🇬🇷 25 Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki: The Ultimate Guide 2025
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is a mosaic of history, culture, and youthful energy. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, beach lover, or nightlife seeker, this city has something for you. In this guide, I’ll explore the best things to do in Thessaloniki, from ancient landmarks to modern hangouts. Grab a coffee (preferably a Greek frappe) and let’s dive in! 🇬🇷
- 1. 🏛️ Explore the Rotunda
- 2. 🗼️ Climb the White Tower
- 3. 🏰 Wander Ano Poli (Upper Town)
- 4. 🏛️ Visit the Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
- 5. 🌊 Stroll Along the Waterfront Promenade
- 6. 🎨 Discover the Museum of Byzantine Culture
- 7. 🥐 Try Bougatsa at Bantis Bakery
- 8. ⛪ Visit the Church of Saint Demetrius
- 9. 🏺 Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
- 10. 🧄 Shop Local at Kapani Market
- 11. 🎭 Admire Art at MOMus Contemporary
- 12. 🏰 Discover the Heptapyrgion Fortress
- 13. ⛱️ Relax at Peraia Beach
- 14. 🧱 Marvel at the Roman Forum (Ancient Agora)
- 15. 🍽️ Shop and Eat at Modiano Market
- 16. 🛥️ Take a Boat Tour on the Thermaic Gulfr
- 17. 🌃 Experience Ladadika Nightlife
- 18. 🏛️ Visit Atatürk Museum
- 19. 🗼 Climb the Triangle Tower
- 20. ☂️ Snap a Selfie at The Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos
- 21. 🐎 See Alexander the Great Statue
- 22. 🌳 Wander Through Pasha’s Gardens
- 23. 🏛️ Hang Out in Aristotle Square
- 24. 🥐 Taste Heaven at Terkenlis Bakery
- 25. 🎬 Watch a Film at Open Air Cinema Apollo
- 🗺️ Map of 25 Best Things to do in Thessaloniki
1. 🏛️ Explore the Rotunda
This awe-inspiring circular monument has witnessed over 1,700 years of history. Originally built as a mausoleum by Roman Emperor Galerius, it has since served as a Christian church and a mosque. The building’s thick stone walls and towering dome give it a feeling of solemn grandeur, while the interior mosaics (some dating back to the 4th century) offer a rare glimpse into early Christian art. Its transformation over the centuries makes it a symbol of Thessaloniki’s multicultural legacy. Whether you’re an architecture lover, history enthusiast, or spiritual traveler, the Rotunda stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and diversity.
🕘 Open daily 8:00–20:00
💸 Entrance fee: €6 (Reduced €3)
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Bring a wide-angle lens for photos.
🌟 The acoustics inside are impressive, speak softly and you’ll hear your voice echo beautifully.
🌟 Combine your visit with nearby Roman monuments for a fuller historical experience.
🌟 Try visiting early in the morning for the most serene atmosphere.
2. 🗼️ Climb the White Tower
Dominating Thessaloniki’s seafront, the White Tower is the city’s emblem and most iconic structure. Built in the 15th century by the Ottomans, it served various roles, from a fortress and garrison to a notorious prison. Today, it houses an engaging museum that traces Thessaloniki’s long history from antiquity to the present. Each floor covers a different era or theme, from the city’s cosmopolitan heritage to its culinary traditions. At the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the Thermaic Gulf, Mount Olympus, and the bustling city below. It’s both a scenic viewpoint and a journey through Thessaloniki’s soul.
🕙 Open daily 8:00–20:00
💸 Admission: €6 (Reduced €3)
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Visit early to beat the crowds and enjoy better light for photography.
🌟 Bring water if you’re climbing in summer, the spiral staircase can get warm.
🌟 Allow 1–1.5 hours to enjoy both the museum and the view.
🌟 There’s a small gift shop at the bottom, great for postcards or local souvenirs.
3. 🏰 Wander Ano Poli (Upper Town)
As the only neighborhood that survived the catastrophic Great Fire of 1917, Ano Poli feels like a time capsule of Thessaloniki’s past. It’s a maze of narrow, cobbled streets, colorful Ottoman-era houses, Byzantine churches, and charming balconies overflowing with flowers. The area sits on a hill and offers magnificent views of the city and sea, making it a photographer’s paradise. It’s the perfect escape from the urban bustle, and every corner tells a story, from old fortresses to tiny family-run tavernas. Walking here feels like stepping into a folk tale.
🕙 Free entry!
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is hilly and uneven.
🌟 Visit just before sunset to catch golden hour light over the rooftops.
🌟 Bring cash, many local cafes don’t accept cards.
4. 🏛️ Visit the Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
The Arch of Galerius, or Kamara, was built to commemorate the Roman Emperor Galerius’s victory over the Persians. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, it’s one of the oldest surviving Roman structures in the city. Its detailed bas-reliefs depict dramatic battle scenes and imperial ceremonies, making it a fascinating study for art historians and curious travelers alike. More than just a relic, Kamara today serves as a popular meeting point and social hub. It beautifully contrasts ancient legacy with modern life, as it stands at a busy intersection buzzing with students and street musicians.
🕗 Free entry!
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Best viewed in the morning when light hits the carvings directly.
🌟 Pair your visit with the nearby Rotunda and Galerian Palace ruins.
🌟 Grab a coffee from a nearby café and sit in the square to people-watch.
5. 🌊 Stroll Along the Waterfront Promenade
Thessaloniki’s waterfront promenade is the beating heart of the city. Spanning over 5 km, it stretches from the port to the Concert Hall, offering a blend of urban life and serene seascapes. Along the way, you’ll pass landscaped theme gardens, contemporary sculptures like the iconic Umbrellas, and lively cafés perfect for a midday ouzo. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or just relaxing by the sea, it’s the best way to feel the city’s rhythm. Locals come here to jog, skate, and chat, it’s the pulse of everyday life in Thessaloniki.
🕗 Always open and free entry!
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Visit at sunset for magical light and cooler temperatures.
🌟 Rent a bike or take a free walking tour to explore in more depth.
🌟 Watch out for impromptu street performances and local festivals.
6. 🎨 Discover the Museum of Byzantine Culture
This award-winning museum is a treasure trove of artifacts from the Byzantine era, showcasing icons, mosaics, textiles, inscriptions, and everyday objects from a time when Thessaloniki was second only to Constantinople. It gives visitors a deep appreciation for the city’s religious and cultural importance during the Byzantine Empire. The museum’s modern design makes exploring its vast collection enjoyable and accessible even for non-history buffs.s a relaxing escape from the city chaos, perfect for couples, families, or first-time visitors looking to see Bangkok from a new perspective.
🕗 Open daily 8:00–20:00
💸 Admission: €8 (Reduced €4)
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Use the audio guide or join a guided tour to gain deeper insights.
🌟 The on-site café is a peaceful spot for a break.
🌟 Allocate at least 2 hours to truly explore.
7. 🥐 Try Bougatsa at Bantis Bakery
Bougatsa is a flaky phyllo pastry, and trying it in Thessaloniki is practically a rite of passage. Bantis Bakery is a local institution, famous for serving one of the best versions in the city. Whether filled with custard, cheese, or minced meat, bougatsa is a delicious and affordable taste of local culinary tradition. The staff here are friendly and the bakery exudes authenticity.
🕗 Daily 7:00–22:00
💸 €2–€3 per piece
📍Google Maps
🌟 Go early for the freshest pastries
🌟 Definitely try the custard bougatsa and the spinach-feta one!
🌟 Ask for it to be cut into small squares and dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
8. ⛪ Visit the Church of Saint Demetrius
Dedicated to Thessaloniki’s patron saint, Saint Demetrius, this 5th-century basilica is a spiritual and architectural marvel. With stunning mosaics, grand arches, and a sacred crypt where the saint was reportedly martyred, the church embodies the city’s religious roots. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of active worship, giving you a genuine look into Orthodox Christian practices.
🕣 Daily 8:00–20:00
💸 Free entry!
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Dress modestly when visiting.
🌟 Don’t miss the atmospheric crypt below the altar.
🌟 Visit during a weekday morning to experience it in peaceful, spiritual quiet.
9. 🏺 Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
This museum is a time capsule of Macedonia’s rich history, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric to Roman times. You’ll find golden wreaths, mosaics, statues, and even entire tombs from ancient times. The exhibits are beautifully presented and provide essential context for the city’s historic ruins. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and anyone seeking to understand the layers beneath modern Thessaloniki.
🕣 Tue–Sun 8:00–20:00
💸 €€8 (Reduced €4)
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Visit in the morning for a quieter experience.
🌟 The courtyard often hosts temporary exhibitions, don’t miss them!
10. 🧄 Shop Local at Kapani Market
Kapani Market is the oldest public market in Thessaloniki and still one of the most authentic. Bustling with vendors selling spices, olives, meats, fish, and local delicacies, it offers a sensory dive into the everyday life of Thessalonians. Wander the narrow aisles and you’ll find everything from traditional cheeses to handmade soaps.
🕣 Mon–Sat 8:00–16:00
💸 Free entry!
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Bring cash and come hungry!
🌟 Check if yoVendors are often happy to let you sample before buying.
🌟 Wear comfortable shoes, it’s all cobblestones.
11. 🎭 Admire Art at MOMus Contemporary
MOMus Contemporary (Museum of Modern Art) is Thessaloniki’s dynamic hub for contemporary visual culture. Its exhibitions range from Greek avant-garde to cutting-edge global artists. With multimedia installations, photography, sculpture, and performance art, the museum reflects the city’s modern, creative pulse. It’s perfect for lovers of progressive, thought-provoking art and a great rainy-day option.
🕣 Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00
💸 €8 p.p.
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Check their website for temporary exhibitions and workshops.
🌟 The museum shop offers stylish local designs and art books.
12. 🏰 Discover the Heptapyrgion Fortress
Perched on the city’s highest point, the Heptapyrgion (Yedi Kule) offers commanding views over Thessaloniki and the sea. This fortress has served many purposes over the centuries, from Byzantine stronghold to Ottoman prison. Its eerie cells and robust towers tell tales of conquest, resistance, and survival. It’s one of the city’s most atmospheric sites.
🕣 Wed–Mon 8:00–20:00, closed on Tuesdays
💸 €4 (Reduced €2)
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Wear sturdy shoes for uneven paths.
🌟 The area around the fortress is quiet and scenic, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
13. ⛱️ Relax at Peraia Beach
Just 30 minutes from Thessaloniki’s center, Peraia Beach offers a quick seaside escape with calm waters, soft sand, and a laid-back atmosphere. Lined with beach bars, seafood tavernas, and sunbeds, it’s a favorite local weekend getaway. Whether you’re swimming, sipping a cold beer, or enjoying grilled sardines by the shore, it’s a refreshing break from city touring.
🕘 Always open, free entry (sunbeds may require food/drink purchase)
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Take bus 72 from IKEA or a taxi for convenience.
🌟 Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds.
🌟 Bring your own towel and water shoes if you prefer natural access.
14. 🧱 Marvel at the Roman Forum (Ancient Agora)
Located right in the city center, the Roman Forum, also known as the Ancient Agora, was once Thessaloniki’s vibrant social and political hub. The site includes ruins of a theater, public baths, and paved streets that date back nearly 2,000 years. The underground museum enhances your visit with displays of pottery, tools, and historical information that put the open-air ruins into context.
🕓 Tue–Sun 8:00–20:00
💸 €10 (Reduced €5)
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Start in the underground museum to understand what you’re looking at.
🌟 Morning visits are best for light and cooler weather.
🌟 Allow about 45–60 minutes.
15. 🍽️ Shop and Eat at Modiano Market
Recently restored, Modiano Market is Thessaloniki’s answer to a gourmet food hall, packed with local produce, traditional delicacies, artisanal goods, and authentic eateries. Here, the smells of grilled meats, fresh herbs, and baked goods mingle in a sensory explosion. It’s both a working market and a foodie hotspot.
🕓 Daily 8:00–20:00
💸 Free entry!
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Sample a variety of small bites and local spirits like tsipouro.
🌟 Early mornings offer the freshest produce, while lunchtime brings the market alive with locals.
16. 🛥️ Take a Boat Tour on the Thermaic Gulfr
See Thessaloniki from a new perspective aboard a floating café or bar that cruises the bay. These themed boats (pirate ship, jazz bar, etc.) offer relaxing rides along the city’s waterfront. It’s a breezy, scenic way to take in the coastal views while sipping a drink or enjoying a sunset with music. I recommend going on the Arabella, a historic pirate ship built in 1935.
🕙 Daily 09:30-00:00, weather permitting
💸 Free with drink purchase (€5–€8 typical)
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Choose sunset cruises for romantic views.
🌟 Arrive 10–15 minutes early for the best seating.
🌟 Some boats feature live performances or themed events.
17. 🌃 Experience Ladadika Nightlife
Once an oil and spice trading district, Ladadika is now Thessaloniki’s nightlife central. With cobbled streets, restored neoclassical buildings, and a mix of lively bars, traditional ouzeries, and stylish restaurants, it’s where the city truly comes alive after dark. Live Greek music spills onto the streets, and every corner hums with energy.
🕔 Evenings till late
💸 Free entry (drinks and meals vary)
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Arrive by 5:30–6:00 PM Visit around 8–9 PM for dinner, then stay for drinks.
🌟 Ask locals for live music venues.
🌟 Try tsipouro with meze at a traditional taverna.
18. 🏛️ Visit Atatürk Museum
Housed in the residence where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey, was born, this museum offers a glimpse into Ottoman-era Thessaloniki and Turkish history. The building is preserved with period furniture and personal memorabilia, providing a rare historical bridge between Greek and Turkish heritage.
🕐 Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00
💸 Free entry!
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Located inside the Turkish Consulate, bring a valid ID for entry.
🌟 Photography is limited, so check before entering.
🌟 Combine your visit with nearby Ottoman sites.
19. 🗼 Climb the Triangle Tower
Hidden within the Upper Town’s old city walls, the Triangle Tower (Trigono Pyrgos) is a lesser-known treasure that offers spectacular views over Thessaloniki’s rooftops. It’s steeped in history and provides a peaceful, often tourist-free alternative to the White Tower. Climbing up feels like stepping into a medieval fairytale.
🕘 Open Wed–Mon 8:00–20:00
💸 €3 (Reduced €2)
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Bring a camera for sweeping shots.
🌟 Combine your visit with a walk through Ano Poli and nearby monasteries.
20. ☂️ Snap a Selfie at The Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos
These towering, surreal umbrellas along the waterfront are one of Thessaloniki’s most Instagrammable spots. Created by renowned sculptor George Zongolopoulos, the installation adds a modern artistic twist to the city’s historic seafront. They’re especially striking at sunset or when lit up at night.
🕘 Always open, free entry
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Visit early morning or late evening for the best lighting.
🌟 Bring a wide-angle lens or tripod for creative photography.
21. 🐎 See Alexander the Great Statue
This imposing bronze statue of Alexander on horseback honors the legendary Macedonian king born nearby in Pella. Overlooking the Aegean, it’s not just a great photo op but a powerful tribute to one of history’s most iconic figures. It’s a popular meeting point for locals too.
🕘 Always open, free entry
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Combine your visit with a seaside walk toward the White Tower.
🌟 There are often street musicians and vendors nearby.
22. 🌳 Wander Through Pasha’s Gardens
Tucked away near Ano Poli, Pasha’s Gardens is a peaceful, shady retreat from the city buzz. Its mysterious stone structures and tunnels evoke curiosity, while its benches and views make it ideal for quiet contemplation. Locals come here to relax, picnic, and enjoy the tranquility.
🕘 Always open, free entry
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Bring snacks or coffee and enjoy a quiet break.
🌟 The park is ideal for reading or sketching.
23. 🏛️ Hang Out in Aristotle Square
The city’s central plaza, Aristotle Square, is a bustling hub surrounded by grand architecture, lively cafés, and street performers. It’s the heart of public life in Thessaloniki, great for people-watching, meeting friends, or simply soaking in the urban vibe. Events and markets often pop up here.
🕘 Always open, free entry
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Come in the evening to see the square lit up.
🌟 Try bougatsa from a nearby bakery while watching street artists.
24. 🥐 Taste Heaven at Terkenlis Bakery
A Thessaloniki institution, Terkenlis has been delighting locals and visitors with traditional Greek sweets since 1948. Their tsoureki (sweet brioche) filled with chocolate or chestnut cream is legendary. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or a gift for friends back home, you can’t leave without trying something.
🕘 Daily 7:00–22:00
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Try the chocolate-covered tsoureki and baklava.
🌟 The main branch on Tsimiski Street is the most iconic.
25. 🎬 Watch a Film at Open Air Cinema Apollo
Experience Greek summer evenings the way locals do, under the stars at an open-air cinema. Apollo is a nostalgic treasure where you can catch the latest blockbusters or indie films with a backdrop of warm breezes and rustling trees. The scent of popcorn mixes with night jasmine as you relax in a classic metal chair, making movie night feel magical.
🕘 Seasonal (typically May–September), shows start after sunset
💸 €8 (Reduced €6)
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Arrive early for good seats.
🌟 Most films are in original language with Greek subtitles.
🌟 Bring a light jacket, it can get cool in the evening.
🗺️ Map of 25 Best Things to do in Thessaloniki
There you have it, your ultimate 2025 guide to the best things to do in Thessaloniki. From ancient ruins and vibrant markets to beach escapes and nightlife, Thessaloniki promises unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a week, this city will leave a lasting impression.
Pack your walking shoes, bring your appetite, and get ready to fall in love with Thessaloniki!
📖 Thessaloniki Travel Guide
See my full Thessaloniki Travel Guide for more tips on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, day trips and itineraries!
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