Is Thessaloniki worth visiting? 10 Reasons why visit Thessaloniki

Yes! We both found Thessaloniki incredible and surprising. We couldn’t expect any better from our Greece trip, as Thessaloniki will always overcome travellers’ expectations. The city is filled with archaeological sites, fascinating museums, tall buildings to enjoy the landscape, and a wonderful promenade where you can stroll and enjoy life. At night Thessaloniki was even more surprising, with the lively Ladidika district vibrant all night long. We used Thessaloniki for a long trip through North Macedonia, also exploring the unspoiled beaches and villages of the Halkidiki peninsula.

Fun facts about Thessaloniki

The second-largest city in Greece has more than 3,000 years of history. The Old Town has plenty of Unesco World Heritage sites that take you back in time with early Christian and Byzantine Architecture. However, also the Romans made this city great, and then the influence of Ottomans and Jews created a different character, shaping history and modern Thessaloniki.

In 2022 Thessaloniki made its way to the list of Worlds greatest places to visit in Time magazine.

Thessaloniki is located in Northern Greece, in the area known as Central Macedonia. The city’s position is on the mainland, which differentiates the place from the famous touristic destinations on the islands. The northern city was formerly known as Salonika and faces the Aegean sea.

Thessaloniki is only 310 miles from Athens or 499 Km. The two major Greek cities are well connected by flights, trains and roads. Taking a flight, you can cover the distance between Thessaloniki and Athens in just 40 minutes.

Thanks to its position, Thessaloniki has less rainfall compared to Athens. Therefore, the best time to visit Thessaloniki is at the end of Spring or the beginning of Summer. The hottest month in Thessaloniki is July, when the temperatures soar above 30°C. Winter gets cold, but on average, the temperatures never freeze. January is the coldest month, with temperatures about 8/12 °C.

Check out the average temperature and what to expect visiting Thessaloniki for every season.

Thessaloniki In Summer

The best time of the year to visit Thessaloniki is, of course, summer. During the hot season, you can experience the outdoor clubs and bars, but also the sandy beaches. The temperature in summer in Greece generally is high, but Thessaloniki maintains a mild climate.

Summer is rarely sweltering, with an average of 30°C/32°C. Tourists flook the streets for parties.

Summer Events in Thessaloniki

Some of the most popular festivals held in the summer in Thessaloniki are the Street Mode Festival and the Urban Picnic Festival. At the end of May, you can’t miss Thessaloniki Street Food Festival, meet the local cuisine and the fusion with culture, spices and ingredients.

Thessaloniki In the shoulder seasons | Spring and Autumn

In general, one of the best periods to visit Thessaloniki and Greece is the shoulder season. Let’s say that the end of spring and the beginning of autumn can help you stay on a budget and avoid crowds of tourists.

The shoulders season is also well-known for throwing some of the most energetic events in the second-largest city in Greece. The temperatures in Thessaloniki in Spring are perfect for walking around and starting to enjoy outdoor areas. The temperature will rise up from March and get moderately above 15°C. If you consider autumn to visit Thessaloniki, October was perfect for us, with some extremely warm days, getting around 28°C on average. Expect some rainy days in November, with temperature dropping by the second part of the month.

Events in spring in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki’s Documentary Festival – March

Autumn Events in Thessaloniki

Voroina Festival | Northern Greece vineyards – September
Reworks | International Music Festival – September
Thessaloniki International Film Festival – November

Flights | The main airport in Thessaloniki is the Macedonia International Airport (code SKG). The airport serves many routes from all over Europe. In addition, there are cheap flights available from London Heathrow with British Airways and Easy Jet. We were surprised that the airport has international vibes and is big, with many restaurants and shops. The fact that the city is easy to reach from many European Capitals was one of the main reasons we decided that Thessaloniki was worth a visit.

Alternative Airports:

• Skiathos Island National Airport | Skiathos – 216 km
• Kavala International Airport | Nestos – 203 km

From Thessaloniki Airport to the city centre

The common question when we talk about another destination is, “If the airport well connected to the city centre”. The connection between Thessaloniki airport and the city centre is easy and cheap.

You have multiple choices to reach the city centre, and below we have made it simple for you to scan.

BUS | Take the express bus line n.78. You can purchase the tickets on board and make sure you have the exact change. The ticket costs €2 and there is a night bus, the n.78N. You can catch a bus every 30 minutes from the arrival exit of the terminal, and it will take about 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic.

TAXI | The mid-range option to reach Thessaloniki city centre is by taxi. The run will cost about €20/25 depending on the season and time of the day and is just for one way. Uber doesn’t work from the airport and is just within the city.

PRIVATE TRANSFER | A private transfer is the most convenient option to reach the Thessaloniki city centre from the airport. With just €30, you will have a personalized service which will pick you up right upon your arrival. The car will drop you off at your accommodation quicker than a taxi or bus. Book a private transfer and save up sharing with your friends.

Travelling to Thessaloniki by train from Athens

There are many ways to reach Thessaloniki from Athens, but the most convenient is by train. The train from Athens central station takes about 4 hours to reach Thessaloniki. The trip on the train is comfortable, and you will meet fellow travellers on the way.

Taking a train is the cheapest way to get from Athens to Thessaloniki and vice-versa. In fact, you should avoid taking a bus, even though sometimes it is our leading choice of transport for long trips.

The train costs about €10 to €30 ($11/$35 | £9/£28), booking early can save you some bucks. Check ticket prices here.

A train is scheduled every 2 hours, departing from Athens Train Station toward Thessaloniki. On the way between the two cities, you can stop at Larissa for the faster option, which takes 4 hours approximately. The slowest option just takes about 4 hours and a half and stops at more places in the countryside.

The train stops on the route from Athens to Thessaloniki (Slow Train)

To Thessaloniki by Bus from Sofia

You might not know, but Thessaloniki is the ideal hub to break down the trip to nearby locations, such as Sofia, Bulgaria, or alternatively on your way to Athens.

Several companies are serving the route from Sofia to Thessaloniki. Check out the ticket here. About 2 bus per hour goes from Thessaloniki to Sofia, and it seems a cheap alternative to taking flights and being more sustainable with your long-term trip.

Thessaloniki is a large city whose metro line underground works are still in progress. However, the centre of action of Thessaloniki is around the old town, and within 20 minutes from every hotel, you can reach the prominent locations.

You can walk about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your fit, to reach the upper town, where you can enjoy the best view of Thessaloniki. The main roads of Thessaloniki are chaotic and remind us of Naples in Southern Italy. To get around by public transport, the only option is buses. We found the buses the most convenient method to move around, even though it was slower because of traffic. The ticket for the bus costs just €1, and you can purchase it from street vendors next to the bus stops or on board, with 10p more than the regular price. Remember to validate the ticket when boarding.

We still strongly advise you to stroll around Thessaloniki on foot and enjoy the architecture, the open-air ruins and the nice bars. You can also take taxis which use metres and are relatively affordable. Check out tariffs on Uber, as it might give you an accurate estimate of the cost for your destination.

Hop-on-hop-off Bus in Thessaloniki

If you want to avoid the hassle of checking public transport and save money on taxis, the hop-on-hop-off bus is ideal for visiting the many points of interest in Thessaloniki. The ticket costs only €13 (Book NOW!) and gives you unlimited access to the route for 24 hours. In addition, an audio guide will tell you the history and stories about the monuments and district, and from the upper deck, you can enjoy the incredible view.

Bus Stops:

Archaeological Museum
Church of Agios Dimitrios
Ano Poli (Upper Town)
Port of Thessaloniki
Lefkos Pyrgos (White Tower of Thessaloniki)
Makedonia Palace Hotel

Walkable city centre

We found walking was the best way to get around Thessaloniki. Our hotel, the Onoma Hotel, was beautiful and centrally located. We walked for about 20 minutes through picturesque streets and friendly bars to reach the old town, which is the centre of the action.

Aristotele Square is the centre of the old town, and from there, you can reach the bars for a fabulous night out; the promenade is just in front of the square, fashion boutiques and cultural heritage places. 

Affordable trip

Comparing Thessaloniki to other well-known locations in Greece, including Athens and the islands, you can easily understand that you can visit this city on a low budget.

From accommodations to daily expenses, you can budget anything between €50 and €100 depending on your travel style. With plenty of budget accommodation, we think that Thessaloniki is also perfect for backpackers seeking a trip to the Balkans and Southern Europe Area.

Gateway to the off the beaten path Halkidiki

Thessaloniki is already an off the beaten path destination in Greece, but you know us; we always try to push local experiences to the limits.

You are wrong if you thought that Thessaloniki was just another city in Greece. You can spend endless summers in Thessaloniki, hitting the beach every day and having a glimpse of the best Greece in Halkidiki. The off the radar destination has been away from tourists’ maps for ages but lately is making the news. Halkidiki is in the Macedonian area, a peninsula made of “three legs”.

We were surprised to see how many activities there are in such a small portion of the territory. From fantastic vineyards to fine resorts, Halikiki could be the Greece picture-perfect location for your next holidays.

Rich culture

We have mentioned the cultural factor many times, trying to convince you that Thessaloniki is worth a visit. However, it is always good to remark on this point. The mix of cultures of Thessaloniki is mind-blowing. Within a few miles of walking, you can spot Byzantine, Roman and Greek ruins and remains. Also, the modern architecture is fantastic. Walking through the streets of Thessaloniki, you can spot many architectonic characters that will remind you of the belle epoque, french and Barocco styles and more.

Delicious Greek food

Greek food might need a blog post apart, but let’s mention it in this guide, trying to give a reason why visit Thessaloniki.

Greek food is renowned worldwide and famous for many dishes. In Thessaloniki, you can experience the authentic taste, not the artificial westernized way to make it like in other touristy places.

So now, check out the below list of the best Greek food to try in Thessaloniki:

Perfect for a slow workation in Europe

Check out our guides about the perfect workation in Europe, and you will find Thessaloniki. The wonderful city in the north-east side of Greece is perfect for taking it slow, enjoying the local life with lovely and delicious food, strolling around the old town and relaxing on the seaside.

The prices to take an apartment or even stay in a hotel and hostel is perfect for planning a month or two in Greece. The city is indeed chaotic, but it is all part of the character. You will have a Work-vacation like anywhere else, at a fraction of the price compared to other western locations.

Vibrant at night

We have often affirmed that the nightlife in Thessaloniki is like no other. The lively atmosphere gets you in the mood. So it might be for the presence of many universities and students that all meet in the old town.

We had a couple of nice nights out, enjoying the bars, music and wild street festival.

If you want to enjoy the nightlife in Thessaloniki, there is no other place to go; you should walk to Ladadika. The picturesque quarter near the port hosts many bars and clubs with live music and fresh cocktails. If you want just to hang out and not get crazy, you can sit at a lounge or one of the many cafes open until late. Life in Thessaloniki lasts all night, and you will indeed find places to eat even late.

The first place you should check out is Bulldog and the Beast Pub, a few metres after Pulp. These two locations are where locals meet up and start the night with a couple of beers.

Sail to the Aegean

Only a few people know you can get a cheap flight to Thessaloniki and then take the ferry to the dreamy islands in the Aegean. For example, to get to Skiathos, one of the most famous islands, you can take a ferry from the Thessaloniki harbour with Seajets. The journey takes about 4 hours on board of a nice ferry. You will experience incredible turquoise blue water.

However, another fantastic experience you should consider is to sail on a yacht, sleep in the middle of the sea and wake up with an incredible view. Check out this 8 days/7, night trip sailing through Skopelos and Skiathos.

Thessaloniki impressed us with the number of activities, cultural locations, architecture, museums and archaeological sites.

We have created a complete list of top sights in the second city of Greece, for sure you will find many reasons to visit Thessaloniki.

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Enjoy the sunset in Thessaloniki

We intentionally placed this activity first because we were impressed by the colours and shadows of the incredible sunset in Thessaloniki.

This is one of the top free things to do in Thessaloniki. There are many viewpoints in the city, and some are really impressive. From the top of Thessaloniki, you can enjoy the whole landscape; the white tower is also an excellent observation point. However, you can also stroll along the promenade, maybe drinking a beer and enjoying the sunset.

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Other Archeological sites in Thessaloniki worth a visit

The Rotunda

Another great archaeological site is the Rotunda. The Church, dedicated to Saint George, has passed all the ages of Thessaloniki. However, thanks to the strong structure, which features 6 meter-thick walls and rises almost 30 meters, la Rotunda survived earthquakes and invasions. 

Built in 300 AD by the Romans to be the mausoleum of Galerius, it was then turned into a Christian Church. After a while, the building became an Orthodox Christian Church, still featuring unique mosaics from the previous period. Finally, when the Ottomans occupied the area in the 14th century, it became a Mosque. The change also modified the structure, and today you can admire the minaret. Only in 1912, with the Turks liberating Thessaloniki, was the mosque reconverted into a Church.

Arch of Galerius

Another Roman remains is the Arch of Galerius, which is right next to the Rotunda. Both buildings are Unesco world heritage sites and a prominent example of a well-preserved Roman site in Europe. The arch is often referred to as Kamara.

The Galerius Palace

Thessaloniki was an important city during the Roman empire because it was at mid-way between Rome and Constantinople, the Rome of the east. Thanks to its geographic location, Thessaloniki had much attention from emperors and powerful Romans. Today Galerius Palaces still host impressive majolicas that show the best of both worlds, the Byzantine and Romans.

Visit The Fabulous Museums In Thessaloniki

With that many ruins, remains and artefacts are easy to understand that Thessaloniki is famous for its museums. Below is some brief information about the best museums, trying to give you a few more reasons why visit Thessaloniki.

• The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki | Greek artefacts
• The Museum of Byzantine Culture |  Showcases over 3000 artefacts, mosaics, and jewellery from the Byzantine period.
• The Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki | Learn the history of the first Jewish people established in Thessaloniki. Get a glimpse of local life through photos, inscriptions and more about the Sephardic Jews who lived in Thessaloniki.
• The Thessaloniki Olympic Museum | Greece is the born place of the Olympic games, and you can learn the competition’s history.

Other museums you might be interested in visiting while in Thessaloniki:

• Thessaloniki War Museum
• MOMus, the Photography Museum
• MOMus Contemporary Art Museum
• The Museum of Cinema
• Contemporary Art Center of Thessaloniki
• Folklife and Ethnological Museum of Macedonia
• NOESIS The Science Center & Technology Museum

Explore Aristotelous Square

The centre of modern Thessaloniki is Aristotelous Square. The impressive space left us speechless. The whole surface goes from the roman ruins to the promenade. Locals meet here and is probably the place you will visit the most while in Thessaloniki. Kapani market is right next to Aristotelous Square, the same as the main shopping streets, popular cafes and bars.

Special mention to Agia Sophia

It is not the Hagia Sophia of Istanbul, but not less impressive. This is one of the oldest churches in the city, still standing today, dating back to the 7th century. Hagia Sophia in Thessaloniki has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 1988 because it preserves outstanding Byzantine features and a mix of architecture unique in style and details.

Roam around Thessaloniki markets | Kapani Market and Modiano Market

Kapani market is the lively part of Thessaloniki during the day. We were lucky enough in our three days in Thessaloniki to visit the market twice. In a few square kilometres is preserved the raw local culture is. The best way to experience Thessaloniki is through its market, roaming the alleys filled with local products, freshly baked bread, vegetables, fish, meat and more.

The other market to visit is Modiano market, next to Kapani. The two places are perfect for a lunch break, grabbing quick bites, or roaming around.

Since December 2022, there has been an excellent addition to Modiano Market. The homonymous area once featured a covering spot, which got in disuse and destroyed. However, thanks to some local entrepreneurs, the old market that has given the name to the neighbourhood is revived in a modern style, more European.

Unwind at the Modiano Market | The historical Market of Thessaloniki is newly open

We have introduced you to Modiano Market as a historical landmark of Thessaloniki, but also a new addition to the landscape of the old town. Therefore, it is necessary to spend a few words more about Modiano Market. The remarkable building is housed in a basilica-style structure and was initially opened in 1925. The refined and charming style was a signature of Modiano, distinguishing the market from the nearby Kapani, which was more chaotic.

Today Modiano market is re-opening to mark the conclusion of the Greco-Turkish war. Also, consider that the Modiano market is an iconic sign of the city’s diversity, where Sephardic Jews, Christians and Muslim cultures live pacifically coexisting and respecting each other for centuries.

Check out the new Agora Modiano Market.

Visit The White Tower Of Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki’s white tower has a huge, unpleasant history behind it, even though it is seen as an iconic building. Often referred to as the Tower of Blood or the Red tower. The rounded building was once used as a prison, constructed in 1530 by the Ottomans during their invasion.

Legend wants that the name changed when a prisoner painted the whole building in white in exchange for his freedom. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy one of the best landscape views of Thessaloniki. The gorgeous 360° view shows you all the best, from mountains not that far away to spoiled beaches.

The ticket to access the tower costs €3, and it is open from 8 AM to 3 PM.

Skyline Cafe Bar Thessaloniki

One of the coolest things to do in Thessaloniki is to enjoy the city from above. As you have seen, the white tower closes at 3 PM, so there is not enough time to enjoy the sunset. However, we have a solution to make your holidays in Thessaloniki memorable.

The Skyline cafe bar offers an incredible 360° view over the city, perfect for the sunset. You can comfortably sit enjoying a meal or a drink, and the slow rotation shows you a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings.

Book your ticket in advance here!

Hangout in Thessaloniki at night | Explore Ladadika

The night is long in Thessaloniki, and you should get involved. One of the most incredible experiences is the nightlife, clubs, and happy locals hanging out.

Among the many reasons why visit Thessaloniki, the nightlife scene is the most attractive for many.

If you want to enjoy the best clubbing and bars, you should go to Ladadika, near the city port. The popular district has narrow, walkable cobblestone alleyways filled with lively bars and clubs.

Once upon a time, this was the infamous district of Thessaloniki, with a bad reputation, a kind of pink street in Lisbon.

Times have changed, and the Ottoman empire is over; Ladadika is today a lively neighbourhood of Thessaloniki, particularly appreciated by young generations. Also, we suggest not booking your accommodation here, as it tends to buzz all night long.

Go on a guided walking tour

While visiting a new city, we always try to join cool walking tours. It was the same in Thessaloniki, as the tour can introduce you better to the city, teach some history and show you the best food products.

Also, check out this tour which takes you all around with a local guide. Who is better than locals for knowing traditions and cultural facts? We loved going around with experienced guides, which made us interact with their culture and ask direct questions making the comparison with our knowledge and background.

Some of our highlighted walking tours in Thessaloniki:

• Culinary food tour in Thessaloniki
• Walking tour with a local guide

See The Ancient Hammam Baths In Thessaloniki

It’s hard to think, but also Thessaloniki has its own hammam baths. In fact, during the Turkish occupation, the Ottomans built many bathhouses; the most famous is the Yahudi Hamam (Bath of the Jews) and Bey Hamam (Bath of Paradise). You can visit the remains of these buildings and understand a bit more about the history of this part of Greece.

Meteora from Thessaloniki

Do you know what Meteora is? Well, that’s why we wrote a comprehensive guide to Thessaloniki. Within a few hours away from Thessaloniki, you can have a once in a lifetime experience. We suggest visiting Meteora only if you stay in the city for at least 4 to 5 days. There are thousand-year-old monasteries on the top of the mountains of north Macedonia, giving a picturesque tone to the landscape.

The religious buildings are hosted in an astonishing area through the Greek countryside, on top of rock formations. The nearby town is Kalambaka, and you can join a 2-day tour to Meteora from Thessaloniki.

We suggest checking this tour from Thessaloniki, as DYI tours take a lot of work to organize. While on this tour, you will pass by the foothills of the mythical Mt. Olympus.

Nowadays, booking travel insurance is becoming part of the travelling plan. However, it’s just a precaution, and you should consider it even if you are an experienced traveller. Planning an Itinerary through Greece, passing by Thessaloniki, which includes activities like hiking and some other sports, it’s essential to have travel insurance.

However, this is not just indicated because medical problems might occur, but also the connection between train and flight if your luggage gets lost. In addition, many Rental car agencies will lower the cost of car insurance if you have your Travel insurance, or this might cover the costs of car accidents or damage to the car entirely. Also, carrying expensive items like phones, laptops and cameras, you should definitely ensure yourself and your belongings for peace of mind.

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There are many fantastic day trips you can take from Thessaloniki. The city in northern Greece is in the centre of an area of great interest, with Mt. Olympus myths on top of the list. While in Thessaloniki, you can also organize day trips to Halkidiki Peninsula and enjoy the beaches, the Monasteries of Meteora or even a whole day to Sofia go and return.

• Meteora Monasteries | This breathtaking landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in the country. Join a full-day, highly-rated tour to Meteora with an expert guide. Check the tour here:
  Day trip to Meteora Private Tour
  3-day tour + Entrances and Hotels (Just €270)
  Small Group tour
• Mount Olympus and Dion | Learn the myths of Mt. Olympus and the glorious Gods. Enjoy the stunning view on a tour that includes a visit to Dion. Reserve your spot here!
• Halkidiki Peninsula | The highlighted part of our tour in Northern Makedonia – Check out the day cruise from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki blue lagoon.
• Sofia Private day trip from Thessaloniki | Check the itinerary here!

Q&A About Thessaloniki

Is Thessaloniki nicer than Athens?

Both cities are excellent for some factors, but Thessaloniki surely beats Athens for the wonderful beaches. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the sunshine in Greece. While visiting Thessaloniki, you can avoid the hassle of taking a ferry to the nearby Greek islands and instead visit the Halkidiki peninsula by bus in less than 2 hours.

The vibes of Thessaloniki are comparable to Athens, and the nightlife is equally crazy. However, we found Thessaloniki cheaper in accommodation costs and also daily expenses.

What are the best beaches in Thessaloniki?

Here are some of the best beaches we suggest checking around Thessaloniki:

• Agia Triada beach | One of the closest beaches to Thessaloniki with a wide offer of bars and restaurants.
• Afytos beach | A bit off the beaten path, but it boosts incredibly clear water and sand beach.
• Potamos beach | Another incredible landscape view, with crystal clear water and Mt. Olympus in the foreground.

How long staying in Thessaloniki?

Stay in Thessaloniki for a more extended period, and take advantage of the budget costs of the city. However, as it is easy to reach Thessaloniki from the major European cities, it is possible to spend just a weekend relaxing and sightseeing. If you are wondering how many days to stay in Thessaloniki, we suggest looking into 3 to 4 days at least.

Is Thessaloniki cheaper than Athens?

Yes. Even if both are big cities, we found Thessaloniki cheaper compared to Athens, and this is mainly because less touristy. Accommodations are on a budget, and you can also find cool hostels.

What is Thessaloniki known for?

Thessaloniki is well known as Greece’s cultural capital, and you will understand why by visiting the old town. Among the many reasons why Thessaloniki is worth a visit, there is for sure the vibrant nightlife and the many cultural places and buildings to visit. The history goes from Romans to Ottomans and Greek, leaving behind an incredible heritage that created a fantastic melting pot of culture.

Do people speak English in Thessaloniki?

Yes, we found no problem in interacting with locals. Even roaming around the market was easy to speak, purchase souvenirs, and chill at bars and key locations.

Is Thessaloniki close to Athens?

Thessaloniki is only 499 Km from Athens or 310 miles. The two cities are well connected by train and bus. Flights between Athens and Thessaloniki take only 40 minutes, and there are several departures in a day.

Is Thessaloniki a safe city for tourists?

According to reliable statistics and data, Thessaloniki is the safest city for tourists in Greece. However, you should always look after your belongings, especially in crowded places.