What to do in Thessaloniki, Greece: 20 TOP Activities
Planning a trip to Thessaloniki? If so, you’re probably looking for the best ways to spend your time in the city. Well, I’m happy to tell you that you’re in the exact right place! In this guide, I will talk about the 20 best things to do in Thessaloniki so you can have an unforgettable vacation.
I’ve visited Thessaloniki numerous times and done almost all of the activities listed here. I’m going to share with you my absolute favorite things to do in the city and also talk about a few things that are still on my bucket list.
In this post, you’ll find a wide range of free and paid activities, so you can pick and choose what to do based on personal preference. But keep in mind that the paid tours and activities are quick to sell out, so it’s best to book them in advance if you want to secure a spot.
Let’s get started!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to join one of the guided activities, you should book them as soon as possible – these are all popular choices, and the tours fill up quickly!
Here are the main things to book in advance:
And here are the best hotels: Electra Palace Thessaloniki, Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel, Raise Thessaloniki
1. Go up the White Tower
The White Tower of Thessaloniki (map) is the city’s most notable landmark. You’ll definitely pass by the Tower while exploring the city, and you should stop and snap some photos of it. I also highly recommend going up to the top of the Tower for the most stunning views of the city and the sea.
During my last visit to Thessaloniki, I went up the Tower, and it was a really cool experience. The Tower is actually a museum – you’ll see various exhibitions on different floors of the building as you make your way up to the top. The exhibitions are interesting and informative, and they’re a good place to rest as you’re making your way up to the top.
When you reach the top, you can walk around, snap some photos, and just take some time to soak up the views. Tickets are available for purchase on-site, and even if there’s a line, you won’t have to wait more than a few minutes.
PRICE: €3/person
2. Walk along the waterfront and Aristotelous Square
No matter how often I visit Thessaloniki, I never tire of walking along the Thessaloniki Waterfront (map). The promenade is broad, and there’s always room to walk comfortably regardless of the crowds. Walking along the waterfront, you can observe the passing ships and snap a photo with the famous sculpture, The Umbrellas of Zongolopoulos (map).
As you walk along the waterfront, you’ll reach Aristotelous Square (map), the city’s main square and meeting hub. You can just walk around and people-watch, or you can enjoy a hot drink at one of the coffee shops and bars surrounding the square – I like Bara Box Coffee Box (map)!
TIP: If you’re visiting Thessaloniki for New Year’s, be sure to attend some of the celebrations in Aristotelous Square! The atmosphere is very lively, and the decorations are super cute – I had an amazing time, and I’m sure you will, too!
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3. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
One of the top things to do in Thessaloniki is explore the city’s museums, and my No.1 pick is the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. The museum is one of the largest museums in Greece and hosts an impressive collection of artifacts from different periods in Greek history.
The museum hosts as many as 8 permanent exhibitions, and they’re all worth checking out, so I suggest you set several hours aside for your visit. More information about the exhibitions is available on the museum’s official website, but tickets are not available online – you’ll have to buy them once you arrive.
PRICE: €8/person
4. Admire the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda
It’s time to explore some more well-known Thessaloniki attractions! The Arch of Galerius (map) is an iconic monument dating back to Roman times. At first glance, this may seem like a regular stone arch, but once you look more closely, you’ll see some very cool carvings on the stone. It’s definitely worth at least a short stop and a great photo op – plus, it’s free!
From the Arch of Galerius, move on to the Rotunda (map), another Roman landmark. Otherwise known as the Church of Saint George, the building has a distinct circular shape, and the interiors are decorated with intricate mosaics. The Rotunda welcomes visitors every day, and tickets are available to purchase on-site.
PRICE: €6/person; €3 for people under 26
5. Roam the vibrant streets of Ladadika
The Ladadika (map) neighborhood is my favorite place in Thessaloniki. Situated right next to the city center, this is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, and you can tell by the cobbled streets and old architecture.
Besides its abundant history, Ladadika has many cool tavernas, bars, and even nightclubs (more on this later) that are always full of people, creating a vibrant atmosphere. So, take some time to walk around the neighborhood, admire the architecture, and try some delicious Greek food.
6. See the contemporary artworks at MOMus
If you’re interested in art at all, you have to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art – MOMUS. The museum has an extensive collection of contemporary artworks by Greek artists, and it also hosts temporary exhibitions and various events.
The museum is open every day except Mondays and public holidays, and there are some guided tours you can sign up for. Just check the official website to see when tours are available in English.
PRO TIP: If you want to visit other MOMus Museums in Thessaloniki (there are 3 others in Thessaloniki and also one in Athens), you can get the myMOMus Card. This card provides entry to all the museums and costs €18.
PRICE: €6/person
7. Join a food tour of Thessaloniki guided by a local chef
Thessaloniki has a very rich and diverse food scene, and the best way to experience it is on a guided tour by a local chef. During the tour, the guide will take you to the best spots where you can try local delicacies, including olive oil, honey, Greek teas, and spices.
After all the tastings, you’ll head to a local restaurant where you will enjoy a local and delicious lunch. For the duration of the tour, the guide will tell you about Greek culture and explain how that is reflected in the food.
PRICE: €110
8. Pay a visit to the Holy Church of Saint Demetrius
Yet another must-visit in Thessaloniki is the Holy Church of Saint Demetrius (map). This church was built on the site of ancient Roman baths and houses the body of Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of the city.
Even if you’re not Christian Orthodox or religious at all, the church is definitely worth a visit from an architectural standpoint. The interiors are richly decorated with frescoes and mosaics, and you can even see the remains of the Roman baths. Best of all – entrance is completely free of charge!
NOTE: If you want to visit the Church of Saint Demetrius, or any Orthodox church for that matter, you’ll need to be dressed modestly. This applies to both men and women and means having your shoulders and your knees covered.
9. Try the traditional bougatsa
If there is just one thing you try in Thessaloniki, it’s the bougatsa! The bougatsa is a traditional Greek custard pie and an extremely popular breakfast food. The original bougatsa is sweet, but today, you can find many varieties of it, including savory pies.
FUN FACT: The bougatsa originated in Byzantium and was brought to Thessaloniki by Greek immigrants who fled from Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) in 1922. Ever since then, Thessaloniki has been THE place to have bougatsa.
Well, now you’re probably wondering where to get yourself some bougatsa. I have 2 recommendations for you: ΤΟ ΝΕΟΝ (map) and Bougatsa Serron (map). Both serve amazing bougatsa, so you can pick whichever one is more convenient for you; ideally, try both!
10. Enjoy a meal with a view on a tour of the OTE Tower
The OTE Tower (map) is one of the best things to see in Thessaloniki! It’s a tall and imposing building, so you’ll definitely catch a glimpse of it while exploring the city. However, I recommend booking a guided tour that will allow you to enjoy the views from the observation deck and enjoy the meal at the rotating restaurant.
Of course, you can visit the tower without the tour, but if you want to dine at the restaurant, you’ll have to make reservations well in advance, and you might not be successful – I wasn’t. So, don’t make the same mistake I did. Book the tour to secure your spot and save a little – the tour is better value for money than visiting the tower on your own.
PRICE: €18
11. See the historic Holy Church of Hagia Sophia
Another church that’s worth your attention is the Holy Church of Hagia Sophia (map). This is an Orthodox church, but the building dates back to the 7th century, so it’s built in a traditional Byzantine architectural style. In fact, the church was modeled after the famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul!
The church’s interior is truly stunning, with a tall dome, massive arches, and elaborate frescoes and mosaics. Like many other churches in Thessaloniki, entrance to the Holy Church of Hagia Sophia is free for everyone, but again, you have to be dressed modestly.
12. Take a day trip to Meteora
While in Thessaloniki, you’re in an excellent position to explore more of mainland Greece, and the best way to do it is by taking day trips! My first recommendation is to take a full-day guided trip to Meteora, a monastery complex built within large and imposing rocks.
Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s unlike anything I’ve seen before. There are a total of 6 monasteries here, but on this tour, you’ll only get to visit 2 – that’s enough to blow you away! Besides exploring the monasteries, you’ll also stop at a viewpoint where you can enjoy the best panoramic views and have lunch before returning to Thessaloniki.
PRICE: €66
13. Sail around the Port of Thessaloniki on a pirate ship
As you walk along the Thessaloniki waterfront, you’ll probably see a pirate ship docked in the harbor. If so, hop on for a cruise! The Arabella pirate ship offers daily cruises and departs from the dock in front of the White Tower.
The cruise lasts for half an hour, and anyone can hop on – there’s no need to buy tickets; you just need to order a drink! Even though the drinks are slightly more expensive than on the mainland, the higher price tag is definitely worth paying – the cruise is a truly unique experience!
PRO TIP: If possible, hop on the cruise at sunset to enjoy the most magnificent views of the sea and the Thessaloniki port.
PRICE: €8-10 per drink, per adult; €5 for kids, juice or soft drink included
14. Do some shopping in the city center
Every time I visit Thessaloniki, I feel compelled to do some shopping! It feels inevitable – the city center abounds with stores and cool shops, which makes it very hard to resist. The ultimate place to start your shopping spree is Tsimiski (map), a long avenue lined with designer stores and fashion boutiques.
When you’re done exploring all the stores on Tsimiski Avenue, and if you still feel like shopping, you’ll have plenty of choices in the city center. You definitely need to check out the shops on Ermou Street (map) and the Agora Modiano (map), a large market where you can get some local food and souvenirs.
15. Roam the stalls at Kapani Market
If you like exploring local markets when you visit a new city, then you cannot miss Thessaloniki’s Kapani Market (map)! This is a traditional covered market where you’ll find many local vendors selling various products, including olives and olive oil, and traditional Greek sweets.
And even if you don’t want to buy food, you can also get clothes and various souvenirs at Kapani Market. Or if you don’t plan on buying anything, you should still visit and browse the colorful stalls.
16. Visit Dion and Mount Olympus Park on a day trip from Thessaloniki
As I already mentioned, Thessaloniki is the ideal place for planning day trips to other parts of Greece and exploring both natural and cultural attractions. If you prefer to get in touch with nature, there’s no better choice than this guided tour to the archaeological site of Dion and Mount Olympus National Park.
FUN FACT: In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus is described as the home of the gods and the site of Zeus’ throne.
The first thing you’ll explore on the tour is Dion, an archeological site that was once a religious site dedicated to Zeus. From there, you’ll move on to Mount Olympus National Park and trek through the mountain paths until you reach Agia Kori Waterfall, where you can even enjoy a refreshing swim in the warmer months.
PRICE: €58
17. Go up to the Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki and admire the views
If you’re anything like me and always on the hunt for stunning views, then I recommend you visit the Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki (map). This fortress towers over the city and offers unparalleled panoramic views of Thessaloniki.
Besides the views, you can also learn more about the history of the fortress and the city, but I have to warn you that the climb up to the top can be a bit difficult. I don’t recommend doing it with very young kids or if you just want a chill and laid-back day.
PRICE: €6/person
18. Join the city’s bustling nightlife scene
Ready to party? Well, Thessaloniki won’t disappoint! The city has a very rich and varied nightlife scene, so whatever your preference, you’ll definitely find something you like. The Ladadika is considered to be the hub of nightlife in Thessaloniki, although there are plenty of bars and clubs throughout the city.
Eightball (map) and Kafodeio Greek (map) are some of the most popular spots for a night out in the city, and I also really like Pulp (map) – the atmosphere is lively but laid-back, and they serve a huge variety of beers.
19. Embark on a guided trip to Pozar Thermal Baths and Edessa
Visiting Thessaloniki in the fall or winter? If so, you absolutely have to go on a guided day tour to the Pozar Thermal Baths and Edessa! The first stop on the tour is the Pozar Thermal Baths, where you can enjoy the hot and healing waters – but no longer than 30 minutes!
NOTE: The entry fee for the thermal baths is not included in the tour price; the fee is €3, and if you need to rent a towel, that’s an additional fee of €2. However, I recommend bringing your own towel – the baths get super crowded, especially on the weekends, and they sometimes don’t have enough towels for rent.
After your healing bath, you’ll move on to the city of Edessa. Here, you’ll get a chance to visit a stunning waterfall, and you can even enter a small cave directly behind the waterfall – it only costs €1 extra!
PRICE: €58/person
20. Enjoy the beaches of Sithonia on a day trip from Thessaloniki
Finally, if you’re visiting Thessaloniki during the summer months, you have to take at least a day to enjoy the incredible beaches of Halkidiki. I’d recommend signing up for this full-day tour of Sithonia, where you’ll discover amazing beaches and quaint villages.
On the tour, you’ll visit 4 of Sithonia’s beaches and 1 lovely fishing village. You’ll have a swimming break at each of the beaches, so you can enjoy the crystal clear waters and sunbathe. For a summer visit to Thessaloniki, this is a great way to escape the heat and get away from the city for a little while.
PRICE: €82
Where to stay in Thessaloniki
You’ll need a place to stay during your visit to Thessaloniki! Below, you’ll see my top picks in each price category, but if you want some extra choice and a more comprehensive overview of the city, check out my full guide on the best places to stay in Thessaloniki.
Luxury (€140 and up)
- Electra Palace Thessaloniki – a 5-star hotel in the heart of the city featuring a rooftop restaurant overlooking the sea, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a spa with a heated pool
- Pillow Urban Stay – room service, airport transfers, and tour assistance are just some of the services offered to the guests of this hotel. Other perks include private parking, free Wi-Fi, and a delicious breakfast
Mid-range (€80 – €140)
- Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel – offering individually decorated rooms, this boutique hotel provides free international calls and free mobile data, as well as bike hire. A gift shop is available on-site where you can get some souvenirs from your trip
- City Hotel Thessaloniki – each room at the hotel is classically furnished and features a wooden floor, plus heating and air conditioning. A complimentary buffet breakfast is provided daily
Budget (up to €80)
- Raise Thessaloniki – these budget-friendly apartments have a fully equipped kitchen and a private bathroom, plus a balcony where you can enjoy your coffee with a view of the city
- GreeceRent – an affordable apartment in the heart of the Ladadika neighborhood with a separate bathroom, a comfortable living area, and a small but functional kitchen
Practical Information
Before we wrap up, I wanted to share a few practical tips that will come in useful on your next trip to Thessaloniki!
How to get around
The first thing you should know about Thessaloniki is that the city center and the surrounding neighborhoods like Ladadika are extremely walkable! So, if you’re staying somewhere in the city center, I recommend you walk to all the top attractions – not only will you save money, but you’ll also get to know the city better.
Other options for getting around the city include public transport, Uber, taxis (more on this below), and rental cars. However, I wouldn’t recommend driving, especially if you don’t know the city well; the traffic is hectic, and if you don’t know where you’re going, it’s easy to get lost.
Public Transport
The Thessaloniki public transport consists of an extensive bus network that covers the entire city and much of its surroundings. The buses are very convenient and reliable – every time I use them, I never have any problems; they’re always on time and following your route is easy.
Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus; a single ride costs €0.90, and you can get it from the ticket machines on the bus. The machines are super simple to use, but you should have the exact amount of money for the ride – they don’t give change.
Taxis/Ride Sharing
I’m going to be honest with you – I’ve never used a taxi or a ride-sharing service in Thessaloniki. I either walk or take the bus – it’s a great way to save money while traveling. However, if you need to get somewhere by car, you have a couple of great options.
First up, there’s Uber, which allows you to calculate the cost of the trip and reserve a ride through their app. Usually, this is more affordable than taxis, especially those waiting on the street – I wouldn’t use those unless it were an urgent situation.
Another great option is WelcomePickups, a favorite among the Miss Tourist team. This service matches you with reputable taxis and provides a clear overview of the rates in Thessaloniki. So, if you order a taxi through them, expect to pay a €1.30 base fare, plus €0.74 per km during the day or €1.30 per km at night.
The minimum fare for a taxi ride is €3.47, and you should have cash on you – Thessaloniki taxis don’t accept credit cards.
All about SIM cards
Another practical thing you should keep in mind is Internet access. Whenever you’re traveling, you need access to the web, meaning you’ll have to get either an eSIM or a local SIM card.
Here are some reputable providers that offer SIM and eSIM cards in Greece:
My go-to provider for data is Airalo, an amazing eSIM provider that offers various packages and affordable prices. I’ve never had an issue with their services in any of the countries I’ve visited, so I can highly recommend them.
However, your best bet is Vodafone if you need a physical SIM card. I’ve used them several times on my trips to Greece, and I don’t have any complaints. They offer affordable packages and have excellent coverage – that checks all my boxes.
FAQs about what to do in Thessaloniki, Greece
💯 Is Thessaloniki worth visiting?
Yes! Thessaloniki is absolutely worth visiting – it’s a city with a rich culture, numerous historical landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and a rich food scene, so there’s always a fun way to spend your time.
✨ What is Thessaloniki best known for?
Thessaloniki is known for its well-preserved Byzantine architecture, its many churches, notable landmarks like the White Tower, and traditional Greek sweets like the bougatsa.
📅 Is 2 days enough for Thessaloniki?
Yes, 2 days in Thessaloniki would be enough to explore the main attractions and try some delicious local food. However, I recommend spending at least 3 to 4 days in the city to explore everything it has to offer and do it at a leisurely pace.
🍲 What food is Thessaloniki known for?
Thessaloniki is known for the bougatsa, the delicious custard pastry, but it’s also widely renowned for its gyros and souvlaki.
🤔 Which is better, Athens or Thessaloniki?
Thessaloniki is less touristy than Athens and more affordable, but Athens has significantly more historical landmarks and offers many amazing things to do.
Final words on the top things to do in Thessaloniki, Greece
We’re at the end of our Thessaloniki sightseeing tour! Hopefully, this was helpful, and now you have a better idea of what to do in Thessaloniki, Greece!
If you’d like to go on a guided tour while in Thessaloniki, hurry up and book your spot! This is a popular tourist destination, and all the top-rated activities are quick to sell out!
Lastly, if you have any questions about Thessaloniki or things to do in the city, drop them in the comments below – I’ll get back to you ASAP!
Enjoy your time in Thessaloniki,
Hristina
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