let’s continue this Thessaloniki travel guide with a bit of cultural tourism.
The city has many museums, and here are the best ones:
- The Archaeological Museum showcases a collection of remains found around Thessaloniki and in Greek Macedonia
- The Museum of Byzantine Culture houses more than 3000 artefacts, jewelry and mosaics from the Byzantine Empire
- The Jewish Museum: there, you will learn more about the Jewish community in Thessaloniki and its History, especially during Word War 2.
- The Photography Museum, to discover ancient and modern Greek photographs.
- The Olympic Museum, if you want to know everything about the Olympic Games History, from the Ancient Times to the present day.
- The Museum of Cinema, if you want to know more about Greek cinema and how movies are made.
- The Contemporary Art Center of Thessaloniki
- The War Museum and its collection of Greek weapons, medals and uniforms.
5. Ana Poli: Thessaloniki's old town
During your stay in Thessaloniki, you really should take a stroll in the old town.
Located in Thessaloniki’s upper city, Ana Poli district is considered as the historical centre. A great fire destroyed most of the city in 1917, and Ana poli was the only surviving neighborhood!
Surrounded by heavy Byzantine walls, Ana Poli was Thessaloniki’s citadel (Kastro) during the Byzantine and Ottoman occupation. Get around the neighborhood on foot to discover its beautiful narrow paved alleys, typical architecture and a unique atmosphere!
Ana Poli’s main points of interest are:
- Trigoniou Tower. Built during the Venetian occupation, it was mostly used as an armory and artillery tower.
- The Portara Gate, in the walls’ northern part. Well-decorated with ceramics and carved marble inscriptions.
- The Heptapygion, an ancient fortress and prison with 7 towers
- The Monastery of Vlatadon, built in 1351. Nowadays, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the monastery, you will enjoy one of the most beautiful view over the city
- Pasha’s Gardens, a lovely garden close to the Agios Dimitrios Hospital. It’s a very nice place with fountains and a beautiful view of the city.
3 Things to do around Thessaloniki
1. Pella
The Archaeological site of Pella is located a 50-minute drive from Thessaloniki.
Pella was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia (don’t confuse it with the today’s Republic of Macedonia) and Alexander the Great’s birthplace. On the site, the archaeological excavations have revealed a 70,000 square meters Agora with many sanctuaries, shops, and mansions.
The most well-preserved mansion is the House of Dionysus. There, you will find a large yard surrounded by columns and an impressive pebble mosaic floor. You will also enjoy beautiful mosaics in the House of the Abduction of Helen.
You can admire all the ancient objects and vestiges found in Pella in the Archaeological Museum located on the site. You should definitely visit this museum to help you picture what the city looked like, and discover its rich history. You will learn more about Pella’s ancient religion, crafts, and political life.
The 8€ entrance ticket includes the archaeological site and the museum. Pella is open every day (except Mondays) from 9h.
If you’re a history lover, it’s clearly one of the major points of interest around Thessaloniki!
2. Vergina
Together with Pella, Vergina is the other must-see archaeological site around Thessaloniki. It’s located 1 hour away from the city.
The city of Aigai (or Vergina, in modern Greek) was the 1st capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia, before Pella. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological excavations in Vergina helped to understand the ancient Macedonians’ culture and History.
You will discover many remains on the site:
- The Monumental Palace, with the royal apartments
- The Aigai Theatre, where Philip II was assassinated
- The fortified walls
- The Royal Necropolis: there, you will admire the tomb of Philip II, Alexander the Great’s father.
You can also visit the Museum of Royal Tombs of Aigai. If you go underground to the royal tombs’ entrance, you will discover this unique museum, built directly under the tumulus!
There, you will admire magnificent mural paintings and funerary objects. The most impressive pieces exposed are Philip II’s shield, armor, golden crown and a chest found in his tomb.
3. The Chalkidiki Peninsula
What are the best places to go to the beach around Thessaloniki?
The closest and most beautiful beaches around Thessaloniki are located in Chalkidiki Peninsula. This peninsula regroups, in fact, 3 peninsulas located Southeast of Thessaloniki.
- Kassandra peninsula
- Sithonia peninsula
- Mount Athos peninsula
The first two peninsulas are famous for their beautiful beaches with turquoise waters. There are public as well as private beaches where you can rent deckchairs and umbrellas.
These 2 peninsulas are also well-known for their many seaside resorts and luxury hotels. There are also Spas, casinos and golf courts. It’s the perfect place if you want to enjoy a chic and trendy atmosphere.
Mount Athos Peninsula is the farthest from Thessaloniki. There are more than 2,000 monks living here, in the Monastic State of Agion Oros. The access is highly regulated: only men have the right to enter, and you must ask at least 6 months in advance for a special permit to go there.
If you can’t obtain a permit, or for women, there are cruises going around the peninsula. They allow you to get a glimpse of some of the Monasteries.
You can also choose a full-day tour from Thessaloniki. During this day, you will take the bus to reach Uranupolis, then do a cruise around Mount Athos, with some time to relax and take a dip at one of Chalkidiki’s beaches. You need to book it here.
