Enjoy a day in Thessaloniki on our self-guided walking tour. 15 UNESCO monuments are scattered across the city with Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman buildings often sitting side by side. Thessaloniki showcases centuries of history in the Acropolis, Hagia Sophia, the Rotunda, the White Tower and more.
We’ve got all the details for your walk to the city’s important sites and its historic fortifications.
Table of Contents
Thessaloniki – A UNESCO City
Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, beautifully blends Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage. This vibrant city, on the coast of the Thermaic Gulf, flourished for centuries as the second-most important city of the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople.
Today, that rich history is on full display. The UNESCO World Heritage Site “Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika“, is made up of 15 historic churches and structures spread across the city. They highlight Thessaloniki’s importance during the early Christian and Byzantine eras (roughly the 4th to 14th centuries). The city is also a UNESCO Gastronomic Capital, famous for its incredible pastries.
Thessaloniki Cruise Port
Thessaloniki is a popular cruise destination. Ships dock at the Alexander the Great Cruise Terminal, a modern, expanded facility right in the centre of the city. With only a day to explore, you can step off the ship and be just a short walk away from the vibrant, historic Ladadika district. This prime central location makes Thessaloniki the perfect port to skip the expensive bus excursions and head out on your own to explore this very walkable city.
Thessaloniki Self-Guided Walking Itinerary
Our self-guided walking tour is a fantastic way to spend your time in Thessaloniki, whether you are staying at a local hotel or stepping off a cruise ship for the day.
The route is entirely downhill, takes a full day at a leisurely pace, and includes plenty of time for stops. It winds past many of the World Heritage Site monuments, offering a perfect overview of the city’s history.
To keep your walk downhill, grab a taxi (or an Uber) and enjoy the ride to Upper Town (Ano Poli), Thessaloniki’s most ancient quarter.
- See the Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki, a Byzantine and Ottoman fortress, the stronghold of the Acropolis.
- Leave the Acropolis through the Anna Palaiologina Gate. Enjoy the views from the panorama terrace beside the Trigonion Tower.
- Spot peacocks roaming the gardens of the Vlatadon Monastery, Thessaloniki’s only active Byzantine-era monastery.
- Step into the Church of Osios David to admire the 5th-century mosaic of a youthful, beardless Christ.
Continue walking downhill to Lower Town, Thessaloniki’s Historic Centre, packed with Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman treasures.
- Discover the Ishak Pasha Mosque, an early Ottoman masterpiece, that served as a house of prayer and a bustling soup kitchen.
- Visit the crypt of the Church of Agios Dimitrios, where the city’s patron saint was killed.
- See the Roman Odeon and the Ancient Agora of Thessaloniki, discovered by accident in the 1960s.
- Admire the all-red-brick Church of Panagia Chalkeon, an 11th-century Byzantine masterpiece.
- Step back in time at Bey Hamam, Thessaloniki’s oldest and grandest Ottoman bathhouse.
- Spot the inscription in the Church of the Acheiropoietos, confirming it was the first church converted to a mosque under the Ottomans.
- See the Church of Hagia Sophia’s 9th-century Ascension mosaic, within its massive 10-metre dome.
- Visit the massive Rotunda of St. George, built as a pagan temple, adapted to Christian worship and converted to a mosque.
- Pass beneath the Arch of Galerius and admire intricate marble panels that tell the story of Galerius’ victory over Persia.
Stroll thematic gardens along Nea Paralia (New Waterfront).
- Snap photos of Zongolopoulos’ iconic Umbrellas sculpture.
- Uncover the city’s dramatic past inside the White Tower of Thessaloniki, once nicknamed the “Tower of Blood.”
- End your day at one of the many Thessaloniki Restaurants, savouring Greek, Ottoman, and Balkan flavours.
With more time, visit one of the excellent Thessaloniki Museums to learn more about the city, its culture and history.
Walking Tour Length:
The full route is about 8 kilometres long. For a shorter walk, we recommend either:
- Start at the Ishak Pasha Mosque in Lower Town, instead of in Ano Poli. Most of the UNESCO monuments on the route are in Lower Town. This shortens the walk to about 6.5 kilometres;
or - End your walk at the Galerius Archaeological Site, and don’t visit the New Waterfront, especially if gardens and walking the promenade are not your thing. This route is about 6 kilometres.
Thessaloniki Map
Use the map below to help you explore the city. Our self-guided walking route starts at the highest point, the Heptapyrgion in the Acropolis of Upper Town, and ends at the waterfront.
Upper Town (Ano Poli)
Ano Poli is the oldest quarter of Thessaloniki and largely escaped the Great Fire of 1917. Upper Town preserves a historic urban layout rarely seen elsewhere in the city.
Our walk begins within the Acropolis of Thessaloniki, the fortified upper part of Ano Poli. In the late 5th/early 6th century a cross-wall was built between the outer city walls to enclose and fortify the heights. When the city was under siege, its people could move to safety, sheltering within the acropolis.
Ask your taxi or Uber driver to drop you off at the Heptapyrgion.
Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki (UNESCO)
The Heptapyrgion is a Byzantine fortress, reworked by the Ottomans, which dominates the northeastern corner of the acropolis. Its northern towers likely date to the late 4th century under Emperor Theodosius I. An inscription above the main gate, carved in 1431, marks the transfer of the fortress to the Ottomans. From the late 19th century until 1989 it served as a prison.
The museum, while giving access to the inner courtyard of the Heptapyrgion, concentrates on the site’s transition from a Byzantine fortress to a modern penitentiary. We chose to walk around its external walls and ramparts for the excellent views of the city.
In the 14th century, as the Byzantine Empire grew weaker, sieges became more frequent. A massive underground reservoir, the Acropolis’ cistern, was built with thick plastered walls and vaulted brick ceilings within the Acropolis, as a secure water supply for the fortress’ military occupants and the city residents sheltering there. What remains of the cistern are to the southeast along the city walls.
Walk downhill along El Venizelou Street and pass through the Anna Palaiologina Gate, leaving the military heights and entering Ana Poli’s original civilian area. In the early 14th century, Empress Palaiologina commissioned this opening in the 5th-century Acropolis wall and increased the strength of all the city’s walls ahead of the advancing Serbian Tsar Stefan Dušan. The gate was barely finished when news arrived that the Tsar had suddenly died, ending the threat which had loomed over the city for a decade.
Just beyond the gate, there are several shops and a café. The Old Town Panorama Terrace extends to the east. On clear days, the view from the terrace stretches across the city rooftops, over the Thermaic Gulf, and all the way to Mount Olympus.
The Trigonion Tower is at the eastern end of the Terrace and a strategic corner of the city walls. Built in the late 15th century by the Ottomans, the tower was constructed directly over the footprint of an earlier square Byzantine tower. The massive cylindrical tower, about 22 metres tall and 24 metres across at the base, was designed to support heavy artillery. For centuries, it served as the city’s primary armoury and gunpowder depot, guarding the most vulnerable point of Upper Town.
The tower marks the critical junction where the city’s outer defenses meet the inner fortified acropolis. The wall running south toward the White Tower and the gulf is part of the Byzantine City Walls, built in the late 4th century. Originally the city’s enclosure walls were roughly 8 kilometres long. Only 3 to 4 kilometres survive today, with most in Ano Poli. Look for the distinctive ashlar masonry alternating with bands of brick, a hallmark of late Roman construction.
Walk west along Eptapirgiou Street, following the Acropolis Wall for less than 500 metres to the Vlatadon Monastery and another stunning view over the city.
Vlatadon Monastery (UNESCO)
The monastery is Thessaloniki’s only religious institution which has been continuously operating since the Byzantine era. The monastery was not converted to a mosque or Islamic institution during Ottoman rule. Dorotheos and Markos Vlatis, disciples of Gregory Palamas, founded the monastery between 1351 and 1371, as a place of stillness and quiet reflection.
The monastery is famous for its resident peacocks, a symbol of immortality in Byzantine art that originated in Roman and early Christian traditions. The peacocks roam the monastery’s gardens. The grounds are free to wander and also provide one of the best viewpoints over the city.
Many believe that the Katholikon (the monastery’s main church), was built directly over the spot where the Apostle Paul preached to the Thessalonians in the 1st century AD. A rare variation of the cross-in-square architectural style, the church’s interior is lined with frescoes painted in the late 14th century. While photography is not permitted inside the church, be sure to take a look.
This Greek Orthodox monastery is also an academic and theological centre. We spent 15 to 20 minutes here.
Walk west on Eptapirgiou Street to a set of stairs at Argonafton Street, on the left. This is the beginning of your descent through the city’s winding streets. Continue walking down and then right onto Dim. Poliorkitou. Watch for another set of stairs on the left and continue down, past the fountain, to Timotheou. Turn left and walk to a quiet lane on the right which leads to our next UNESCO monument.
Church of Osios David (Latomos Monastery) (UNESCO)
The Church of Osios David, also known as the Latomos Monastery, dates to the late 5th century. Converted to a mosque under the Ottomans, it was reconsecrated as an Orthodox church in 1921, like many of the city’s Byzantine churches.
Inside the apse is a remarkable late 5th–early 6th century mosaic depicting the “Vision of Ezekiel.” At its centre, Christ appears youthful and beardless, an exceptionally rare portrayal, surrounded by the symbolic figures of the four Evangelists, while the prophets Ezekiel and Habakkuk gaze upward in awe.
The mosaic was concealed beneath layers of plaster to protect it during a period when religious images were banned and destroyed. According to legend, an earthquake later revealed it to a praying monk. Centuries later, it was hidden again under Ottoman plaster, only to be rediscovered in 1921. Today, it remains one of the oldest surviving mosaics of its kind in Europe.
Walk downhill on Fotiou, keeping left onto Θεοδώρου Κυρηναίου. At Akropoleos, there is another set of stairs across the street. Walk down to Theotokopoulou, turn right and walk less than 100 metres.
Tucked between two buildings on the right is the Byzantine Bath of Thessaloniki, one of the few surviving Byzantine baths in Greece. Built in the late 12th/early 13th century, it was used until 1940. Its patrons moved through the changing room (Apodyterion), warm room (Tepidarium) and hot room (Caldarium), the latter two heated by Roman-style hypocaust systems beneath the floor.
Walk down the hill to Olympiados Street, the southern limit of Upper Town.
The Historic Centre (Lower Town)
The Historic Centre stretches from the southern edge of Ano Poli down to the waterfront. This is where Thessaloniki’s daily life happens amongst Roman ruins, Byzantine churches and Ottoman bathhouses, most affected in some way by the Great Fire of 1917. Many of the city’s UNESCO monuments stand here within a few blocks of each other.
As we cut a “zigzag” through the streets continuing downhill, our route is crossing the “border” of the 1917 fire.
Walk down Theotokopoulou to the end of the street. Turn right and walk west to Agias Sofias Street and then several steps south. Walk through the pedestrian walkway (on the right) to Sofokleous and turn left (south). In just a few more steps, turn right onto Γαλιλαiου. The streets we’ve walked through still feel a bit tighter and more historic. After our next stop, the Imaret which is just down the street, the boulevards become wider, remodeled after the fire.
Aladja Imaret (Ishak Pasha Mosque)
Aladja Imaret was built in 1484, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Thessaloniki. Though not part of the city’s Byzantine UNESCO listing, it is a masterpiece of early Ottoman design that served as both a house of prayer and a bustling soup kitchen (imaret) for the poor.
The name aladja means “colourful”, referring to the vibrant, diamond-shaped glazed tiles that once adorned its minaret which was destroyed after 1912. The main building has a “reverse T” floor plan, featuring a five-domed portico with two large central domes above the interior.
Walk south to Kassandrou Street. Turn right and walk to the next intersection. Turn left. At the end of the block, on the right is another UNESCO monument.
Church of Agios Dimitrios (UNESCO)
The Church of Agios Dimitrios is dedicated to the city’s patron saint. The five-aisled basilica was built over what is traditionally believed to be the Roman baths where Demetrius, a Roman officer, was imprisoned and martyred in 306 because of his Christian faith. His relics, returned from Italy in 1978, rest in a silver-clad shrine in the left nave.
Inside are columns of reused Egyptian porphyry, and walls of precious marble and local stone. Its rare mosaics are among the finest surviving early Byzantine examples in Greece. They show a boyish Saint Demetrius flanked by children and the church’s founders. Though the church was nearly destroyed in the Great Fire of 1917, meticulous restoration preserved several original 5th- to 9th-century mosaics.
Be sure to go down into the enormous crypt beneath the altar, where the ruins of the Roman bath can be seen. Look for the semi-circular fountain where “myrrh” was said to miraculously flow from the saint’s tomb, along with a marble bowl for holy water and a collection of ancient sculptures. There is typically no fee to enter the church or the crypt.
Walk south across the street and through the park to a massive archaeological site, discovered by accident in the 1960s.
Ancient Agora of Thessaloniki
The Ancient Agora, or Roman Forum, was the commercial, political and religious heart of Roman Thessaloniki. The two-hectare site was only discovered by accident during construction of a new courthouse, forcing the city to abandon its grand building plans. Today, you can explore a two-terraced marketplace, featuring two-storey stoas (covered walkways) with Corinthian columns and the remains of ancient Roman baths.
Walk among the ruins, tracing the foundations of small shops that once lined the central courtyard. The Odeon, a small theatre at the eastern edge of the site, hosted music competitions and public celebrations. The cryptoporticus, an impressive underground double-corridor that once supported the weight of the massive upper stoa, now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora. See finds from the Hellenistic through Ottoman periods. If you are short on time, much of the site can be viewed clearly from the street level above, including exposed mosaic floor.
A short walk south takes you past a number of restaurants and eateries and into the city’s Central Market District.
At the intersection of Egnatia and Venizelou Streets, look west to the site of the city’s oldest mosque, the Hamza Bey Mosque. Historically known as the Alcazar, a recent renovation stripped away 20th-century alterations, revealing its Ottoman roots.
The 15th-century Ottoman Bezesteni Covered Market, at the corner of Venizelou and Dionisiou Solomou Streets, was built with incredibly thick walls and topped by six lead-covered domes. The structure protected precious goods like silks, jewellery and stones from fire and theft. This durability helped the market survive the Great Fire of 1917. It continues to house clothing, jewellery and florist shops under its Ottoman roofs.
Walk south on Venizelou to Ermou. As you walk east, the area to your left is a labyrinth of pedestrian alleys. On the right, look for Agora Modiano. Built after the 1917 fire, its glass roof and cross-shaped layout were modelled after the grand markets of Paris. It’s an upscale food hall and a great spot for a “refined” snack, including local cheeses, produce, and artisanal gyros.
The labyrinth of alleys across the street is the Kapani market, the city’s most traditional bazaar. This historic area is the oldest market in the city, where some vendors still chant to announce their goods. This is where local chefs come to buy olives, mountain tea, and fresh fish, making it a great place to grab lunch or a snack before our walk continues.
When you are ready to leave the thriving market area, walk up (north) to Egnatia and look left to the red brick building locals call the Red Church.
Church of Panagia Chalkeon (UNESCO)
The Church of Panagia Chalkeon is an 11th-century Byzantine church built entirely of brick, a quintessential example of middle Byzantine architecture. A marble inscription above the west entrance confirms the church was built in 1028 by a high-ranking official named Christopher, whose grave is set into a recessed tomb on the northern wall. The church’s name translates as “Our Lady of the Coppersmiths,” a nod to copper workshops that still surround the site.
Its cross-in-square plan features four internal columns and three domes. The main central dome showcases an original 11th-century Ascension fresco that survived the church’s era as a mosque. Note that this church often closes to visitors in the afternoon.
The Panagia Chalkeon was only lightly affected by the 1917 fire. After the fire, the ground level around the area was raised with debris and new construction, leaving the church in the beautiful sunken garden.
In the plaza just to the east stands the four-metre-tall marble statue of Eleftherios Venizelos, the statesman who oversaw Thessaloniki’s incorporation into the Greek state in 1912. The square is a popular local meeting point and is steps away from the Paradise Baths.
Bey Hamam (Paradise Baths)
Bey Hamam is the oldest Ottoman bathhouse in Thessaloniki, built shortly after the Ottoman conquest in 1444. The baths were in continuous use for over five centuries, surviving on the edge of the limit of the Great Fire until 1968. Heavily damaged in a 1978 earthquake, an extensive restoration completed in early 2026 has returned the site to its original splendour.
It is a double bath with entirely separate sections for men and women. The men’s quarters are the larger and more elaborate, centred on a grand octagonal cold room with a columned gallery and a painted dome. On the women’s side, restorers discovered delicate floral frescoes and fine masonry. Its tepid room is topped by a dome pierced with circular “star” windows to let the light in. The restoration uncovered original marble floors and octagonal pools that had been hidden for decades.
Walk east to Agias Sofias, then north to one of the earliest surviving basilicas in Thessaloniki.
Church of the Acheiropoietos (UNESCO)
The Church of the Acheiropoietos, another of the city’s UNESCO monuments, was built in the mid-5th century on the site of a Roman bath complex. Its name means “not made by human hands”, and refers to a legendary icon of the Virgin Mary believed to have arrived in the church with divine assistance.
This timber-roofed basilica stands at nearly its original 5th-century height. Inside, two rows of Proconnesian marble columns lead toward the altar, while two rare green Thessalian marble columns frame the triple-arched entrance. Look closely at the arches to see original 5th-century mosaics, and find the 13th-century fresco of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste in the southern aisle.
In 1430, this was the first church converted into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest. Known then as Eski Camii, an inscription carved by Sultan Murad II still remains on the eighth column of the northern row.
This church typically closes daily at 12:00 PM and reopens in the late afternoon.
The Galerius Quarter
The Galerius Quarter served as the imperial heart of Roman Thessaloniki. The buildings here, built in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD, served as Emperor Galerius’ eastern imperial seat.
The scale of the buildings shifts from the intimate neighborhood churches to grand, domed structures like the Hagia Sophia and the massive Rotunda.
Walk south on Agias Sofias Street to Agia Sofia Square. It’s one of the most beautiful pedestrian-friendly streets in the city. Walk down into the peaceful, palm-fringed courtyard to the Church of Hagia Sophia.
Church of Hagia Sophia (UNESCO)
The 7th-century church stands on the foundations of a 5th-century Christian basilica and was modelled after its namesake in Constantinople. One of Thessaloniki’s most important Byzantine monuments, the Church of Hagia Sophia is a key part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage listing.
The interior is dominated by a massive 10-metre dome, with a 9th-century Ascension mosaic showing Christ surrounded by the Virgin Mary and the Apostles standing among olive trees. To lighten the structural load and improve building acoustics, amphoras were built directly into the dome. Incredibly, the dome survived the Great Fire of 1917. A massive restoration effort removed the soot and reversed damage caused the fire’s intense heat. We took our time inside to fully appreciate the golden mosaic art.
Exit the church’s courtyard on the south side. An early Byzantine Baptistry, one of the oldest surviving early-Christian baptisteries, is across the street. It is within a basilica dating to the 6th or 7th century, sitting below street level. The octagonal plan contains multiple ritual chambers and a large central baptismal pool designed for full-body adult immersion. Access the area from Mela Street.
Walk northeast on Patriarchou Ioakim Street from the back of the Hagia Sophia. At Egnatia Street turn right and walk east to Paleon Patron Germanou.
Tucked behind a grove of trees on the south side of Egnatia is the small, 14th-century Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, also a UNESCO monument. Its unique structural plan features four niches beneath a high dome. The dome houses frescoes of Christ’s Ascension and a rare “Divine Liturgy” scene, unusual because it depicts human priests rather than angels.
Walk across Egnatia and a short distance north to the Church of Saint Panteleimon. Another UNESCO monument, this late-Byzantine church features a classic cross-in-square design. It was converted into the Ishakiye Camii mosque in 1548. The base of a demolished minaret and marble fountain remain in the courtyard as reminders of its Ottoman history. Unfortunately, we arrived after its midday closure. The exterior brickwork is well worth the detour.
The massive Rotunda is just to the east.
Rotunda of St. George (UNESCO)
The Rotunda of St. George is one of Thessaloniki’s oldest UNESCO monuments, built around 306 AD as part of Emperor Galerius’s massive imperial complex. Its original purpose is still debated. Was it intended as a grand temple to Zeus or a mausoleum for the emperor? As Galerius was never buried here, the Rotunda’s true role remains a mystery.
Its circular shape is unique in Greece and often compared to Rome’s Pantheon. The Rotunda is over 24 metres wide with massive brick walls over six metres thick. To adapt the building for Christian worship in the 4th century, a section of the wall was removed on the east side to add an apse. Inside, the dome soars nearly 30 metres high and holds some of the finest surviving Early Christian mosaics in the world. These 4th-century works depict Christ at the centre, surrounded by angels and martyrs, and are set against elaborate architectural backdrops.
The Rotunda was converted into an Ottoman mosque in 1591. Today, it is a cultural monument that uniquely retains its 36-metre-tall minaret, the only one still standing in the city.
A colonnaded marble road, known as the Processional Way, ran south between the Rotunda and the Arch of Galerius during the Roman era.
Arch of Galerius
The Arch of Galerius, known locally as Kamara, was built at the turn of the 4th century AD to commemorate the Emperor’s victory over the Sassanid Persians. Originally a massive structure with eight pillars forming a triple archway, only three pillars remain. We noticed that the surviving marble panels show incredible detailed for being over 1,700 years old. Look closely to see scenes of Galerius in battle, camels and elephants from the Eastern campaign, and the imperial family offering a sacrifice.
Just east of the Arch stands the Church of Panagia Dexia, a modern Greek Orthodox church completed in 1956 that blends Byzantine and Neoclassical styles. Its name in English is “The Virgin on the Right”. This refers to a rare icon within the church depicting the Virgin Mary holding Christ on her right side rather than the left, as traditionally shown in most Orthodox icons. The interior has marble-clad walls, vibrant dome frescoes, and a gilded, hand-painted wooden chandelier hanging in the centre of the nave. This chandelier (or polyeleos) is a beautiful example of traditional Greek wood-carving rarely seen in such scale in modern city churches.
About 100 metres further east is Sintrivani Square, centred on a marble fountain gifted by Sultan Abdulhamid in 1889. Local legend has it that on its inauguration day, cherry sherbet flowed from the spouts instead of water. Nearby, a small weathered section of Thessaloniki’s Roman enclosure wall remains visible in the parkland.
Walk back to the arch and south down the pedestrian Dimitrios Gounari Street.
This walkway follows the original Roman Processional Way, leading directly into Navarino Square. The square takes its name from a pivotal 1827 naval battle of the Greek War of Independence. It is now a favourite among local university students, ringed by lively cafés and creperies.
Right in the heart of the square, the Galerius Palace Archaeological Site preserves the remains of the emperor’s massive 4th-century residence. While you can view the intricate mosaic floors and grand arches from the sidewalk, a visit inside the site allows you to explore the site more fully. See the Octagon, believed to have been the imperial throne room, marble-clad ceremonial halls and artifacts discovered during excavation.
This is a great place to stop if you have walked enough. Otherwise continue to the waterfront, just a five-minute walk south on Dimitrios Gounari Street.
A quick detour after crossing Tsimiski Street leads to the Church of Nea Panagia. While not UNESCO-listed, this 18th-century Ottoman-era church was built after a fire destroyed the 12th-century Byzantine monastery previously on the site. Its interior features a gilded wooden iconostasis, beautiful murals and frescos.
Walk south to the waterfront. The city’s new waterfront parkland area is to the east.
Nea Paralia (New Waterfront)
Thessaloniki’s New Waterfront stretches along the Thermaic Gulf. This award-winning regeneration project transformed a simple concrete promenade into a vibrant 3.5-kilometre park system of thirteen themed gardens. They are connected by wide walkways, with cycling paths and views across to Mount Olympus.
Walk east along the waterfront to the first garden, Alexander the Great Garden Park. This green space is dedicated to the Macedonian king, Alexander the Great, whose 4th-century BC kingdom once included this region.
The park’s centrepiece is a six-metre-tall bronze equestrian statue of the king atop a 5-metre-tall marble base, in the centre of a plaza. The plaza is framed by a semicircle of shields and spears, with a relief of the Battle of Issus set into the wall behind it.
About 250 metres further east along the promenade is Umbrellas, the light sculpture by Zongolopoulos. Umbrella forms are set on slender poles about 13 metres long. At night the transparent-domed umbrellas glow softly against the dark of the gulf. Installed in 1997, it is now one of Thessaloniki’s most recognizable landmarks.
If you have lots of time, continue exploring the gardens further to the east.
Walk back through the park toward the historic centre and the White Tower which marks the western end of the modern park.
White Tower of Thessaloniki
Built by the Ottomans in the 15th century to fortify Thessaloniki’s coastal defences, the White Tower stands almost 34 metres tall and 23 metres across. During Ottoman rule, it was a fortress and notorious prison, earning the grim name “Tower of Blood” due to the number of executions carried out there. The tower contains a museum about the city from its founding in 316 BC onward, with multimedia displays covering this long and uninterrupted history. Climb all the way to the top for great views of the city.
We enjoyed the walk from the tower back to the Thessaloniki Port, about 20 minutes along the bustling Nikis Avenue. This is the Ladadika District. The name comes from “ladi” (oil), reflecting the area’s past as a major olive oil trading centre. Its streets are lined with 19th-century Ottoman and neoclassical buildings, housing tavernas and bistros.
About halfway along is Aristotelous Square, designed by French architect Ernest Hébrard after the Great Fire of 1917. Framed by the Electra Palace Hotel and the Olympion Theatre, its southern end was left open to the water to guarantee unobstructed views of Mount Olympus across the gulf. A statue of Aristotle stands on the east side. Note how shiny his toes are. Students touch a toe for wisdom before exams.
Our walk ends at the historic Old Port of Thessaloniki, in use since the city’s founding around 315 BC and long central to its maritime life. Redeveloped warehouses on Pier One now house several museums including the Museum of Photography, and the Cinema Museum.
Thessaloniki Museums
For visitors with more than a day in the city or when a rainy day plan is needed, Thessaloniki’s museums tell its story from Roman beginnings, through the Byzantine and Ottoman eras and into the modern Greek state.
| Name | Known for |
|---|---|
| Near Alexander the Great Park | |
| Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki | The Derveni Papyrus, Europe’s oldest surviving book, and the “Gold of Macedon” wreaths within collection of Greek art & artifacts up to late antiquity |
| Museum of Byzantine Culture | Award winning Byzantine history & culture museum with 11 galleries of Byzantine art |
| War Museum of Thessaloniki | Greek military history from 1821 to Cyprus 1974, with a Northrop F-5 outside |
| Olympic Museum of Thessaloniki | Sports heritage with an Olympics history focus. |
| MOMus-Museum of Contemporary Art | Contemporary Art museum with works by Warhol, Brauner, Moralis, and Takis across 2,000+ pieces |
| Near port and along waterfront | |
| Museum of Illusions Thessaloniki | Over 60 interactive illusions including the Ames Room and Vortex Tunnel |
| Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki | History of Jewish people in Thessaloniki and a Holocaust room listing 27,000 victims on marble |
| Museum of the Macedonian Struggle | Former Greek Consulate documenting the 1904-1908 struggle in Ottoman Macedonia |
| MOMus (Museum of Photography) | 120,000 photographic items tracing history of city, home of the Fred Boissonnas Greek archive |
| Thessaloniki Cinema Museum & Cinematheque | Exhibits on Greek cinematography, including cameras & movie posters. |
| North of the Rotunda | |
| Ataturk Museum of Thessaloniki | Birthplace and childhood home of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey |
| Southeastern city | |
| NOESIS Science Center & Technology Museum | Planetarium, Cosmotheatre, and an Ancient Greek Technology exhibition with 70+ replicas |
Thessaloniki Restaurants
Thessaloniki’s dining scene blends authentic Greek tavernas and meze houses with refined Cretan, seafood, vegan, and Italian twists. Expect fresh ingredients, generous portions, and warm hospitality across cosy, family-friendly spots. Find diverse options rooted in Mediterranean traditions.
| Restaurant | Known For |
|---|---|
| The Rouga | Authentic homemade Greek dishes in warm family taverna atmosphere since 1999 |
| The Greek | Traditional Greek meze and main plates |
| Salento Wood Fired Street Food | Wood-fired Italian pizzas, lasagna Bolognese, and handmade sandwiches |
| Charoupi | Refined Cretan cuisine with modern twists like gamopilafo and snails |
| Kanoula | Authentic Greek Mediterranean cuisine with fresh ingredients, moussaka, souvlaki, and vegetarian options |
| rOOTS | Vegan Greek classics like soy gyros and moussaka in ethnic bistro vibe |
| L’Albero | Casually elegant steakhouse with juicy premium cuts, seafood, risotto & pasta dishes |
| Grada nuevo | Sophisticated fine dining seafood and restructured Greek haute cuisine |
| Argophageío | Authentic Greek tavern with unique healthy flavors and friendly service |
Take the Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Bus
Not looking for a walking tour? The Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Bus is a great option. This bus is perfect for those wanting the ease and convenience of quickly seeing the major sites of the city.
For cruise passengers, with limited time in port, this can be especially important to reach some of the city highlights. Purchase your ticket before you arrive in port.
Hop aboard the Thessaloniki Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and spend a full day riding from the White Tower to the charming lanes of Ano Poli, and through Lower Town back to the bustling Port of Thessaloniki. With onboard commentary along the way, you can stay longer at the spots that catch your eye and skip the ones that don’t.
Day Trips from Thessaloniki
Both of these popular full-day bus trips head beyond the city to legendary destinations: the clifftop monasteries of Meteora and the mythical slopes of Mount Olympus.
Bus Trip to Meteora
This Full-Day Trip to Meteora travels through the rolling landscapes of Central Greece to one of the country’s most awe-inspiring UNESCO sites. You’ll step inside two of the centuries-old monasteries that cling to Meteora’s soaring sandstone pillars and a stop for lunch.
Bus Trip to Mount Olympus and Dion
On this Day Trip to Dion and Mount Olympus Park, visit the mythical home of the Greek gods, with a scenic trek through Mount Olympus National Park and a wander around the ancient ruins of Dion. If the weather’s right, you can cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear stream at Agia Kori.
Accommodations in Thessaloniki
Here are the best-rated hotels for your stay in Thessaloniki.
- S Hotel Boutique Thessaloniki — Boutique hotel steps from Aristotelous Square
- NYX Hotel Thessaloniki — City-centre hotel with sea-view balconies
- Vanoro Hotel — 5-star city-centre hotel with spa and garden
Find more Thessaloniki hotels on Booking.com >>
Know Before You Go – Visiting Thessaloniki
Is Thessaloniki worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely! Thessaloniki is worth visiting for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history. The city boasts impressive Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman sites (15 of which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and a thriving culinary scene. Explore ancient ruins, beautiful churches, and enjoy its lively waterfront.
How many days should I spend in Thessaloniki?
One day in Thessaloniki allows time to discover the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman UNESCO monuments as well as see its Roman beginnings and sample its city’s culinary delights. Staying longer allows you to take your time discovering the city’s streets, to visit its museums, experience its vibrant nightlife and enjoy day trips outside the city.
What is Thessaloniki best known for?
Thessaloniki is best known as Greece’s cultural and gastronomic capital. It’s famous for its rich Byzantine history, numerous UNESCO World Heritage monuments, and exceptional culinary scene, which includes unique Macedonian cuisine and vibrant street food. The city also has a lively nightlife and a significant university population.
Which is nicer, Athens or Thessaloniki?
The choice between Athens and Thessaloniki depends on preference. Athens is a huge city, ideal for deep dives into ancient history with world-famous landmarks. Thessaloniki provides a more relaxed and intimate city experience, with incredible food, a vibrant nightlife and a blend of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences.
Is tipping expected in Greece?
Tipping is not strictly mandatory in Greece but is definitely appreciated for good service. In restaurants and cafes, rounding the bill up or leaving 5-10% is customary. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is typical. It’s advisable to carry some cash for convenience.
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