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    Thessaloniki

    Greece

    Thessaloniki

    City

    Thessaloniki is Greece's second-largest city, located on the Thermaic Gulf in the north of the country.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
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    5. Greece
    7. Central Macedonia
    9. Thessaloniki
    Thessaloniki is Greece's second-largest city, located on the Thermaic Gulf in the north of the country. Among modern apartment buildings stand Roman structures like the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda, as well as early Christian and Byzantine churches, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is renowned for its cuisine, its markets, and a young nightlife crowd drawn by its large university. The waterfront promenade, featuring the White Tower, is the city's evening meeting point.
    Ano Poli
    Eugene Zagidullin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

    District 1 of 2

    Ano Poli

    Ano Poli is the Upper Town of Thessaloniki, situated on the slope below the Acropolis and within the Byzantine walls. As the only district spared from the 1917 fire, it features cobblestone alleys, small squares, and houses of Greek and Ottoman architecture.

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    Ladadika
    Mister No / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0

    District 2 of 2

    Ladadika

    Ladadika is the old merchant quarter by the port of Thessaloniki, named after the oil shops that once stood here. In the low 19th-century warehouses, tavernas, bars, and restaurants are now located around Morichovou Square.

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    Sights in Thessaloniki

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    White Tower (Lefkos Pyrgos)

    1White Tower (Lefkos Pyrgos)

    The round tower on the shore was built by the Ottomans in the 15th or 16th century, in place of a Byzantine fort. It served as a fortress, garrison, and prison, named the Blood Tower for executions held there. In 1890/91, it was whitewashed and has been called the White Tower since. Inside, a spiral ramp leads up; the exhibition tells the city's history. From the terrace, you can see over the gulf, and on clear days, Olympus.
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    Galeriusbogen und Rotunde

    2Galeriusbogen und Rotunde

    Emperor Galerius had a palace complex built around 300 AD, of which the Triumphal Arch with its battle reliefs against the Persians and the Rotunda are preserved. The circular building with six-meter-thick walls was a mausoleum, then a church, then a mosque, and is now a museum; the minaret next to it remained standing. The early Christian mosaics in the dome are part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage.
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    Kirche des Heiligen Demetrius (Agios Dimitrios)

    3Kirche des Heiligen Demetrius (Agios Dimitrios)

    The large five-aisled basilica is dedicated to the city patron Demetrius and stands above the Roman bath where, according to tradition, he was killed in 303. After the city fire of 1917, it was rebuilt by 1948; some 7th-century mosaics survived the blaze. Beneath the church lies the crypt with the remains of the ancient complex.
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    Ano Poli (Obere Stadt)

    4Ano Poli (Obere Stadt)

    The Upper Town, located within the Byzantine wall, was spared from the great fire of 1917 and is therefore the only quarter still featuring Ottoman wooden houses with overhanging upper floors. Between narrow alleys lie small Byzantine churches, the Trigoniou Tower, and Kafenia with views over the entire city. The ascent is steep, but a city bus travels up.
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    Osios David (Latomos Monastery)

    5Osios David (Latomos Monastery)

    The small church in Ano Poli dates from the late 5th century and houses an apse mosaic depicting Christ as a beardless young man, a rare representation in this form. It survived because it was walled up under Ottoman rule and only uncovered in 1921. The space is tiny; a visit lasts ten minutes and is worth every one of them.
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    Museum of Byzantine Culture

    6Museum of Byzantine Culture

    This house tells the story of a thousand years of Byzantium through finds from the city and region: tomb paintings, icons, jewelry, everyday objects. Its chronological and unusually clear arrangement has earned it multiple awards. Anyone wanting to contextualize the city's Byzantine churches should visit here before or after.
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    City walks in Thessaloniki

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Thessaloniki: From the White Tower to the Rotunda – A Walk Through the Centuries

    On this pleasant city walk of about 2 hours, discover the highlights of Thessaloniki. From Byzantine landmarks to Roman ruins and impressive churches, immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant life of the city. A perfect overview for first-time visitors.

    ~2 Std. 15 Min.
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    Stops (5)

    Restaurants & Cafés

    1

    Mourga (Μούργα)

    Mourga on Christopoulou Street is a small fish restaurant by chef Giannis Loukakis. The handwritten daily menu is based on the catch and the market, such as grilled sepia with fava or crayfish in garlic butter. A few seats are at the counter directly in front of the open kitchen.
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    2

    To Ellinikon Ouzeri (Το Ελληνικόν)

    To Ellinikon is located on Kallari Street in the city center and is a taverna serving meze from various regions of Greece. With a focus on Cretan dishes, it also offers a wide selection of Ouzo and Tsipouro.
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    3

    Ergon Agora East

    Ergon Agora East in Pylaia, east of the city, combines a food market and restaurant under one roof. Besides the wood-fired restaurant, there's a bakery, market stalls with fresh produce, and a large garden. Breakfast and brunch are served daily.
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    4

    Nea Folia (Νέα Φωλιά)

    Nea Folia is a small taverna at the corner of Aristomenous and Kassandrou, below Ano Poli. Its decor harks back to the 1970s, and the kitchen emphasizes Greek ingredients, such as buffalo Soutzoukakia, smoked mackerel, or baked Chloromyzithra cheese. Complementing this is a selection of aged cheeses.
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    5

    The Rouga (Η Ρούγα)

    Rouga is located on Karypi Street in central Thessaloniki, just a few steps from Ladadika. The cuisine is Greek and Mediterranean: homemade dishes, meze, fish, and meat. The name means 'alley' in Greek.
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    Kitchen Bar

    The Kitchen Bar has occupied Warehouse B on Thessaloniki's harbor pier since 2003. The cuisine is international with Mediterranean influences: fish and seafood, meat, pasta, risotto, and pizza, prepared in an open kitchen. From the tables, you look out over the Thermaic Gulf.
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    Ouzeri Aristotelous

    The Ouzeri is tucked away in a building's passage off Aristotelous Square. On the marble tables, classic meze such as grilled feta, smoked mackerel, stuffed squid, and fried dishes are served, along with ouzo or wine. The decor is simple, with a black and white tiled floor.
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    Food and Drink

    Thessaloniki is considered the culinary capital of Greece, and there's a historical reason for this: After 1922, refugees from Asia Minor and Pontus brought their cuisine, complemented by Sephardic and Balkan influences. Meals are eaten late, extensively, and in company.
    Bougatsa

    Bougatsa

    Quick dough pastry with semolina cream, cheese or minced meat, freshly cut from the sheet, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. The city's breakfast, best from specialized, generations-old shops.
    Tsipouro in Ouzeri and Mezedopolia

    Tsipouro in Ouzeri and Mezedopolia

    The pomace brandy is ordered in small carafes, accompanied by unsolicited plates of olives, fried cheese, anchovies, or offal. An evening unfolds over hours, yet the bill remains reasonable.
    Modiano and Kapani Markets

    Modiano and Kapani Markets

    The covered Modiano Market from 1925, named after the Sephardic architect Eli Modiano, reopened after extensive renovation and is now both a market and a dining venue. Directly adjacent is the older and rougher Kapani Market.
    Asia Minor and Pontic Cuisine

    Asia Minor and Pontic Cuisine

    Dishes like Soutzoukakia, elongated minced meat rolls with cumin in tomato sauce, or spicy pastries arrived with the refugees from Smyrna and the Black Sea region and are now a staple of the city.
    Trigona Panoramatos

    Trigona Panoramatos

    Triangular, syrup-soaked vanilla cream pastries, invented in Panorama suburb. Ubiquitous in city confectioneries, they are far sweeter than they appear.

    History of the City

    King Kassander founded the city around 315 BC and named it after his wife Thessalonike, a half-sister of Alexander the Great. Under the Romans, it lay on the Via Egnatia, and around 300 AD, Emperor Galerius built his palace district with an arch and rotunda here.Byzantium and OttomansIn the Byzantine Empire, Thessaloniki was the most important city after Constantinople. Churches from this period include Agios Dimitrios, Hagia Sophia, and Osios David, which have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1988. In 1430, the Ottomans conquered the city. From 1492, many Jews expelled from Spain settled here, forming a large part of the population for centuries. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born here in 1881.20th CenturyIn 1912, Thessaloniki became part of Greece. The 1917 fire destroyed large parts of the city center, which was then redeveloped according to a plan by the French architect Ernest Hébrard. After 1922, many refugees from Asia Minor moved to the city. In 1943, the German occupiers deported approximately 50,000 Jews from the city; most were murdered in Auschwitz. A Holocaust memorial and the Jewish Museum commemorate this.

    Nightlife

    Thessaloniki's nightlife is diverse and concentrated in the alleys of Ladadika, where traditional taverns meet modern bars. Whether you're looking for relaxed drinks at Ristretto or prefer special cocktails at The Mandem Rum Bar – the choice is vast.
    1

    Pulp

    Pulp is a small pub on Svolou Street, near Agia Sofia Square. The interior is inspired by Pop Art, and the sign at the entrance quotes Warhol's soup can. Coffee during the day, beer and drinks in the evening.
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    2

    The Pub Thessaloniki

    The Pub is an Irish pub on Egiptou Street in Ladadika. Beers on tap include Guinness and Kilkenny, accompanied mainly by rock music. As well as the interior, there are outdoor tables.
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    3

    The Mandem Rum Bar

    The Mandem Rum Bar is located on Siggrou Street in the bar district around Valaoritou. The menu focuses on rum and rum-based cocktails. In the evenings, the Valaoritou area is one of the city's liveliest nightlife districts.
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    4

    Ristretto Espresso Wine Bar

    Ristretto is part of Hotel Plaza in Ladadika and is also open to external guests. During the day, espresso is served; evenings offer wine from an extensive menu, cocktails and light dishes.
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    5

    Menta

    Menta is located on Komninon Street, between the Bey Hamam and the Flower Market, with a small interior and a courtyard. By day a café, by night it becomes a bar offering Greek wines, spirits, and small dishes.
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    Exploring locally

    Metro and BusSince November 2024, Thessaloniki has had a driverless Metro, with an extension to Kalamaria, adding five more stations, opening in August 2026. The line connects the train station, city center, and southeastern districts, significantly shortening travel times. Ancient finds from the construction are integrated into the platform level at several stations. Buses complement the network; tickets are time-based and validated upon boarding.On Foot and By BikeThe city center is flat and can be crossed from west to east in an hour; the Nea Paralia waterfront promenade stretches over five kilometers and is the most pleasant route. It gets steep heading up to Ano Poli, where a city bus operates. You don't need a car in the city; parking spaces are scarce, and parts of the city center are closed to traffic.

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    Nearby

    Central Macedonia

    Central Macedonia

    Central Macedonia stretches from Olympus' peak to Chalkidiki's three peninsulas, hosting Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city. In between are Vergina's Royal Tombs, Pella's mosaics, and a coast where Greeks themselves summer. Antiquity, Byzantium, and bathing coves lie here as close as almost nowhere else in the country.
    Ladadika

    Ladadika

    Ladadika is the old merchant quarter by the port of Thessaloniki, named after the oil shops that once stood here. In the low 19th-century warehouses, tavernas, bars, and restaurants are now located around Morichovou Square.
    Ano Poli

    Ano Poli

    Ano Poli is the Upper Town of Thessaloniki, situated on the slope below the Acropolis and within the Byzantine walls. As the only district spared from the 1917 fire, it features cobblestone alleys, small squares, and houses of Greek and Ottoman architecture.
    Vergina

    Vergina

    Vergina is a village on the edge of the Macedonian plain, approx. 75 kilometers west of Thessaloniki. Here was ancient Aigai, Macedon's first capital. In 1977, archaeologist Manolis Andronikos discovered royal tombs under a large tumulus; one, usually attributed to Philip II, Alexander the Great's father. The museum is within the tumulus; the palace and theater are above the village. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
    Chalkidiki

    Chalkidiki

    The Chalkidiki peninsula, southeast of Thessaloniki, extends into three narrow fingers: Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos. Pine forests here stretch to sandy beaches and clear bays. Additionally, there are the Monastic Republic on the Holy Mountain, the Petralona stalactite cave, and Stagira, the birthplace of Aristotle.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash, Pexels. Each photo carries its credit.
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