15 Best Things to do in Thessaloniki, Greece

Dreaming of a trip to Thessaloniki, Greece? You’re in the right place!

Thessaloniki is one of the best foodie cities in Greece, and it even has UNESCO City of Gastronomy status. But of course, it’s about much more than the food. The city feels like an open-air museum, with ancient sites around almost every corner, but it also has a lively atmosphere you’ll notice as soon as you walk along the promenade. 

To help you make the most of your time in Thessaloniki, we’ve put together some of our favorite things to do in and around the city, plus a few hotel recommendations if you haven’t booked your stay yet. Whether you’re more interested in beach days, boat trips, and seaside dining or ancient sites and museums, you won’t run out of things to do. 

Thessaloniki at a Glance

Thessaloniki is an easy city to explore, but knowing a few local tips can make your trip even better. After several visits, these are the things we were glad we knew. 

Important tip: Summers are HOT, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.

Download “FreeNow by Lyft” or “Uber” before you arrive: While plenty of taxi drivers are honest, some have a reputation for overcharging tourists or taking longer routes. Using one of these apps gives you a fixed fare and lets you pay through the app. 

Ask about the combined ticket: Thessaloniki has offered a multi-site ticket covering several major museums and attractions, so ask at the first ticket office you visit whether it’s currently available.

Don’t let the sunshine fool you: Thessaloniki can get really hot, but the weather can change very fast. If the Vardaris wind starts blowing, temperatures can drop overnight. Keep that in mind if you’re planning an early morning walk along the promenade. 

How I Would Spend 3 Days in Thessaloniki

Three days in Thessaloniki gives you plenty of time to experience the city’s amazing food, history, and waterfront while squeezing in an epic day trip. After visiting ourselves, we’ve packed this itinerary with our favorite experiences. Here’s how we recommend spending your time!

🥐 Day 1: Food Tour, City Sights & Upper Town
Ease into the day with a tasty bougatsa, then eat your way through the city on a walking food tour. In the afternoon, explore some of Thessaloniki’s top sights before heading to the Upper Town for a private guided tour, and finishing the day with a proper local dinner and live music.

⛵ Day 2: Shipwreck Bay Cruise & Waterfront
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before you set sail on a half-day cruise to Shipwreck Bay. In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the Nea Paralia and round off the day with a delicious dinner at one of the best restaurants in town.

⛰️ Day 3: Meteora or Mt. Olympus Day Trip
Stop by a local pastry spot for fresh-out-of-the-oven bougatsa, grab a few pies to go, and either take a full-day trip to Meteora or spend the day exploring Dion and Mt. Olympus National Park. Then treat yourself to a fancy dinner at one of the most elegant restaurants in the city.

Want all the details? Read our complete 3-day Thessaloniki itinerary here!

Things to do in Thessaloniki

1. Explore ancient Dion and the legends of Mount Olympus 

If you’re looking to explore beyond Thessaloniki, this guided full-day tour is a great way to discover some of northern Greece’s most fascinating ancient sites, including Dion and the legendary Mount Olympus.

You’ll meet your guide and group at Aristotle’s Square, the city center’s most popular meeting spot, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it. The tour leaves at 8 am, but aim to arrive about 10 minutes early. Once everyone’s on board, settle into the air-conditioned bus with Wi-Fi, sit back, and enjoy the ride. 

Your first stop is Mt. Olympus, the home of the gods in Greek mythology. After a short walk through the forest, you’ll reach Agia Kori Waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip. Just keep in mind that the water can be very cold, depending on the time of year you visit, but at least you’ll feel awake afterward! 

Next, visit Dion Archaeological Park (€10 entrance fee), where you’ll see the ruins of an ancient city dating back to the 6th century BC. Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen here, especially during the hot days! Before heading back, you’ll stop in the charming town of Litochoro, where you can wander around or sit down at a traditional taverna and enjoy some Greek food (at your own expense). 

We think this tour is a great mix of bus time and a bit of hiking, so it never feels like you’ve wasted the day sitting on a bus, but you also won’t end up exhausted. The group is fairly large, though the guides do a great job of making it feel more personal, so you’ll settle in quickly. Expect to spend around 1 to 2 hours at each stop, giving you enough time to soak it all in.

2. See the magical monasteries of Meteora in one day

Want to see the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Meteora without the hassle of driving and logistics planning? This day trip takes you straight to these medieval rock-pinnacle monasteries in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan or coach, with a guide to explain everything there is to know about them.

On arrival (around 12:30 pm), you’ll visit two of the six Holy Monasteries, depending on their weekly schedule. You’ll spend about 45 to 60 minutes exploring the interiors with stone chapels, ancient wine cellars, and frescos. While you’re there, take some time to admire the unique landscape and snap as many photos as you can from the viewpoints overlooking the other monasteries.

Finally, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense) in the charming village of Kastraki, with Meteora as your backdrop before heading back. The bus departs at around 3:30 pm, arriving in Thessaloniki at around 7 pm, giving you plenty of time to relax before dinner.

Keep in mind that the monasteries have a strict dress code. Men wearing shorts and women wearing sleeveless tops are not permitted to enter. Women must also wear a long skirt or dress, although cover-ups are available if needed. This trip involves climbing stairs, so we do recommend wearing comfortable footwear. One final tip: bring cash for the entrance fees (€5 per monastery). 

Overall, it’s a long day, but we took this tour ourselves and thought it was well worth it. Check out the 400+ 5-star reviews and see for yourself! 

3. Soak in thermal springs and see Edessa’s waterfalls

If you need a little downtime and Thessaloniki’s hotels just don’t cut it, this guided full-day trip to the Pozar Thermal Baths is well worth checking out, especially if you love mountains and alpine scenery. One reason this tour gets so many great reviews is that it combines two absolutely amazing attractions in one trip: the Edessa Waterfalls, the tallest in Greece, and the naturally heated waters of the Pozar Thermal Baths, set beside an icy mountain river. In other words, keep your camera close!

The day begins at 8 am, when you’ll meet your guide and group at the Venizelos Statue before settling in for the drive to the Loutra Pozar Baths, arriving at around 10 am. These famous natural hot springs have several pools (prices range from €3 to €30), so you can choose yours to soak while taking in amazing views of the surrounding mountains, river, and gorge. With around two hours here, there’s lots of time to relax and unwind.

From here, it’s a short drive to the Edessa Waterfalls, where you can explore the lush mountain scenery (definitely take the path behind the curtain of water!). If time allows, you might also visit nearby Varosi and wander through the open-air Water Museum with its old watermills. Before heading back, there’s also time to enjoy a delicious meal at one of the traditional restaurants (at your own expense).

You’ll be back in Thessaloniki by late afternoon, leaving the rest of the evening free for dinner or sunset drinks overlooking the waterfront. Keep in mind that you’ll need a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a towel for this tour, although towels can be rented for around €4. Overall, we highly recommend this trip if you’re spending a few days in Thessaloniki and want to explore beyond the city. It’s a fantastic way to spend the day, and over 150 5-star reviews back that up! 

4. Walk the waterfront from the White Tower to the Umbrellas

One of the best ways to experience Thessaloniki is with a walk along its waterfront. Stretching for around 3.5 miles (5.5 km), it’s just as popular for a morning coffee as it is for an evening stroll, but any time is a good time, really!

Start your walk at the port, where the city is at its busiest, with bars, tavernas, outdoor patios packed with people, and constant traffic. As you leave it behind, the atmosphere begins to change. You’ll pass street vendors selling roasted nuts before the road opens into a large plaza where you’ll find the White Tower, Thessaloniki’s most famous landmark. 

The Tower was built in the 15th century as part of the city’s fortifications, and it’s the highlight of the promenade. It’s free to admire it from the outside, but if you’d like to go inside, admission is around €8.

Beyond the tower, you’ll leave the traffic behind and find people lining up to take photos under The Umbrellas, the city’s most recognizable modern landmark by Greek sculptor George Zongolopoulos. The 43-foot (13-meter) installation was added to the New Waterfront in 1997, when Thessaloniki was the European Capital of Culture.

Keep following the promenade, and you’ll pass green spaces, tennis courts, skate parks, picnic tables, and playgrounds full of kids. The walk ends at the Concert Hall, where you can sit for a while and take in the views across the Thermaic Gulf.

Although this walk is enjoyable at any time of day, sunset is when it really comes to life, as locals head out for an evening stroll. If you’re an early riser, it’s just as nice in the morning, when you can grab a coffee and enjoy the quieter atmosphere.

5. Discover Thessaloniki’s highlights through the eyes of a local

If you only have one day to explore Thessaloniki, this private highlights tour is one of the easiest ways to see the city’s top attractions. From ancient churches and Byzantine landmarks to panoramic viewpoints, we visited many of the city’s must-see sights without ever feeling rushed. Hotel pickup made the experience even more convenient.

Our first stop was the White Tower, Thessaloniki’s most iconic landmark and once part of the city’s fortress walls. You can’t really miss it if you’re walking along the seafront promenade. We had about an hour here, which gave us more than enough time to explore inside (entrance is around €8).

After exploring the White Tower, we headed to the Church of Saint Dimitrios, one of Greece’s oldest and largest churches. Our guide, Athina, showed us the underground stone crypt where Saint Demetrius was martyred in 303 A.D. From there, we continued to the Heptapyrgion (€10 entrance fee per person), a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress that later became a notorious state prison.

Next, we walked the Byzantine walls, enjoying some of the best views over Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf. Athina and our driver, Maria, made the experience even better with their knowledge, care, and thoughtful touches throughout the day. They even arranged lunch at a local restaurant instead of a touristy spot, which we really appreciated.

Keep in mind that there is quite a bit of walking, but the pace is relaxed and manageable for most travelers. By the end of the day, we felt like we had truly experienced the best of Thessaloniki—and every step was worth it!

6. Taste your way through Thessaloniki 

We never need much convincing to join a food tour, especially in Greece. This small-group food tour had us wandering through Thessaloniki’s markets and backstreets with a local chef, introducing us to some of the city’s best local dishes.

Over the course of 4 hours, we explored different neighborhoods at the perfect pace. Not only did we get to try delicious food, but our guide, Panos, also explained the history behind the neighborhoods and the dishes, which made every stop even more interesting. His background as a chef gave us a whole new appreciation for the food and the local culture. 

You can expect to try everything from strong Greek coffee and ouzo to koulouri, bougatsa, local cheeses, Kalamata olives, and fresh seafood. We especially loved wandering through Kapani Market, where we sampled lots of deli favorites, including artisanal Graviera cheese drizzled with local wild thyme honey straight from the vendor stalls. It was delicious!

And we didn’t just eat! We chatted with market vendors, spice merchants, bakers, and locals going about their day, which made the whole experience feel even more personal. We also appreciated the small group size. We never felt rushed and had lots of time to chat with Panos and ask questions he was very happy to answer.

By the end of the tour, we were happily full and had a whole new appreciation for Thessaloniki’s food scene. It’s easy to see why this experience has earned so many five-star reviews!

7. Wander through Ano Poli and the Byzantine walls

If you’ve had your fill of Thessaloniki’s busy streets, head up to Ano Poli or the Upper Town. It’s the only part of the city that survived the Great Fire of 1917 and has a completely different feel from the rest of Thessaloniki. You’ll find stone-paved lanes, charming traditional houses, Byzantine-era monuments, and some of the best views over the city and the Thermaic Gulf.

However, be ready for some uphill walking, or save your legs and grab a taxi or hop on bus #22 to the top. Once there, start at the Heptapyrgion Fortress, where you can walk around the old fortress walls and soak up the scenery from above. From there, follow the ancient walls to Trigonion Tower, one of the best places to catch the sunset if you time it right (and we suggest you do!).

Once you leave the main sights behind, just wander. That’s really the best part! Follow the cobblestone streets as they weave past traditional houses, flower-filled balconies, and quiet corners where locals sip coffee and chat in the shade.

Before making your way downhill, stop for a Greek frappé in the shaded Tsinari district. Finish at the Church of Saint Demetrios and don’t miss the underground Roman crypt. Just make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes because the hills and cobblestones are no joke.

8. Visit Pella and Vergina on a royal history day trip

If you’re even slightly interested in history and archaeology, don’t skip this day trip to Pella and Vergina! We nearly talked ourselves out of going, expecting a typical ruins-and-museum day, but it ended up being one of the biggest surprises of our time in Thessaloniki. Our archaeologist guide, Lazaros, made all the difference, turning what could have been a quick visit into a fascinating journey through ancient Macedonia.

Lazaros shared stories on the drive between stops that made everything we saw later make so much more sense. One thing we really liked was that you get to explore the museums and archaeological sites at your own pace. Lazaros let us know when to meet back at the bus, so there was no feeling of being rushed from one display to the next. 

We started in Pella, where the museum is packed with beautifully preserved artifacts; it’s hard to believe what you see with your own eyes. We then walked through the ruins of the ancient city, and standing in the middle of the huge agora, we could actually picture what daily life might have looked like thousands of years ago. 

Vergina was the stop we were most excited about, and it didn’t disappoint. The museum built around the royal tombs is unlike anywhere we’ve been before, and seeing the tomb of Philip II, Alexander the Great’s father, was pretty much the highlight of the day.

By the end of the day, we came away with a much better understanding of ancient Macedonia and just how much history is packed into this part of Greece. Definitely worth the day trip!

9. Ride through Thessaloniki on a scenic eBike tour 

If you’re short on time and looking for a fun way to explore Thessaloniki, this guided e-bike tour is a great choice. The groups are small, with no more than 12 people, so it feels much more personal, almost like heading out for a ride with a bunch of friends or family.

Most of the route follows the seafront promenade along scenic, car-free bike paths, so it’s an easy ride. The only real climb is up to the ancient Roman ruins, but that’s where the electric bikes really come in handy. We were glad to have that extra boost up the hill!

Along the way, you’ll ride through the port of Thessaloniki, stop at landmarks like the White Tower, the Rotunda, and the Church of Agia Sofia, and the Statue of Alexander the Great. The guide also stops for 5 to 10 minutes at each site to share a few stories and give everyone time for photos, which we thought was just the right amount of time.

One of our favorite parts was the café break. We sat down for a Greek coffee and did a little people-watching before getting back on the bikes. Overall, we thought it was a fun and easy way to see a lot of the city in just a few hours.

10. Browse Kapani Market and Modiano Market 

Kapani Market is Thessaloniki’s oldest public market, and together with nearby Modiano Market, it’s a great place to see everyday life in the city. Just note that Modiano Market is temporarily closed for redevelopment, with plans to reopen in 2026. For now, Kapani is still well worth exploring and ended up being one of our favorite places to visit, especially in the morning when everyone is just waking up.

This is where locals stop by to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, spices, fish, meat, or something sweet for later. You’ll see people catching up with the vendors, meeting friends for a coffee, or sitting outside a corner café reading the morning newspaper. We took our time browsing the stalls and left with a bag of Kalamata olives and baklava. We weren’t even planning on buying anything!

A short walk away is Modiano Market. Designed by architect Eli Modiano and completed in 1930, it was inspired by the covered markets of Paris. Before its temporary closure, the restored market had a much younger feel, with coffee shops, gourmet food stalls, sushi bars, and regular events. Once it reopens, it should again make a great contrast to Kapani’s more traditional market culture.

11. Go canyoning

If you’re after something a little more adventurous, this canyoning experience on Mount Olympus is an unforgettable way to spend a day. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have tried canyoning before, there are different course options to match your experience level. The best part? Equipment, transportation, and expert guidance are all included!

The one-day course is a great introduction for first-timers. You’ll meet your guide and small group (maximum eight people) at Constantine Church in the village of Dion before heading into Mount Olympus National Park. Don’t worry if you’ve never climbed or rappelled before—your guide will walk you through everything and teach you the basic techniques before you begin.

After a short but steep forest walk to reach the canyon, the adventure really begins. You’ll rappel down waterfalls, slide through natural rock chutes, and, if you’re feeling brave, jump into crystal-clear pools from heights of up to 65 feet (20 m). Every jump is optional, so you can choose what feels comfortable. There’s also a short snack break along the way, though bringing your own energy bars is a good idea.

For those looking for a bigger challenge, the two- and three-day courses offer a deeper dive into canyoning techniques and are better suited for those with some previous experience.

You don’t need prior climbing experience for the beginner course, but a reasonable level of fitness is helpful. Just bring a swimsuit, athletic shoes, and a towel—everything else is taken care of.

12. Cook and share a Greek meal with a local family

For something a little different from the usual food tour, this dinner with a local family is well worth checking out. The entire evening takes place in their own home, and it’s unlike any other experience we’ve had in Thessaloniki. It felt more like being invited over to a neighbor’s house for dinner than joining a tour with strangers. 

We loved every second of it! You get a glimpse into everyday Greek life, cook in a real family kitchen, and eat together around the table. The group is small, with no more than nine guests, which makes everything feel relaxed from the start. 

We spent time in their kitchen, preparing traditional Greek dishes from scratch: moussaka, tzatziki, Greek pies, and bougiourdi (our favorite), using fresh local ingredients and family recipes. Don’t worry if you don’t cook much at home! Your hosts guide you through everything step by step.

Once the food is ready, everyone sits down and drinks are served, including local wine, ouzo, and tsipouro. The evening finishes with a fun Greek dance lesson, and lots of laughter if you’re not the kind that dances.

The hosts have even been featured on BBC and CNN, but what really stood out to us was how welcoming they were. They can also accommodate lactose-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets; just let them know in advance.

13. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki 

You can’t say you’ve had enough history until you visit the Archaeological Museum. As one of the largest museums in Greece, it covers the history of ancient Macedonia, from prehistory right through to late antiquity. 

You’ll probably spend quite a while wandering through the exhibits because there’s so much to see. Don’t miss the collection of golden wreaths and jewelry! Some of the pieces are so well preserved, with such incredible detail, that it’s hard to believe they’re over 2,000 years old.

Full admission is only €8, making it one of the more budget-friendly attractions in Thessaloniki. Location is another big plus. It’s right in the city center, close to the seafront, so it’s easy to pair with the White Tower and a stroll along the waterfront. 

If you’re planning to visit Vergina and Pella, this museum fits nicely into your itinerary. It adds more context without feeling repetitive, and you don’t even have to leave the city. 

14. Escape to Sithonia’s beaches and seaside villages

This full-day trip takes you to some of the best beaches in Halkidiki, with plenty of time to swim and enjoy the sun. After all, it wouldn’t feel like a proper Greek vacation if you didn’t sink your toes into the sand, wander through a little coastal village, stop for some proper Greek food, grab an ice cream, and maybe pick up a souvenir or two. 

With a group of no more than eight people and a comfortable van, this day trip almost feels like a private tour, which definitely sets the mood for the day. Our guide, Stefanos, knew exactly where to go and timed each stop perfectly to help us avoid the biggest crowds. There were umbrellas available, but we never needed them since several of the beaches had natural shade. 

On the drive back to Thessaloniki, we even passed through the Upper Town just in time to catch the sunset, which was a lovely way to end the day. By the end of the tour, you’ll have visited four absolutely gorgeous beaches, spending around one to two hours at each. You’ll also have time to explore a few charming coastal villages and enjoy freshly caught seafood at a local taverna (at your own expense). 

Of course, bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, and bathing suit, of course—your guide will take care of the rest! 

15. See the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda

Thessaloniki has no shortage of museums and ancient sites to keep you busy, and luckily, most are easy to get to. If you’re short on time or just don’t feel like wandering around a museum, the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda are easy to fit into your day.

The Arch, also known as Kamara, is one of Thessaloniki’s most recognizable Roman monuments. It was built around 306 AD to celebrate Emperor Galerius’ victory over the Persians, and you can see it for free right from the street.

Just a short walk away is the Rotunda, part of Thessaloniki’s UNESCO-listed Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments. Over the centuries, this massive circular building has served as a mausoleum, Christian church, and mosque, giving it a fascinating mix of history and architecture. Entrance is about €10 per person, and hours vary by season.

You can easily visit both in under an hour, making this a perfect stop between other sightseeing plans. If you’re exploring more of Thessaloniki’s Roman history, it’s also worth checking out nearby sites like the Galerius Palace.

Related Read: Planning a longer Greece trip? Check out our 2-week Greece itinerary for the best places to visit and how to fit them all together!

Where to Stay in Thessaloniki

Now that you know the best things to do in Thessaloniki, all that’s left is finding the perfect place to stay! We highly recommend staying in the Ladadika District. It’s one of the most vibrant parts of the city, packed with restaurants, bars, and cafés, while still being within easy walking distance of Aristotelous Square, the waterfront, and many of Thessaloniki’s top attractions.

Whether you’re after a luxury stay, great value, or a budget-friendly option, we’ve rounded up our favorite hotels for every type of traveler below.

Electra Palace Thessaloniki – $$$ 

Electra Palace Thessaloniki isn’t just a 5-star hotel; it’s one of the city’s landmarks, right in the heart of Aristotelous Square. The rooftop restaurant and bar set the tone straight away, with stunning views over the Thermaic Gulf. Sunsets from here are hard to beat! If the weather turns, there’s also a cozy ground-floor lounge with a classic British vibe; imagine a fireplace and Chesterfield sofas.

What really stands out, though, is the personalized service. The staff is incredibly helpful, from parking to even helping you figure out football tickets. Breakfast is included, with one of the biggest buffets you’ll see, plus it’s served on the rooftop, so you’re overlooking the square. 

At the end of a long day, the hotel makes it easy to relax, with both an indoor and outdoor pool to enjoy, whatever the weather. Prices start from around €200 per night in high season. Check availability and book this high-end stay here!

City Hotel Thessaloniki – $$ 

City Hotel Thessaloniki ended up being our absolute favorite, and the one we chose for our own trip. The rooms are spotless and super comfortable, with cozy beds, robes, slippers, and extras like tea and biscuits, perfect for those afternoon cravings. The location makes everything easy. You’re right in the middle of shops, cafes, restaurants, nightlife, and the waterfront. It’s way too much to see for one trip, so next time we’re staying longer!

Breakfast is one of the best in town and a great reason to wake up early, Scout’s honor! We were also really impressed by the staff, who made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Parking nearby is limited overnight, but the hotel can help arrange it for around €30 per night.

Prices start from about €125+ per night, a steal if you ask us, especially in peak season. Browse current prices and secure your stay here!

Hotel Luxembourg – $  

Hotel Luxembourg is a fantastic budget-friendly stay in the heart of the Ladadika District, just a short walk from Aristotelous Square and the promenade. The traditional feel really comes through here, from the old-world lobby to the classic-style rooms. After breakfast, there’s a library and café where you can sit in peace for a bit before heading out into the busy streets (best with a magazine or newspaper, just like we do).

Later on, head to the all-day bar for an aperitivo before dinner; the atmosphere is lively and puts you in the mood straight away. Even better, you can also arrange car rentals and tours through the hotel, and there’s 24-hour parking nearby, which comes in super handy in this area.

Prices start from around €85+ per night, so you’ve got more left for everything else. For the convenience and location, it really feels like a bargain. See the latest room rates and secure your reservation here!

Thanks for reading!

Thessaloniki really surprised us with just how much there is to do! Between eating our way through the markets, exploring ancient sites, walking the waterfront, and taking some incredible day trips, we loved getting to know this underrated corner of Greece. Hopefully, this list helps you find a few experiences that make your trip just as memorable as ours!

Before you go, check out our other Greece travel guides. We’ve spent lots of time exploring the country and have plenty more firsthand tips, itineraries, and favorite experiences to help you plan your trip. Or check out some of our newest blogs below for even more inspiration. Happy travels!

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