Thessaloniki
Greece
Why Thessaloniki is a great destination
Thessaloniki is Greece’s crowd-light co‑capital: a laid‑back harbour city with deep history, standout food and a youthful, creative pulse—without the queues.
- Vibe: Easygoing halará pace meets student energy; stroll the 5km waterfront for the evening volta and sunset at the “Umbrellas” sculpture. Compact, walkable and less frenetic than the big‑name Med stops, it still feels refreshingly local.
- Flavours: Eat like a Thessalonikeas—tsipouro with meze, market lunches in Kapani, grazing the revived Modiano, bougatsa for breakfast, seafood in Kalamaria. Authentic, great value, and rarely a wait.
- Culture & history: Byzantine UNESCO gems (Rotunda, Agios Dimitrios), the White Tower and rich Jewish heritage sit beside bold contemporary art at MOMus—serious culture without museum fatigue.
- Night & neighbourhoods: Lively but unpretentious: Ladadika’s tavernas, Valaoritou’s cocktail bars, Bit Bazaar’s student buzz, Ano Poli’s views and rebetiko. Late dinners, safe streets and wallet‑friendly nights.
Who should go to Thessaloniki?
Thessaloniki suits travellers who crave a laid‑back city with serious culture, legendary food, and late nights. As Greece’s culinary capital and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, it blends centuries of history with a youthful, creative energy. Compact, affordable and more relaxed than Athens, it’s ideal for a long weekend or a base for exploring northern Greece.
- History lovers: UNESCO‑listed Byzantine churches, Roman monuments (Rotunda, Arch of Galerius), Ottoman hammams and rich Sephardic heritage tell 2,000+ years of stories in a walkable centre.
- Foodies: Graze Modiano’s polished food hall, dive into Kapani’s gritty market, and linger over meze and tsipouro—signature dishes like bougatsa and soutzoukakia prove why this is Greece’s culinary capital.
- Night owls: From Ladadika’s tavernas to Valaoritou’s speakeasies and clubs, the city that never sleeps peaks after midnight with live rebetiko, craft cocktails and dawn bougatsa.
- Art & museum buffs: World‑class collections at MOMus, the Archaeological and Byzantine museums, plus a thriving Biennale and port‑side photography spaces, make the scene second only to Athens yet easier to navigate.
- Market explorers: Compare the revamped Modiano Market to raw, old‑school Kapani and neighbourhood laïki farmers’ markets for a true taste of local life and bargains.
- City‑breakers & scenery seekers: Stroll the 5km waterfront for sunset over Mount Olympus, enjoy third‑wave coffee culture, and use the city as a springboard to Halkidiki’s beaches—great value and less hectic than Athens.
Who should go to Thessaloniki?
Thessaloniki suits travellers who crave a laid‑back city with serious culture, legendary food, and late nights. As Greece’s culinary capital and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, it blends centuries of history with a youthful, creative energy. Compact, affordable and more relaxed than Athens, it’s ideal for a long weekend or a base for exploring northern Greece.
- History lovers: UNESCO‑listed Byzantine churches, Roman monuments (Rotunda, Arch of Galerius), Ottoman hammams and rich Sephardic heritage tell 2,000+ years of stories in a walkable centre.
- Foodies: Graze Modiano’s polished food hall, dive into Kapani’s gritty market, and linger over meze and tsipouro—signature dishes like bougatsa and soutzoukakia prove why this is Greece’s culinary capital.
- Night owls: From Ladadika’s tavernas to Valaoritou’s speakeasies and clubs, the city that never sleeps peaks after midnight with live rebetiko, craft cocktails and dawn bougatsa.
- Art & museum buffs: World‑class collections at MOMus, the Archaeological and Byzantine museums, plus a thriving Biennale and port‑side photography spaces, make the scene second only to Athens yet easier to navigate.
- Market explorers: Compare the revamped Modiano Market to raw, old‑school Kapani and neighbourhood laïki farmers’ markets for a true taste of local life and bargains.
- City‑breakers & scenery seekers: Stroll the 5km waterfront for sunset over Mount Olympus, enjoy third‑wave coffee culture, and use the city as a springboard to Halkidiki’s beaches—great value and less hectic than Athens.
Top things to do in Thessaloniki
These are the unmissable highlights of Thessaloniki, capturing its history, flavours and halará spirit. Use them to plan a trip that feels both authentic and effortless.
- Walk the 5km Nea Paralia waterfront to Zongolopoulos’ Umbrellas for a golden-hour sunset over Mount Olympus.
- Explore the Kapani and Modiano markets, grazing on meze and koulouri while chatting with vendors.
- Visit the Rotunda and the Museum of Byzantine Culture to marvel at world-class mosaics and icons.
- Take a late-night tsipouro-and-meze crawl through Ladadika and Valaoritou, riding the city’s kefi until dawn.
- Hike up to Ano Poli and the Trigonion Tower along the Byzantine Walls for panoramic views across the Thermaic Gulf.
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Top things to do in Thessaloniki
These are the unmissable highlights of Thessaloniki, capturing its history, flavours and halará spirit. Use them to plan a trip that feels both authentic and effortless.
- Walk the 5km Nea Paralia waterfront to Zongolopoulos’ Umbrellas for a golden-hour sunset over Mount Olympus.
- Explore the Kapani and Modiano markets, grazing on meze and koulouri while chatting with vendors.
- Visit the Rotunda and the Museum of Byzantine Culture to marvel at world-class mosaics and icons.
- Take a late-night tsipouro-and-meze crawl through Ladadika and Valaoritou, riding the city’s kefi until dawn.
- Hike up to Ano Poli and the Trigonion Tower along the Byzantine Walls for panoramic views across the Thermaic Gulf.
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3-day Thessaloniki itinerary
Day 1: Markets, museums and the waterfront Ease into Thessaloniki’s halará rhythm: start central, follow your nose through the markets, then step into world‑class antiquities before a late, lively night. Keep meals shared and unhurried; the city peaks after 21:30.
- Morning: Coffee and bougatsa at a classic bougatsatzidiko (order me krema and let them dust sugar and cinnamon). Wander Modiano (polished, curated bites) and adjacent Kapani (raw, noisy, authentic) 08:30–11:00; taste olives and cheeses, keep small change handy, and watch your bag in the crush.
- Midday: Slide into Athonos Square for a slow meze lunch with house wine or tsipouro (specify me aniso or horis aniso). Order gradually (3–4 dishes first) and let the kitchen pace you; in autumn, look for festival menus and seasonal mushrooms.
- Afternoon: Pair the Archaeological Museum with the Museum of Byzantine Culture next door (2–3 hours between them; shorter winter hours). If it’s Monday (state museums often closed), swap this slot for the Rotunda and Galerius complex outdoors and return to the museums on Day 2 or 3.
- Evening: Dinner in Ladadika (book weekends) where tavernas spill into cobbles, then bar‑hop to Valaoritou/Syngrou for cocktails or natural wine. Bars fill after 23:00; if you’re hungry later, a souvlaki or a sweet bougatsa keeps you going.
Day 2: Byzantine Thessaloniki and the Upper Town Step through 1,500 years of mosaics and domes, then climb into Ano Poli for views and old‑world tavernas. Finish by the sea with a classic fish feast and a sunset stroll.
- Morning: Walk the Rotunda and Arch of Galerius to Hagia Sophia; slip into Agios Dimitrios if there’s no service (modest dress). Pick up a koulouri from a street vendor; in summer start early for cooler stones, in winter the fog gives everything a cinematic hush.
- Midday: Climb into Ano Poli via stone lanes to Trigonion Tower for panoramic city‑and‑sea views, then lunch at a traditional ouzeri under the plane trees (think politiki salad, soutzoukakia, grilled octopus). Surfaces are steep and cobbled—good shoes; aim for shade in July–August.
- Afternoon: Choose your culture fix: the port warehouses for the Museum of Photography and the Experimental Center for the Arts, or Moni Lazariston for modern art and the Costakis Collection (check hours; some venues close on Mondays). During Biennale months, follow site‑specific works around town.
- Evening: Taxi east to Kalamaria/Nea Krini for a seafood taverna by the water; pick fish from the counter and pair with crisp white Macedonian wine. Return via the Nea Paralia promenade and pause at the Umbrellas sculpture for sunset; night owls can try a post‑midnight patsas at a classic soup shop.
Day 3: Neighbourhood markets, galleries and nightlife arcades Lean into the city’s creative side and student energy: shop where locals do, gallery‑hop, then disappear into hidden arcades for a late finish. Keep plans loose—spontaneity works best here.
- Morning: Visit a laïki (weekly neighbourhood farmers’ market) 08:00–11:00—check the day’s location and bring cash and a tote; taste fruit, honey and olives fresh from producers. If it’s Sunday (central food markets closed), the laïki can still be your freshest bet; alternatively, visit the Jewish Museum and explore Ladadika’s heritage streets.
- Midday: Refuel inside Kapani at a tiny no‑menu eatery (point and order) or a feta‑forward spot in the centre; try bougiourdi or cream bougatsa for a sweet finish. House wine by the karafe is usually honest and good value.
- Afternoon: Stroll or cycle the seafront from the White Tower to the Concert Hall, stopping for a freddo; or gallery‑hop around the centre (Lola Nikolaou, Zina Athanassiadou) and up to the Teloglion Foundation near the university. In peak summer, aim indoors 13:00–17:00 and return waterside as the day cools.
- Evening: Start at Bit Bazaar—cheap tsipouro and meze around a lively courtyard—then dive into the Valaoritou/Syngrou arcades for bar‑hopping (venues get busy after 23:00). For music, pick an intimate rebetiko taverna or a small club; for a big Greek night, pre‑book a bouzoukia table. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive; grab a late trigona Panoramatos or, more simply, a night‑cap bougatsa on your way home.
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Food and drink in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is Greece’s unofficial gastronomic capital, where Byzantine, Ottoman, Sephardic and Asia Minor flavours meet. Locals dine late, share meze and prize seasonal Macedonian produce from sea and plains. Expect lively cafés, bustling markets and spirited bars from morning to the small hours.
- Bougatsa – flaky hand‑stretched phyllo pastry filled with custard (sprinkled with icing sugar and cinnamon), cheese or minced meat; the city’s signature breakfast.
- Tsipouro with meze – a slow, shared ritual of small plates (from seafood to pickles) paired with grape spirit; order in rounds and linger.
- Koulouri Thessalonikis – crisp, sesame‑coated bread ring, the grab‑and‑go street snack seen everywhere, perfect with coffee.
- Soutzoukakia Smyrneika – cumin‑scented oblong meatballs in rich tomato sauce, an Asia Minor refugee classic now loved in every taverna.
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Food and drink in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is Greece’s unofficial gastronomic capital, where Byzantine, Ottoman, Sephardic and Asia Minor flavours meet. Locals dine late, share meze and prize seasonal Macedonian produce from sea and plains. Expect lively cafés, bustling markets and spirited bars from morning to the small hours.
- Bougatsa – flaky hand‑stretched phyllo pastry filled with custard (sprinkled with icing sugar and cinnamon), cheese or minced meat; the city’s signature breakfast.
- Tsipouro with meze – a slow, shared ritual of small plates (from seafood to pickles) paired with grape spirit; order in rounds and linger.
- Koulouri Thessalonikis – crisp, sesame‑coated bread ring, the grab‑and‑go street snack seen everywhere, perfect with coffee.
- Soutzoukakia Smyrneika – cumin‑scented oblong meatballs in rich tomato sauce, an Asia Minor refugee classic now loved in every taverna.
Eat like a local: Discover Thessaloniki top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Thessaloniki
Choosing where to stay in Thessaloniki is about the neighbourhood, not the hotel. Each area has a distinct vibe, from Byzantine lanes to seafront promenades. Pick the base that matches your pace and interests.
- Aristotelous Square & Waterfront — grand arcades, sea views and easy sightseeing; perfect for first‑timers and walkers who want cafés, museums and sunset strolls.
- Ladadika — cobbled warehouses turned meze bars and clubs by the port; lively till late, best for night‑owls and bar‑hoppers (expect weekend noise).
- Ano Poli (Upper Town) — Byzantine walls, Ottoman houses and panoramic views; quiet, romantic and atmospheric for history lovers (steep hills).
- Kalamaria & Nea Krini — relaxed seaside suburbs with fish tavernas and promenades; family‑friendly, calmer nights, longer ride to the centre.
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Where to stay in Thessaloniki
Choosing where to stay in Thessaloniki is about the neighbourhood, not the hotel. Each area has a distinct vibe, from Byzantine lanes to seafront promenades. Pick the base that matches your pace and interests.
- Aristotelous Square & Waterfront — grand arcades, sea views and easy sightseeing; perfect for first‑timers and walkers who want cafés, museums and sunset strolls.
- Ladadika — cobbled warehouses turned meze bars and clubs by the port; lively till late, best for night‑owls and bar‑hoppers (expect weekend noise).
- Ano Poli (Upper Town) — Byzantine walls, Ottoman houses and panoramic views; quiet, romantic and atmospheric for history lovers (steep hills).
- Kalamaria & Nea Krini — relaxed seaside suburbs with fish tavernas and promenades; family‑friendly, calmer nights, longer ride to the centre.
Find places to stay in Thessaloniki on Booking.com
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Good to know before you go to Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is an easy city to enjoy: compact, walkable, and geared towards long, leisurely meals and late nights. A few practical details will help you sync with local rhythms and make the most of its food, culture and waterfront life.
- Affordability: Great value for money—street snacks €1–4, a generous taverna meal with house wine around €15–25 per person, cocktails €8–12, and major museum tickets typically €4–8.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable, OASTH buses cover the city, taxis are plentiful (apps like FREE NOW work well), and for day trips to Halkidiki’s beaches, Vergina or Mount Olympus, hire a car or use KTEL intercity buses.
- Language: Greek is the official language, but English is widely understood in cafés, restaurants and hotels, with many menus bilingual—learning a couple of Greek pleasantries goes a long way.
- Safety & comfort: Generally very safe and welcoming for families and solo travellers (tap water is drinkable); just watch for petty theft in crowded markets or on buses and expect lively streets late at night.
- Crowds: June–August is busiest (weekend evenings can be packed and August skews more touristy), while spring and September–November are ideal for pleasant weather and manageable crowds; winter is quieter and cosier indoors.
Good to know before you go to Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is an easy city to enjoy: compact, walkable, and geared towards long, leisurely meals and late nights. A few practical details will help you sync with local rhythms and make the most of its food, culture and waterfront life.
- Affordability: Great value for money—street snacks €1–4, a generous taverna meal with house wine around €15–25 per person, cocktails €8–12, and major museum tickets typically €4–8.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable, OASTH buses cover the city, taxis are plentiful (apps like FREE NOW work well), and for day trips to Halkidiki’s beaches, Vergina or Mount Olympus, hire a car or use KTEL intercity buses.
- Language: Greek is the official language, but English is widely understood in cafés, restaurants and hotels, with many menus bilingual—learning a couple of Greek pleasantries goes a long way.
- Safety & comfort: Generally very safe and welcoming for families and solo travellers (tap water is drinkable); just watch for petty theft in crowded markets or on buses and expect lively streets late at night.
- Crowds: June–August is busiest (weekend evenings can be packed and August skews more touristy), while spring and September–November are ideal for pleasant weather and manageable crowds; winter is quieter and cosier indoors.
Best time to go to Thessaloniki
Seasonality in Thessaloniki follows a classic Mediterranean rhythm: spring and autumn are the most comfortable for exploring, while summer is hot, lively, and beach-friendly. Winter is cooler and cosier, with the café/meze culture moving indoors.
- Spring: Mild–warm (around 15–25°C), blooming and bright; moderate crowds; relaxed, outdoor cafés buzzing and Easter traditions visible.
- High Summer: Hot and humid (often 30–35°C); peak visitors and late-night energy along the waterfront; many locals decamp in August, so it feels more touristy.
- Autumn (Shoulder Season): Warm days/cool nights; comfortable crowds; students return, markets brim with harvest produce, and major festivals (e.g., Dimitria, Film Festival) lift the vibe.
Best time to go to Thessaloniki
Seasonality in Thessaloniki follows a classic Mediterranean rhythm: spring and autumn are the most comfortable for exploring, while summer is hot, lively, and beach-friendly. Winter is cooler and cosier, with the café/meze culture moving indoors.
- Spring: Mild–warm (around 15–25°C), blooming and bright; moderate crowds; relaxed, outdoor cafés buzzing and Easter traditions visible.
- High Summer: Hot and humid (often 30–35°C); peak visitors and late-night energy along the waterfront; many locals decamp in August, so it feels more touristy.
- Autumn (Shoulder Season): Warm days/cool nights; comfortable crowds; students return, markets brim with harvest produce, and major festivals (e.g., Dimitria, Film Festival) lift the vibe.
Share Thessaloniki with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to Thessaloniki
By Air
- Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” (SKG) is 17 km southeast of the centre.
- To city centre: 25–40 minutes by taxi/car; 40–55 minutes by airport bus.
- Public transport: OASTH express bus 01X (day) and 01N (night) run 24/7 between the airport, city centre and KTEL Makedonia bus station (tickets around €2; buy from machines or on board).
- Taxis and taxi-hailing apps (FREENOW/Uber as taxi) are widely available; typical fare to the centre €20–€30 depending on time/traffic.
- Car hire desks are at the terminal.
By Train
- Main station: Thessaloniki New Railway Station (Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos), west of the centre (15–20 minutes’ walk or short bus/taxi to Aristotelous Square).
- Operator: Hellenic Train (formerly TrainOSE).
- Key domestic routes (typical times; check current timetable):
- Athens: about 4–5.5 hours on InterCity services.
- Larissa: about 1–1.5 hours.
- Katerini: about 50–60 minutes.
- Edessa/Florina, Drama/Alexandroupoli: regional services (slower, limited frequency).
- Note: International passenger rail links (e.g., to Sofia/Skopje/Belgrade) are limited/suspended—check for updates.
By Bus
- Intercity hub: KTEL Makedonia Bus Station (west of centre; linked to airport/city by OASTH 01X/01N).
- Wide coverage across Greece; key routes (typical times):
- Athens: 6–7 hours.
- Kavala: 2.5–3 hours.
- Volos: 2.5–3 hours.
- Ioannina: 3.5–4.5 hours.
- Larissa: 1.5–2 hours.
- Halkidiki services (resorts/peninsula) use the separate KTEL Halkidikis terminal (east side of the city); typical beach runs 1–2.5 hours depending on destination.
By Car
- From Athens: A1 motorway north; about 5–5.5 hours (c. 500 km) with tolls.
- From western/northern Greece: A2 (Egnatia Odos) links Ioannina (≈2.5–3 hours) and Kavala (≈2 hours).
- From Halkidiki: via A24/EO67; 60–120 minutes depending on resort.
- Parking in the centre is limited with controlled zones; use private car parks where possible.
By Ferry (seasonal)
- Thessaloniki’s passenger port occasionally operates summer routes to the Sporades and North Aegean islands. Schedules and routes vary year to year—check current ferry timetables before planning.
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