Visit Thessaloniki

The second largest Greek town incorporates a wealthy multicultural history, sophisticated amenities and a relaxed atmosphere, which is quite unusual for such a densely populated location. The' Bride of Thermaikos' is a charming town that will satisfy all tastes. In the following lines, you will read about some top museums, sights and areas you should visit while in Thessaloniki.

Top destinations

White Tower

Thessaloniki's living symbol is world famous and carries a wealthy history. The White Tower was built in place of a prior Byzantine fortification during the 15th century and was later reconstructed by the Ottomans. Over the course of time, the Tower was used as a fortification, but also as a renowned prison (called' Tower of Blood' for apparent purposes). In 1891, when it was whitewashed, it was named White Tower. The tower is now accessible to the public and tourists have the chance to enjoy an incredible panoramic view from its top. Inside you will discover a very exciting museum focusing on the history of Thessaloniki and the tower, plus a gift shop.

Hamams

During the period of the Turkish occupation many Turkish baths (hamams) were constructed in the city of Thessaloniki. The most famous one is Yahudi Hamam (which means 'bath of the Jews'), dating back to the 16th century; it was still in use until recently, and is located in the area Louloudadika. Another famous hamam in Thessaloniki is Bey Hamam (which means 'bath of paradise'), built in 1444 and is located along Egnatia street. It is the largest hamam ever constructed in Greek territory, with a rich decoration, many halls and impressive paintings. You should visit one (or both) of them, in order to exprience the fruitful cultural interaction that has taken place in this multinational city through the ages.

Teloglion Foundation of Art

Nestoras and Alice Teloglou donated their collection of works of art and created the Teloglion Foundation of Art in 1972, which is set in a modern building in the north side of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The museum hosts the works of important Greek and European artists of the 19th and 20th century, from sculptures and aquarelles to oil paintings and drawing, as well a rich library that includes more than 15,000 books. The foundation aims to get its visitors familiarized with art, preserve and study the Greek cultural heritage and encourage children to engage with art through special interactive educational projects.

Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art

The Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art was established in 1979 and nowadays it is located within the setting of the Thessaloniki International Fair. It hosts about 2,000 works of art by Greek and foreign artists, a scientific library with more than 2,500 books, a cafeteria and a shop. The museum often organizes interesting events, conferences and discussions on aesthetic issues and the history of art, presentations of works of art, meeting with artists, interactive projects and bazaars.

Ano Poli

Áno Poli is one of the few areas of Thessaloniki that was not destroyed by the Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917. It is situated on the highest point of the town north of Agios Dimitrios and stretches to the Byzantine walls. The area's residences with their narrow streets are authentic samples of Macedonian and Balkan architectural tradition and compose a picturesque peaceful atmosphere away from the city center's urban rhythms. Ano Poli is a great way to get familiar with local tastes and enjoy a fascinating view of Thessaloniki from above.

Ladadika

Ladadika is Thessaloniki's nightlife hotspot, attracting numerous locals, students and visitors every night. Colorful neoclassical buildings surround bars, cafeterias, traditional taverns, tsipouradika and clubs in a distinctive blend of the old and the new that will fascinate and satisfy everyone. The location was named' ladadika' after the area's first stores concentrated on selling oil(' ladi' in Greek) and oil goods during the Ottoman occupation.

Τhe Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

The Thessaloniki Archeological Museum was created in 1912 and is situated in a building designed by the Greek architect Patroklos Karantinos. It hosts results from the wider region of Thessaloniki representing the Macedonian culture from the prehistoric years to the later antiquity. The head of Serapis, the statue of Harocrates, gold medals and heads of Medusa are some of his most remarkable exhibits.

Things To Do

Visit International Film Festival Thessaloniki
It is one of the city's most famous events. It usually takes place in November and in more than one spaces in the city centre.It's an internationally famous film festival and many well known internationa directors display their films here. If you are lucky, you can even meet the director after the film and ask questions about his work. The prices are also normal (6 euro for a movie). Everything, including subtitles of films and discussions, is translated in english.

Thessaloniki Concert Hall

The Concert Hall is located by the seaside of Thessaloniki in a plot of eighteen acres
Many cultural, musical, theatrical and dance performances take place at the Music Hall, as well as art exhibitions. If you are an art lover, get informed and make sure you book some tickets. While being there do not miss the chance to take a tour of the Hall.

Thessaloniki Half-Day Sailing Cruise to Shipwreck Bay
Sail away into the deep blue waters of the Thermaic Gulf, explore hidden treasures in an abandoned shipwreck and indulge in a traditional Greek lunch on this exhilarating daily cruise in Thessaloniki!

Aristotelous Square
It’s one of the most beautiful corners of the city of Thessaloniki, a square you should take the time to visit, walk around and enjoy your coffee or ice-cream while there, with an incredible view of the sea and the nearby harbor, surrounded by the huge classic arches of gorgeous buildings that form this unique and famous square!
Aristotelous Square is the place where the locals will meet, enjoy their coffee or food across the sea. Today it’s one of the liveliest corners of the city, crowded with coffee shops and restaurants but also a few of the best shops in the city.

Municipal Art Gallery of Thessaloniki
This old building-once the family house of one of the wealtiest Jewish families of the city- now hosts the Municipali Art Gallery of Thessaloniki. It holds art exchibitions for both its permanent art collections and temporary ones. It i also famous for the love story between the Jewish daughter of the owner and a Catholic military captain.
For those who are interested in Arts this is definitelly one of the places they shouldn't miss while they visit Thessaloniki. As it combines various art trends it is the perfect spot for the architecture lovers. For the romantics,this is the site of a beautiful love story between 2 people of different classes & religions who managed to be together!

Gerovassiliou wine museum

What caught my eye the most was the impressive, one of a kind extended collection of wine bottle openers. It’s one of the fullest worldwide and worthwhile of your special attention!The collection includes unique pieces dating back to the 18th century, true symbols of the technological advances, high aesthetics and social structures of the era.
As expected, all exhibits are wine related, all carefully arranged all around to tell the story of wine making tools of vine cultivation, wine bottling and storing, wine making gadgets. The proximity to the vineyards, the winery and wine-tasting rooms, as well as the view of alternating seasons, intensifies the visitors' experience

Getting Around in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki can be easily accessed by plane from the international airport and ferries from mainland Greece. Because Thessaloniki is one of the most popular destinations in Greece that hosts millions of locals and tourists from around the world, be prepared and rent a car in Thessaloniki. Avoid the inconvenience of waiting for a bus or taxi that will delay you from enjoying your time in Thessaloniki. You can easily hire a car Thessaloniki from one of the well-known rent a car agencies including Hertz, Avis, Budget and Imperial Car Rental. Reserve your car rentals Thessaloniki in advance and enjoy the discounted prices. With your rent a car Thessaloniki you will be able to explore and discover all that this City has to offer you