Where to go and what to visit in Thessaloniki in 1, 2 or 3 days on your own? We have selected all the best attractions that are definitely worth seeing with your own eyes, found out the prices for excursions with a Russian-speaking guide to interesting places and surrounding areas, compiled a route for an independent walk and a map with the location of objects.
Thessaloniki is the northern capital of Greece, dating back over 2,500 years. The city is literally permeated with antiquity and monumentality.
The cultural heritage of these lands continues to amaze with various archaeological excavations to this day.
For several thousand years, Thessaloniki hosted the Hellenistic, Roman Byzantine and Ottoman empires on its lands, which was reflected in the architecture.
Although most of the city was lost, a fairly large number of Greek attractions remained that tourists can appreciate.
What is a must see in Thessaloniki and its surroundings?
Within the city limits there are concentrated sights that are stunning in their magnificence, which are definitely worth seeing and included in the tourist route when traveling to Greece on your own.
- White Tower
White Tower
The building dates back to the 15th century and is an interesting structure. Although the tower is called white, its color is closer to the skin tone of a buffalo. The monument surprises with its external simplicity, but is still the main symbol of the city. The building once stood guard over the peace of local citizens and was used as a defensive structure. You can enter the building free of charge at any time of the day.
- Aristotle Square
Aristotle Square
What to visit first in Thessaloniki? Of course, the central part of the city. The whole life of the Greeks is concentrated here. A stunningly beautiful place and an incredible view of Thermacois Bay will make you spend the whole day in the square. You can get to the place by regular buses going to the center.
- Hagia Sophia
Church of Hagia Sophia
The building was erected back in the 7th century, taking into account all the canons and personifies the iconoclastic period. The cross-domed structure is under the protection of UNESCO. For some time the temple belonged to the Turks and served as an Islamic mosque. The doors of Hagia Sophia are open until seven in the evening, admission is free. You can get there by bus routes 16,24 and 50.
- Arch of Galeria
Arch of Galerius
The only small part that has survived from the burial complex of the great Roman emperor. The brickwork is of interest to vacationers even just because the building dates back to the fourth century. Today here you can listen to concerts of street musicians and watch performances.
- Church of Panagia Chalkeon
Church of Panagia Chalkeon
A stunning structure that is included in the list of cultural heritage. Domed vaults, marble columns and stained glass two-tier windows amaze with their beauty. The inside of the church also boasts rich decoration. You can get there by bus number 22, getting off at the Filippov stop. The church gates are open until seven in the evening
- Roman forum
Roman Forum
In ancient times, this ancient agora was a real business center. Merchants and noblemen gathered here, various performances took place, and important issues were discussed. The multi-tiered structure was secretly divided into an upper and lower city.
The forum is located in the central part of the city, and anyone can get inside for 2 €.
- Railway Museum
Railway Museum
What interesting things you can see in Thessaloniki besides ancient architecture are museums. Within the walls of the building, built by an Italian master, exhibits related to the railway are collected. Guests will be able to view old maps, photographs, tickets, uniforms and much more. Entrance here is absolutely free, although you can only get in on Wednesdays and Thursdays until 1 p.m.
- Archaeological Museum
Archaeological Museum
Another interesting place we recommend for viewing. A very extensive collection, which includes interesting exhibits from excavations inside and outside the city. Tourists will be able to see household items of ordinary citizens, women's and men's jewelry, funeral items, and so on. You can get to the museum until eight in the evening for 8 €; the building is located in the central part of the city.
- Church of St. Panteleimon
Church of St. Panteleimon
The ancient building is also a cultural heritage property. The church has undergone minor external changes and now contains some elements from the Ottoman Empire. In fact, this is only a small part of the large-scale monastery complex that has survived. The construction of the church dates back to the sixth century. You can go inside absolutely free from morning until seven in the evening.
- Church of the Holy Apostles
Church of the Holy Apostles
Basilica is considered a wonderful embodiment of Byzantine culture. The domed building amazes primarily with its scale and, of course, architecture. The majestic temple was erected in honor of the twelve apostles. To this day, on the walls inside the building you can see amazingly beautiful frescoes that were successfully preserved after the Ottomans.
The building is located in the central part, entry inside is free for everyone.
- Lake Coronia
Lake Koronia
What to see in Thessaloniki and the surrounding area on your own? If you drive a little outside the city, you can get to a beautiful lake. It received its name in honor of the local god of healing. According to local residents, the waters of the lake have healing properties, thanks to which a lot of visitors flock here. You can get there from Thessaloniki by regular bus in just 40 minutes.
- Dojran Lake
Dojran Lake
An amazing body of water that arose as a result of tectonics. Mountain ranges stretching beyond the horizon, clear waters and the purest fine sand will give you the opportunity to relax and breathe in the crystal air, which has life-giving power. In order to get to the place, you must first get to the city of Kukush and from there take a bus or train to the lake.
Where to stay in Thessaloniki
Archaeological sites
The archaeological sites of Thessaloniki are also quite interesting. Worth a look is the Archa Galeria, perhaps one of the most interesting Roman buildings in the city. It was once a triumphal monument built to celebrate the victory over the Persians in 298. The city also has a Rotunda Galeria, built in 306. Many archaeologists believe that it was originally used as a temple, although it is more likely that the rotunda was built as mausoleum. And a few blocks from the square. Aristotle contains the remains of the Roman Forum (Agora), which date back to the 1st century.
Kalamaria (aka Nea Krini) is a special, quaint urban area in the eastern part of Thessaloniki, about 25 minutes drive from the center. Here on the street. Aretsu is home to famous restaurants and fish taverns, as well as coffee shops, bars and shops.
Interesting excursions in Russian
All tourists are divided into two types. Some people dream of developing a route on their own and only using it to see all the planned sights, while others are inclined to trust a professional and not think about such trifles as, for example, renting a vehicle.
There are a huge variety of excursions in Thessaloniki in Russian, from individual tours to group programs. Some of the most popular are the following:
- overview;
- according to Orthodox shrines;
- upper city.
Where we recommend visiting first:
- Where to go on excursions in Thessaloniki? The ideal solution in this case is a classic sightseeing trip, which will show guests of the capital the most popular places for only 60 €
- Thessaloniki is home to a huge number of Orthodox churches, which can best be explored by a knowledgeable guide and conducted an exciting event. The approximate cost of the excursion is 84 €.
- The city was under the Byzantine people for a long time, which left a certain imprint on the local architecture. Walking around Ano Poli or the Upper Town will help guests better understand and experience the daily life of the ancients. The cost of such an excursion will cost 70 €.
We also definitely recommend booking gastronomic tours, here you will learn about spices and traditional cuisine.
- Well, a mandatory holiday program is an excursion from Thessaloniki to Meteora, the most popular tour according to the booking statistics of our readers. The cost of the trip (370 €) is more expensive than in local travel agencies, but for this money you will get an amazing route, a passionate guide with deep knowledge, and completely different emotions from what you see.
Description of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the cultural capital and second largest city of Greece. Its area is 19,307 km², and the population of the city, together with the surrounding areas, is over 1.1 million people.
This Greek city has a rich history. The Macedonian king Cassander founded Thessaloniki in 315 BC and named it after his wife, whose name was Thessalonica. The history of the city can be divided into several periods: ancient, Byzantine, Ottoman and the period of re-Hellenization.
Where to go with children?
Now we will select the most interesting places in Thessaloniki for a child, where parents can unwind with benefit.
The mild Greek climate and stunning nature encourage parents to bring even their smallest children on vacation. For young travelers, Thessaloniki “will be able” to organize a real cultural program.
Interesting places in the city:
- One of the most unique places located in the city is the digital planetarium . For just 5 €, a child will be able to enjoy a stunning view of the cosmic galaxies and listen to the tour using wireless headphones in two languages. Here, your child will be able to visit the cosmotheater for €5 and watch the usual 3D films in an unusual virtual reality simulator.
- a technology museum will definitely be etched in their memory for the rest of their lives . On the vast territory you can see exhibitions of vintage cars, interesting exhibits using ancient Greek technologies and a special park where you can touch and feel everything.
- An amusement park , a zoo and a water park will help children get acquainted with the local flora and fauna, get adrenaline on the rides and fly down the slide straight into the pool.
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War Museum
There is another interesting museum in Thessaloniki, which houses many objects of the military history of Macedonia. It first opened its doors to the general public in 2000, although the construction of the building dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The museum's exhibition highlights various aspects of the military history of Thessaloniki and Greece in general. The halls display an impressive collection of models of warships, samples of clothing of different branches of the military, distinctive paraphernalia and even some exhibits of weapons from neighboring countries. Separate exhibitions highlight objects from the First and Second World Wars, individual military operations, and are also dedicated to the periods of Turkish, German and Bulgarian occupation of Greece. There is also an impressive library of historical and military publications. Well, next to the building, right in the open air, there is a collection of combat aircraft and armored vehicles.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday is a day off. The entrance ticket costs 6 euros; a discount is provided for children and some other categories of visitors.
What to see in Thessaloniki in 1-3 days on your own?
Independent tourists who plan to visit the ancient city in just 1, 2 or 3 days can use the following route.
- The first day
Walk along the embankment - visit to the White Tower - Royal Theater - Archaeological Museum - Telephone Tower - Macedonian Museum of Modern Art.
- Second day
Central Aristotle Square - Monument to Philip the Second - Kamara - Rotunda of St. George - Basilica of St. Demetrius - Evening walk around the Upper Town.
- Day three
It is better to devote the last day to exploring the surrounding area. An excursion to Meteora from Thessaloniki will definitely leave an incredible bouquet of emotions. The complex of monasteries, located on the rocks, seems to float in the air. The Meteora rocks are about 60 million years old.
Where to visit in Thessaloniki in winter or on New Year's Eve? There are thermal springs in the city that will help improve your health. Since winter does not indulge in too much frost, this time can also be devoted to sightseeing.
Reviews from tourists
- Natalia, Orenburg
The extraordinary blue and purity of the sea, delicious cuisine, friendly, hospitable people... The city will forever remain in your memory!
- Nikolay, Samara
The convenient location of the streets will not let you get lost - sooner or later you will still come out to the sea! I was amazed by the abundance of coffee shops, pastry shops, bakeries, and everything so delicious that you could eat your fingers!
- Milana, Moscow
The White Tower has a very beautiful view of the city!
Although, in fact, it, the tower, is gray... On the embankment there is an interesting monument to umbrellas, although why they are in Thessaloniki is unknown - there is always the Sun there! If you are just passing through Thessaloniki, you may not like the city briefly due to the bustle and confusion, for example, in the port area or the airport, but Thessaloniki is a pearl that is worth a closer look.
How to save money on your trip? Working lifehacks!
These tips will help you plan an independent holiday at resorts in winter or summer for less:
- We recommend looking for the best hotel prices on ROOMGURU . The search engine searches among all hotel databases on the Internet, even from such giants as Booking, and compares prices. If you are a smartphone lover, then the HOUSING SEARCH is a must. It is very convenient to open options upon arrival and book immediately.
- TRIPINSURANCE service will help you profitably insure your health and life while traveling ; the search engine shows results from all major insurance companies. All you have to do is choose only the most profitable option, but we advise you not to skimp on your health!
- Air tickets? Experiencedly, we recommend using AVIASALES , it is still the No. 1 search engine among independent travelers.
Basilica of St. Demetrius
Moving on, the next attraction that we highly recommend including in your itinerary is the Cathedral in honor of St. Demetrius, who is the patron saint of Thessaloniki. If history is to be believed, Dmitry of Thessaloniki was the ancient ruler of the city and died a martyr in the first century, defending his Christian views. Four centuries later, a temple was erected in his honor, which still houses the remains of the patron saint. In addition, the belongings of another believing holy martyr, Anisia of Thessalonica, are also kept here.
It is worth noting that tourists will not be able to see the temple in its original form, because in 1917 the basilica was almost completely destroyed by fire. Restoration work continued from 1926 to 1948, as a result of which the craftsmen were able to completely restore the frescoes and inscriptions on the walls, and some supports and internal decorative elements remained practically undamaged and needed only superficial restoration. Since then, the temple has been used again for its intended purpose, services are regularly held there, and at the end of the last century the site was included in the UNESCO heritage list. Entrance to the temple is free for tourists and believers. Visitors are welcome at the address: Agiou Nikolaou 2-10 daily from 8 to 20 hours. You can take part in the service.
Have fun in the colorful Ladadika quarter
The dubious reputation of the Ladadika quarter is a thing of the past - today it is a vibrant and distinctive district of Thessaloniki, where it is interesting to walk during the day and have fun relaxing at night.
Come to Ladadika to wind your way through narrow cobbled streets lined with picture-postcard houses, listen to live music in taverns, sample ouzo and Greek wine in atmospheric bars and dance until the early hours with the locals in trendy clubs.
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Enjoy the sweet triangles of panoramatos
Greek confectioner Yorgos Elenidis came up with delicate triangles of panoramatos made from puff pastry with custard back in the 1960s, but never patented his recipe. Today in Thessaloniki and throughout Greece you can try different versions of these cakes, but the most correct one is when the cream filling is added right before serving so that the dough does not soften. You can try classic Thessalonian triangle panoramatos at the Trigona Elinidi cafe.
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Take a look at the legendary cheese shop on Komninon Street
After the Asia Minor disaster of 1922, a refugee from Turkish Samsun, Cosmas Sotiriadis, settled in Thessaloniki and soon opened his first grocery store. The locals fell in love with the store, and Kosmas’s work was continued by his children and grandchildren.
You can still look into Pantopolio tis Thessaloniki at 12 Komninon Street and feel the special, family atmosphere. And also - choose several varieties of cheese to try, buy juicy vegetables and fruits and try unusual Mediterranean products - for example, wild dandelion stamnangafi from the island of Crete, marinades with “Greek wild garlic” tsitsiravla from the island of Chios, stuffed peppers mustopiperia, salted mackerel tsiros from Mramornye sea or unusual halva.
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Rate the Greek answer to Starbucks
If you ask Greeks where to drink coffee in Thessaloniki, 9 out of 10 will recommend Mikel coffee shops. The coffee here is really excellent. If you like it black and unsweetened, order “sketo” - without sugar and milk, if on the contrary, say “gliko”. A mid-sweet option is called metrio, and if you ask for a frappe, you'll get iced coffee with whipped milk foam and chunks of ice.
Takeaway coffee in a bright branded cup is cheaper, and Mikel chain establishments also offer promotions on coffee and fresh pastries - an excellent option when you need a quick meal in Thessaloniki: you can take coffee and a croissant with you and have a snack on the embankment with a picturesque view.
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Ottoman heritage
Alatza Imaret
Alatza Imaret is a mute witness to the bright events and architectural heritage of the Ottoman period in the history of Thessaloniki, a multicultural city with a rich history in the past.
Muslim shrines
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Turbe Musa Baba
Is there a haunted attraction in the Upper Town?
For many years, Musa Baba's tours have been making residents fearful. What kind of word is so incomprehensible, you ask? Turbes means “mausoleum” Muslim shrines
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Hamza Bey - the first mosque in Thessaloniki
The Hamza Bey Mosque is located at the intersection of Egnatia and Venizelou streets, it is the oldest Muslim shrine in the city.
Hafsa Khatun, the daughter of high-ranking officer Hamza Bey, founded a shrine in memory of her father in 1467. The courtyard of the attraction is decorated with capitals and columns of early Christian shrines of Thessaloniki. Muslim shrines
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Muslim shrines
Monument to Alexander the Great
Next to the fountain at Nea Parelia is an equestrian statue of Macedonia's most famous son, part of a project that has revived the waterfront.
Thessaloniki was named in the 4th century BC. in honor of Thessalonica of Macedon, half-sister of Alexander and wife of the Macedonian king Cassander.
The six-meter-tall monument depicts Alexander riding Bucephalus, one of the most outstanding horses of antiquity.
Along the embankment next to Alexander are rows of sarissas - long pikes introduced by Philip II of Macedon and successfully used by Alexander in the battles of Issus, Granicus and Gaugamela.
Souvenirs
The main thing you should bring from Thessaloniki is, of course, food. At the market and in many stores, olives, pasta and cheeses will be vacuum packed; You can stock up on local jams, mastiha liqueur, wines, spices: oregano, thyme, saffron from Kozani, lavender from the same place, as well as thyme honey, olive oil and specially roasted coffee to prepare strong “Greek”. Old books, retro trinkets and vinyl - from Bit Bazaar or from shops in the area of Navarinou Square (near the Galeria Palace). Church gifts are sold at the Metropolia on the street of the same name; souvenirs on a historical theme, plaster busts, albums of ancient and Byzantine art - in museum shops (you can go there without a ticket).
Experience the atmosphere of the Modiano market
At the large Modiano market in Thessaloniki you can buy everything from fresh octopus to a beach pareo. If you want to bring olive oil, pickled olives or unusual spices like hot peppers with Greek strawberry flavor as a gift to your loved ones, this is the place for you again.
Having a snack at the Modiano market is also a great idea. Here they bake delicious pancakes with a variety of fillings and layered bougatsi pies with custard or cheese, and they also serve gyros - it’s something like shawarma or doner kebab, only the dish is served with French fries and tzatziki sauce.
Shopping in Thessaloniki can be continued on the famous Tsimiski shopping street. For new items from popular brands, go to the Attica shopping center, for luxury brands - to Notos Galleries. If you are interested in Greek fashion stores, head towards Hagia Sophia Boulevard and Ermou Street next to the Modiano Market - for example, there are Lynne and Pin Up boutiques.
When is the sales season in Thessaloniki?
There are two main sales seasons in Thessaloniki: summer sales start on July 15 and end in August, winter sales start immediately after the New Year and last from January 15 until the beginning of spring.
In addition, many stores in Thessaloniki organize off-season sales. The best chance of getting one is in the first weeks of May and November. At the beginning of September, a major trade fair takes place at the HELEXPO exhibition center.
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When to go
In summer and the first half of September the city is slow and hot. Come in the fall and you’ll get to the Street Mode and Dimitria festivals. At this time, it’s still warm here, and you can comfortably drink signature cold frappe coffee on the open terrace by the sea, but the heat is no longer driven into the shade or under air conditioning.
At the end of October, on the 26th and 28th respectively, two main local holidays are held: City Day in honor of Thessaloniki's patron Saint Demetrius and the national Okha Day with ceremonial costume parades. This way you will receive an additional cultural program, which will include the president’s visit.
Museum of the Macedonian Struggle
Another museum has such an original name. The exhibition has been running since 1981 and includes a whole collection of objects that tell both the ancient and recent history of the Greeks’ struggle for their independence. In addition to samples of weapons, armor, clothing and other personal belongings of the Greeks, the museum presents rare and unique documents that date from 1770 to 1912. Here you can find rare books, things of famous Greeks, and family jewelry. The collection also includes other exhibits that are no less interesting to explore: Greek national wrestling costumes, photographs and even newspapers.
By the way, only a few artifacts are kept in the museum’s halls on a daily basis, and most of the collection is exhibited only occasionally. Today the museum receives visitors from Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Monday being a day off. On Saturday you can also visit the exhibition halls, which open an hour later than usual. You can get to the building by buses: 39, 3, 5, 6, 12, 33 or by taxi, giving the address Prox. Koromila str/23, 54622.
Aristotelous Square
Aristotelous Square
This main city square was designed in 1918 by French architect Ernest Hébrard, although much of today's square, notably the Electra Hotel and cinema, was recreated in the fifties. It was a transition from the narrow, crowded, unplanned streets that resulted from centuries of construction by the Ottoman Empire to a more modern layout under Hebrard's leadership. The square was erected immediately after the fire of 1917 and marked a major shift in the archaeological evolution of the city. Today, the square hosts many celebrations and public gatherings.
Take a ride on a pirate schooner along the Thermic Gulf
To admire Thessaloniki from the water, choose the cheapest tickets to Greece now!
Thermaikos Gulf can be admired not only from the shore. Every half hour or hour, guests of Thessaloniki can go out into the Aegean Sea on a pirate schooner and see cargo ships and the city port from a new angle.
A half-hour boat trip along the Thermic Gulf is free of charge: you don’t need to pay for entry to the pirate deck, but you will have to buy some kind of drink on board - at least a bottle of water. This investment will definitely pay off, especially if you decide to take a boat ride at sunset: the views are priceless!
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