Thessaloniki is an ideal destination for all seasons! Whether you choose to visit it in summer or winter, the options it offers you both for exploration and entertainment are endless! If you are a lover of beautiful natural landscapes, history, art and good food, Thessaloniki is the city you will fall in love with, as it has many attractions to offer and plenty of activities to choose from. In this article we will take a look at just a few of the city’s attractions, as well as some activities that no visitor should miss!
1. Stroll along Thessaloniki’s Waterfront
If you’re spending a few days in the city, then you should definitely take a stroll along its waterfront. There, you can walk on a 5km long promenade on the seaside. This promenade was completely renovated a few years ago and connects the Photography Museum, the White Tower and Thessaloniki Concert Hall.
While you enjoy your walk, you’ll pass families, bicycles and couples and hear the sound of the street vendors hawking sunflower seeds as you go. But nothing beats the view of the Thermaic Gulf at sunset!
2. The White Tower
One of the most famous sights of the city is the White Tower! Considered as the city’s landmark, the White Tower is clearly one of the most important attractions of the city, which you should not miss!
Having been built in 1535, the White Tower has a rich and extremely interesting history. The tower was originally surrounded by heavy walls, as it was used as a prison during the Ottoman occupation of Greece. There, many prisoners were tortured and executed, and the Tower acquired its nickname: “The Tower of Blood” or “The Red Tower”.
3. Museums
Thessaloniki has many museums, small and large, known and unknown. In them they can spend their time very pleasantly and learn useful and very interesting information about Greek and other cultures, both groups of students, young people and other visitors, as well as families with small children. Below we will mention some of the most important ones, which are definitely worth a visit.
- The Archaeological Museum
- The Museum of Byzantine Culture
- The Jewish Museum
- The Photography Museum
- The Olympic Museum
- The Museum of Cinema
- The Contemporary Art Center of Thessaloniki
- The War Museum
4. Thessaloniki’s Churches
Thessaloniki has many beautiful churches, which are not just places of prayer for the faithful, they are ornaments in the city and part of the culture of the locals. A visit to some of them can help every visitor to relax and experience absolute peace and tranquility. Just some of the ones you could visit are:
- Agios Dimitros
- Panagia Achiropiitos
- Agia Sofia
- Nikolaos Orfanos
- Ossios David
- Agios Pavlos
5. Archaeological Sites
Thessaloniki is a city full of history, which “wanders” in its streets! Its picturesque alleys and historical sights that are everywhere in the city each have their own story to tell to anyone who chooses to listen! So, if you are a history buff and love to explore historical places, then you should definitely visit the following Archaeological Sites:
- The Ancient Agora
- The Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
- The Rotunda of Galerius
- The Galerius Palace
6. Ano Poli: Thessaloniki’s old town
Anο Poli is one of the most beautiful areas of Thessaloniki. Its picturesque alleys are ideal for morning walks and evening wanderings! Located in Thessaloniki’s upper part, Ano Poli has excellent views and is an ideal location for an afternoon coffee overlooking the sunset or an evening drink overlooking the city lights. It is worth noting that a great fire destroyed most of the city in 1917 and Ano Poli was the only neighborhood that survived!
7. Shopping
Some of the most central and busy streets of Thessaloniki are Tsimiski, Mitropoleos, Ermou and Egnatia which are full of shops of various kinds! Many of the shops on these streets are located in neoclassical buildings, which will make your shopping experience special and unique! Whether you are looking for the right gifts for your loved ones or you want to look for clothes, cosmetics, accessories and much more for yourself, then a walk through the streets of Thessaloniki is enough to find everything you have imagined! Combine your shopping with a coffee in the bustling cafes of Thessaloniki and that way you will have completed your shopping experience!
8. Nightlife
Thessaloniki is one of the best places in Greece to go out at night! All week long, you can go out and have a drink in one of Thessaloniki’s many bars and clubs. Ladadika and Valaoritou districts are the most lively ones! In these bars you can enjoy Greek and worldwide music, dance and have fun till the morning! This is an experience that will definitely be etched in your mind and that you will want to repeat on your next trip to Greece!
9. Taste Local Food
One could not have a complete experience of life in Thessaloniki, without trying the local food and especially the local sweets! The Greek souvlaki and gyros are the most famous Greek street food and everyone knows and admits how delicious they are! In addition, you must definitely try the syrupy creamy phyllo triangles (locally named “trigona”), baklava and also the traditional bougatsa, the sweets for which the city is famous!
10. Thessaloniki’s markets
Last but not least, if you want to buy the best local products you should definitely visit the Modiano and Kapani markets. These are the two biggest street markets of Thessaloniki and they are both located close to Ermou Street, right next to each other. There, you can find olives, spices, herbs, traditional Greek cheese and even meat or fish!
Your experience could be leveled up by enjoying private transportation within Thessaloniki from experienced drivers who will help you visit all the important sights! Our team at Elite Transfer provides you with the best services and guarantees you safety, comfort and consistency. All you need to do is contact us! Make your reservation now through our website or call us at +30 697 776 97 07.
