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Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki's stunning White Tower standing tall over the town

The beautiful promenade of Thessaloniki Waterfront

A panoramic vista of Thessaloniki's Upper Town

The towering Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki

Artefacts on display at Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

Ornate interiors of the Church of St. Demetrios in Thessaloniki

A wide-angle snapshot of Aristotelous Square

The majestic Rotunda of Thessaloniki

Calm and peaceful Vlatodon Monastery in Thessaloniki

The ruins at the Roman Forum in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki

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Greece

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6 out of 50 Places to visit in Greece

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Thessaloniki Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2 - 3 days

Best Time: August to October Read More

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"The Cultural Capital Of Greece"

Thessaloniki Tourism

Thessaloniki is the second largest city of Greece, located in the northwestern corner of the Aegean Sea on Thermaic Gulf. It is known for its stunning coastlines, cultural heritage and numerous festivals and events that help designate the city as the cultural capital of Greece. With a rich history, Thessaloniki is one of the liveliest places to visit which has a very active nightlife.

The highlight of Thessaloniki is the waterfront promenade along with stunning scenery and delicious food. The best way to explore this beautiful city is by walking in the neighbourhoods, which are bustling and vibrant with their own characteristics. The distance between most of the major sites is not more than a few minutes walk away. Thessaloniki is also a popular base for exploring northern Greece.

The little neighbourhoods of the small city of Thessaloniki seem big and chaotic due to shops and stores that are densely packed within each other. Devoid of the traditional gothic architecture of other European cities, Thessaloniki is more of a modern town with its own character. The city is home to several Byzantine landmarks that are scattered through its ancient cobbled yet modern terrain. Along with some historic buildings, Thessaloniki is home to six small islets with sandy, exotic coastlines.

Thessaloniki's metropolitan area can be divided into the northwestern, central and southeastern parts. The part of central Thessaloniki just along the sea is known as the city centre, whereas the part left on the foot of the hills is called the upper town or Ano Poli.
The city centre is majorly commercial, with several shops, restaurants and commercial buildings.
The old town is the most traditional and the highest part of the city, which is a UNESCO world heritage site and also gives access to the Seich Sou Forest National Park.
The northwestern Thessaloniki serves as an entry to the city centre, while the southeastern part has just become an extension of it.
Public buses are the cheapest (starting from 1 Euro) mode, while taxis are also available for affordable transportation.
Markets open everyday except Sundays, some shops remain closed between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Shops, restaurants and cafes open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Some locker services to store luggage on daily or hourly basis in Thessaloniki city centre, stations and airport are available.
Keeping cash is recommended.

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Things To Do In Thessaloniki

White Tower of Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Waterfront

Aristotelous Square

Ana Poli Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Boat Cruise

Ladadika

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More on Thessaloniki Travel

Shopping in Thessaloniki

After Athens, Thessaloniki offers the best shopping experience in Greece. Thessaloniki offers all kinds of shopping options, from luxury and boutique to vintage and flea shops along with a choice to shop in shopping malls. The city has five shopping malls out of which three have cinemas. For luxury or international shopping, head to Tsimiski or Proxenou Koromila. For smaller brands, and boutiques and buying unique items, check out Mitropoleos Street. There are several vintage clothing, souvenir and jewellery stores in all the shopping streets. The best souvenirs to be taken home from Thessaloniki include local jewellery pieces, Komboloi and copper Briki, wine, and speciality foods.

Nightlife in Thessaloniki

One of the largest spots to enjoy the nightlife in Greece, Thessaloniki stays open through the night with young people strolling around reflecting the cheerful atmosphere of the city. Thessaloniki comes to life at sunset and the bars and cafes have all sorts of music with a vibrant and enthusiastic vibe. The Beach Promenade and Ladadika are the most famous nightlife spots with lively bars and clubs. Some barboats sail from the port offering gulf views with a special touch to the amazing nightlife experience. Beautiful taverns, especially in Ladadika and Ano Poli, are famous for delicious local cuisine with live Greek music.

Food in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is included in one of the most interesting culinary getaways in Greece as the city offers all types of options ranging from fish and seafood to vegetarian and vegan. Having bougatsa or koulouri for breakfast is quite famous among locals and Thessaloniki is famous for its lavish brunches. Famous brunch options include tsoureki-waffles, greek yogurt with superfoods, avgofetes, local cheeses, synglino, and strapatsada. Creatine recipes of fish and seafood are popular for ta prota(appetizer) and main course.

History of Thessaloniki

During 168 BC, Thessaloniki became a part of the Roman republic after the fall of Macedon and it became a famous trade centre. During the Tetrarchy period, many of the monuments and buildings were built during the Roman era. During the 1st century AD, Christianity entered Thessaloniki and during the Byzantine era, plenty of beautiful churches and buildings were built.

During Ottoman rule, Thessaloniki was transformed into a huge industrial centre with expanding use of widespread railways. The Greek Army liberated Thessaloniki in 1912, after which in 1917 a great fire led to great damage to three main quarters of the city. During the 50s and the 60s, Thessaloniki went through extensive construction and the city centre was transformed into its present form.

Suggested Itinerary for Thessaloniki

Day 1: Start the morning by walking towards the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Museum of Byzantine Culture and Ataturk Museum. Post afternoon, walk towards the Cathedral Church of Agia Sophia of Thessalonica and end the day at Aristotelous Square.

Day 2: Head to the White Tower of Thessaloniki in the morning and move towards Toumba Stadium by the afternoon. Visit the Church of St. Demetrios, Vlatadon Monastery, Latomos Monastery and Church of St. Nicholas Xirokrini by the evening. Hit the Beach Promenade or Ladadika at night to experience clubbing.