ThessalonikiMainland Greece · Greece

All About Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a city of many names, which reflects its rich history, vibrant culture, and strategic geographical significance. Often called the ‘co-capital’ of Greece, it is the second-largest city in the country with over 1 million inhabitants. Situated in the heart of the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki is a commercial, business, and transportation hub for northern Greece. Often referred to as Salonica, it is also known as the ‘cultural capital of Greece’ and its iconic White Tower is the symbol of the city. Thessaloniki has a very laid-back air that seduces you into taking time to enjoy the good things in life, from a stroll along its lovely promenade to a spot of shopping in Aristotelous Square. Restaurants and coffee shops abound, serving delicious local dishes and sweet pastries such as the creamy ‘bougatsa’ pie, which goes brilliantly with a traditional Greek coffee.

Once you arrive in Thessaloniki, you will be struck by the abundance of landmarks that reveal the city’s long history. Founded in 315 BCE by Cassander of Macedon and named after his wife Thessalonike (the half-sister of Alexander the Great), it was an important metropolis during the Roman period, with great wealth during the Byzantine years, and remained an important seaport during Ottoman rule. While there, check out the Paleochristian churches, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Byzantine monuments, the Roman, Ottoman, and Sephardic Jewish landmarks, as well as the lively old quarter of Ladadika. With so much to experience in Thessaloniki, one visit is simply not enough!
 

Routes And Ferries to Thessaloniki

Book your ferry tickets to Thessaloniki using Ferryscanner and enjoy a romantic sail with Blue Star Ferries that takes about 27 hours from the port of Piraeus. The ferry stops off at Syros, Mykonos, Ikaria, Fourni, Samos, Chios, Lesvos, and Limnos, so you can reach the city from any of these islands too.

If you are flying into Athens International Airport, you can hop on the X96 bus directly from the airport to Piraeus for a 40-minutes journey. Trains can also take you into the city center where you can change lines for the port, and taxis are on standby if you prefer to travel in more comfort. You can fly direct to Thessaloniki Airport ‘Makedonia’ from many international destinations and make your way to the city center on arrival, which is about 20 km away.
 

Port of Thessaloniki

The busy port of Thessaloniki is over 2,300 years old, yet offers top-rate amenities for visitors. One of the busiest and most important ports in southeastern Europe, its excellent rail and road network make it a hub for commercial trade. The port serves many international cruise ships from around the Mediterranean and is the gateway to the wider regions of great historical and cultural interest, such as ancient Pella & Vergina, Mount Olympus, Meteora, and Lake Kerkini.
 

Neighborhoods

As a port town, Thessaloniki lives and breathes next to the waterfront and is easy to explore on foot. Each neighborhood has its own unique character and offers you the chance to discover smart shopping streets, impressive architecture, gastro-corners, and buzzing nightlife.

The Promenade

Start off with a walk along the Promenade; the most popular spot for locals to enjoy a relaxing stroll. Beginning at Nikis Square, you will pass the iconic White Tower that was once part of the city’s fortification dating back to the days of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1520- 1566). You will find numerous cafés and bars on your way and can even enjoy the route with a horse-drawn carriage for some extra romance.

Aristotelous Square

Aristotelous (or Aristotle) Square is probably the most famous square in the whole of Greece. Redesigned by the French architect Ernest Hébrard after a terrible fire in 1917, it is surrounded by Neoclassical buildings with elegant colonnades and facades. A wonderful place to enjoy a refreshment at one of the many cafés with open views of the sea and plenty of happenings to keep you enthralled, the Square is truly the heart of city life.

Ladadika

Ladadika is a neighborhood to the east of the port and is named after the oil depots (ladi) which used to be found there. Once known for being a somewhat shady area, Ladadika is now the place to go if you seek culinary delights and a lively nightlife scene in a picturesque setting. Many of the old warehouses have been restored and converted into cafés and restaurants where young and old gather throughout the day to eat, drink, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Egnatia

This is a neighborhood brimming with historical significance where you will find the Roman Agora and the Arch of Galerius. The city’s Archaeological Museum is also nearby, as well as the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art. Several important Byzantine churches and the Jewish Museum are located in this area, making it a ‘must’ for culture vultures.

Ano Poli

Ano Poli is also known as the Old Town to the north of the city and was once the Ottoman quarter as well as the place where a large community of Jews used to live. With its paved streets and old stone houses, you can catch a glimpse back in time and will come across many Byzantine churches and monasteries on your walks. The 4th century CE castle walls hug the route and wonderful sea views open up to you at the top. The house where Kemal Attaturk was born and raised can also be found here, which now serves as the Turkish Consulate and part museum.

Athonos Square

Visit Athonos Square and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of local life, with shops selling everything from antiques to spices. Here you will find all sorts of teas, fresh fruit, and local produce next to little boutiques and craft shops. Artisanal wares such as furniture and decorative objects make for great souvenirs, while the cozy restaurants and live music will bewitch all of your senses.
 

Things to Do

Soak Up History at the Rotonda

The famous Rotonda of Thessaloniki is an important Roman monument next to the Arch of Galerius in the city center and it is also known as the Church of Agios Georgios. Originally built in 306 CE by Galerius to be used as a tomb upon his death, it was converted into an Orthodox Church by the Byzantine emperor Constantine in the 4th century and some of the elaborate frescoes are still visible today. In 1590, the Ottomans converted it into a mosque and added a minaret before it became a church again in 1912. The Rotonda is now a sculpture museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site of great importance.

Enjoy a Concert at the Roman Market

The Roman Market is located in the city center and dates back to the 3rd century BCE. A social and religious center for the Romans, you will see the remnants of the square and discover that there was also a mint, a conservatory, as well as other public buildings. Catch one of the concerts organized here by the municipality during the summer for an extremely unique experience in an atmospheric setting.

Check Out the Sculptures and Statues

As you walk around this vibrant city, watch out for the unique sculptures and historical statues dotted here and there. There are many abstract works of art in the form of sculptures, with the most famous one being the colorful ‘umbrellas’ on the promenade. Statues in honor of past personas include those of Queen Olga (1867-1913), Greek resistance fighter Georgios Ivanov, hero of the 1821 Revolution Athanasios Diakos, and artist Sophia Bembo (Vembo). Other statues pay homage to events in history and include the Korean War Memorial, the Thracian Fallen Heroes Memorial, the Holocaust Memorial, and the Pontian Greeks Genocide Memorial.

Visit Bey Hamam

A beautiful building that you should check out, the Bey Hamam is situated on Egnatia Street. The 15th-century Ottoman bathhouse was the first Hamam in town and one of the biggest in Greece. It is a beautiful testament to the architectural aesthetic of the period and was also known as the ‘Baths of Paradise’. After suffering from damage during an earthquake in 1978, the building was restored and is used today to host cultural events. Several more hamams can be found throughout the city such as the Bazar Hamam located in the ‘Flower Shops’ area, and the Yeni Hamam next to the temple of Agios Dimitrios.

Explore the Museums

As a great cultural center, Thessaloniki has no shortage of museums and if you don’t have time to visit them all, there are some you should definitely not miss. The Archeological Museum houses artifacts from Prehistoric Macedonia up to Late Antiquity. The Museum of Byzantine Culture is housed in an extraordinary building and offers an insight into Byzantine art and culture. Both the State Museum of Contemporary Art and the Thessaloniki Center of Contemporary Art are well worth visiting, while the Municipal Gallery is a masterpiece of architectural design in itself. The War Museum, the Jewish Museum, and the Photography Museum also merit a visit with their unique collections of recent events in European history.

Eat and Drink the Local Cuisine

Explore Thessaloniki through your taste buds with a visit to the Modiani Market, where locals shop for fresh produce. The covered area also has taverns and coffee shops where you can sit and enjoy a delicious meal like fried cod or tripe soup before checking out the colorful flowers at the Louloudadika Market. Visit the mountain village of Chortiatis just 18 km from the center to savor some freshly-caught game cooked in traditional clay pots or take a wine tour to one of the 3 vineyards in the area to taste award-winning labels in bucolic surroundings.
 

Transportation Around Thessaloniki

As a cosmopolitan city, Thessaloniki provides a well-organized transport system that allows you to get around with ease. Buses operate from early in the day until late at night and will take you to wherever you want to go in the city. Cycling is a great way to explore the city streets and walking is also very pleasant, with many areas completely pedestrianized. Car and motorbike rentals are also a good option, as well as private transfers or taxis.