Tourist Attractions in Thessaloniki

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Thessaloniki

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki was founded in the 3rd century B.C. Since then, the city has repeatedly become the scene of significant historical events. Moreover, Thessaloniki remains an important centre of Christianity – the Apostle Paul preached here and the enlighteners Cyril and Methodius were born here. The architectural heritage of the city is invaluable, despite the fact that historic neighbourhoods were destroyed in a fire in 1917. An overwhelming number of the city’s churches and monasteries from the Byzantine period are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Thessaloniki is a popular Aegean resort and the cultural capital of Greece. The local beaches are marked by the “Blue Flag” for cleanliness, comfort and convenience for tourists. Throughout the year, the city hosts many colourful festivals and interesting events. Architectural monuments of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras are located right in the middle of residential neighbourhoods.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Thessaloniki

White Tower of Thessaloniki

 4.7/5

49311 reviews

Presumably, the structure was erected in the 10th century, as evidenced by a preserved inscription on one of the walls. For centuries, the tower was part of the fortress fence that separated the residential neighbourhoods from the cemetery. It reaches a height of 27 metres and the diameter of the wall ring is 23 metres. In 1912, the building was painted white and received its modern name. Nowadays, the tower houses a museum.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

White Tower of Thessaloniki

 4.7/5

49311 reviews

The place where all the tourist routes of Thessaloniki begin. The street is located on the site of the city walls that were demolished in the 19th century. It stretches from the White Tower to the harbour. The promenade runs along the water’s edge. There is a lively avenue and hotels on the waterfront. There are bicycle paths and pedestrian alleys for tourists, as well as cosy green squares where you can relax from the heat of the afternoon.

Open time

Aristotelous Square

 4.7/5

40806 reviews

The central square of Thessaloniki, finalised at the beginning of the 20th century, when the whole city underwent extensive reconstruction after a fire. Concerts, festivities, political rallies and other public events are constantly taking place here. Aristotle Square is home to the monumental neoclassical buildings of the Electra Palace Hotel and the Olympion Cinema.

Open time

Alexander the Great Statue

 4.8/5

1409 reviews

The monument is located on the city seafront in the immediate vicinity of the White Tower. The inhabitants of Thessaloniki have a special relationship with the personality of Alexander the Great. It was during his reign that the city reached its maximum prosperity. The figure of the king sits on a blistering horse. On a wide pedestal behind the statue of the Macedonian are spears and shields with symbolic images on them.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

 4.7/5

6717 reviews

The museum was opened in 1962 in a building designed by P. Karantinos. The exposition covers a wide period of the history of the Macedonia region in general and the city in particular. Most of the artefacts were found as a result of excavations. The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is considered one of the best in Greece. Many of the valuable artefacts are several hundred years old and are of great historical value.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

War Museum of Thessaloniki

 4.7/5

1334 reviews

The museum has been in operation since 2000. The exhibition is located in a building dating back to the early 20th century and is considered part of the collection of the Military Museum of Athens. It houses artefacts and documents relating to various events in Greek history: the Balkan Wars, the Greek-Italian War, the Greek Revolution, the First and Second World Wars. The museum has a library with publications of the Greek Defence Ministry.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Museum of Byzantine Culture

 4.7/5

3188 reviews

The museum was established in 1994 under the Greek Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The exhibition, as the name suggests, is dedicated to the cultural history of the Byzantine Empire. The collection is housed in several thematic halls. The decision to establish the museum was made in 1913. During the First World War, all artefacts were taken to Athens for security reasons. The collection returned to its place only a few decades later.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Museum of the Macedonian Struggle (greek consulate)

 4.7/5

441 reviews

The museum’s collection is dedicated to aspects of the 1904-1908 armed conflict and its aftermath (Greece’s struggle for the region of Macedonia). It is housed in a 19th century building erected in neoclassical style, designed by E. Ziller. Among the exhibits are weapons, personal belongings of the leaders of the struggle, books, newspapers, and valuable archival documents. The museum offers group tours and educational lectures.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Atatürk Museum

 4.6/5

7193 reviews

The famous Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born in Thessaloniki in 1881, when the city was part of the Ottoman Empire. The house where he spent his childhood and youth was turned into a museum in the middle of the 20th century. It was here that the reformer discussed ideas about a free democratic state with his associates. All the furnishings, furniture, documents and personal belongings of Ataturk in the building are authentic.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Noesis

 4.7/5

2631 reviews

The museum was organised in 1978 to promote scientific discoveries and research. The exposition contains various technical mechanisms and devices that people have been inventing since ancient times. The museum also has a digital planetarium, a virtual attraction and an interactive technopark where you can explore various natural phenomena in action.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki

 4.5/5

1546 reviews

The exhibition opened in 2000 on the grounds of the 1904 neoclassical building that formerly housed the Bank of Attica. The building miraculously survived the devastating fire that engulfed the city in 1917. The collection focuses on the everyday and cultural aspects of the Jewish community of Thessaloniki. An impressive part of the collection tells the story of the Holocaust that swept across Europe in the 1930s and 40s.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Holy Church of Saint Demetrius, Patron Saint of Thessalonica

 4.8/5

5037 reviews

A temple erected on the site of ancient Roman thermae in the 4th century (according to one of the generally accepted versions). The first basilica building existed until the VII century, then it was destroyed by earthquakes and fires. In XIV century a mosque was placed in the temple. Christian services were resumed at the beginning of the XX century. During the fire of 1917 the building was badly damaged and was reconstructed by 1950. The relics of St Demetrius of Thessalonica are kept in the church.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Holy Church of Hagia Sophia

 4.7/5

5254 reviews

An Orthodox church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is believed that the first basilica on this site appeared in the 5th century. In the 8th century a building was erected, which has survived to this day. In the 11th century the temple was rebuilt and greatly expanded, from the 15th to the 20th centuries it was used as a mosque. After the return of Thessaloniki to Greece at the end of the First Balkan War, the church was handed back to the Christian community.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Vlatadon Monastery

 4.7/5

2669 reviews

An Orthodox monastery founded in the 14th century with the active assistance of the Byzantine Empress Anna Palaiologos, who at that time settled in Thessaloniki. The main cathedral of the monastery is a magnificent Byzantine architectural monument, which has survived several centuries and has been preserved in excellent condition. The rest of the buildings belong to later periods.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 – 11:00 AM, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 – 11:00 AM, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 – 11:00 AM, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 – 11:00 AM, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 – 11:00 AM, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 – 11:00 AM, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 7:30 – 11:00 AM, 5:30 – 8:00 PM

Latomos Monastery - Holy Church of Hosios David

 4.7/5

604 reviews

The abbey is located in the central part of Thessaloniki. It was founded in the V-VI centuries, but the ancient buildings have not survived to this day. Like many other Christian monasteries and churches, the main temple of Latomou was turned into a mosque under the Ottoman Turks and existed as such until the beginning of the 20th century. During restoration works, frescoes from the 12th century were discovered under a layer of plaster.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Holy Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos

 4.8/5

538 reviews

The main cathedral of the Vlatadon Monastery, dedicated to St Nicholas the Wonderworker (Orfanos). The foundation of the church dates back to the beginning of the XIV century. The interior wall paintings of the church are well preserved due to the fact that the walls were covered with plaster (the temple was used as a mosque until the 17th century). The building is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a valuable monument of early Christian architecture.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Holy Church of Saint Panteleimon

 4.8/5

185 reviews

A 13th century Byzantine temple that is located in the centre of Thessaloniki. It is surrounded on all sides by modern neighbourhoods. Despite the fact that the church is on the UNESCO register, it has not been fully restored. In some places the building has a rather neglected look, but this does not detract from its architectural value in any way. The interior has been lost, and only a few original frescoes have survived.

Open time

Church of Panagia Chalkeon

 4.7/5

483 reviews

A picturesque cross-domed church of the early Christian period, erected in the XI century. The church building is made of red brick. After Thessaloniki passed back to Greece in 1912, the church was abandoned until the 1930s. During the restoration works, the Church of Panagia Chalkeon was restored to its original appearance. Unfortunately, the interior painting of the walls is not very well preserved.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 – 11:00 AM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Arch of Galerius

 4.6/5

11509 reviews

An architectural monument of the Roman era, which is part of the burial complex of Emperor Maximilian Galerius, who ruled in the 3rd-4th centuries. In the 5th century the building was converted into a church, and since the 14th century it has been a mosque. Only a part of the stone wall with bas-reliefs and two arched passageways has survived. The Arch of Galerius is one of the most important architectural monuments of Thessaloniki.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Rotunda

 4.6/5

4798 reviews

An early 3rd century structure, presumably built in honour of the pagan god Zeus. According to another version, it is the memorial complex of Emperor Maximilian Galerius. In the IV century the building was converted into a church, in the XVI century it became the mosque of Sheikh S. H. Efendi. H. Efendi. Between 1912 and 1978, the rotunda housed an exhibition of Byzantine and early Christian sculpture.

Open time

Roman Forum of Thessaloniki

 4.6/5

5091 reviews

The ancient Roman forum was discovered in the 1960s during excavations in the centre of Thessaloniki. Even earlier, it was the site of the Greek agora, a wide square surrounded by temples, public buildings and craftsmen’s workshops. A theatre has been preserved from the ancient buildings, which after restoration has been used for concerts, just as it was in ancient Greek and Roman times.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki

 4.6/5

5391 reviews

The northern part of the fortress was built in the IV century under Emperor Theodosius I (according to an alternative version – in the IX century), the southern part appeared much later – in the XII century. Until the XIX century the fort was used for military purposes, then on its territory was placed a prison. Since the late 1980s, the fort was transferred to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. In 1995, the first phase of archaeological excavations was completed.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

OTE Tower

 4.7/5

42 reviews

The TV tower was erected in 1966 and reconstructed in 2005. The structure reaches a height of 76 metres. Inside, the rotating platform houses a panoramic restaurant, which makes a complete revolution around its axis in 40 minutes. The TV tower also has an observation deck from where you can admire Thessaloniki. The interior of the building is used for various official events.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM

Agora Modiano

 4.3/5

10976 reviews

A large market that started operating in 1922 thanks to E. Modiano, a merchant of Jewish origin. The market stalls are located close to Aristotle Square, almost in the centre of Thessaloniki. The market sells local produce, souvenirs, flowers and other goods. There are also taverns-userias where creative people gather. Not far from the bazaar is the Yahudi Hamam complex of Turkish baths.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM

Waterland

 4.5/5

6345 reviews

The water park is located 8 kilometres from Thessaloniki. It was opened in 1994. At that time, its technical equipment was considered one of the best in the south of Europe. Today “Waterland” looks a little outdated, but this does not prevent tourists from visiting it. The water park has eight slides, several swimming pools, bars, sports grounds, a play area for children and picnic areas.

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