17 places to see in Thessaloniki, Greece for starters
Thessaloniki is a city loved like few others. It is the second largest city in Greece and it is often referred to as the Capital of the North, Cultural Capital or Co-Capital to Athens, out of the love Greeks have for it. It offers a mix of ancient and medieval history, a diverse past, romanticism, vibrant nightlife, relaxed lifestyle and delicious cuisine that few can resist. There are countless things to see and do in Thessaloniki but these are the first 17 you have to tick off your list.
1. The White Tower
The landmark of Thessaloniki was built in 1535 by the Ottomans and was used as a prison that was originally called Tower of Blood. Allegedly, it got its current name after a Jewish prisoner was freed and agreed to paint the tower white. The tower hosts a gallery and offers tremendous views to the city and the Thermaic Gulf from its top.
2. Aristotle Square
This is the most popular square in Thessaloniki, with beautiful and characteristic architecture like in Olympion movie theatre and Electra Palace as well as plenty of pretty cafes, bars and retail shops.
3. The harbour
The port of the city has the flair of everything old that has to adjust to the passage of time. Large industrial structures, strong artistic presence with the Museum of Cinematography and the Museum of Photography and the lively energy of the students who love to relax in this spot all together compose a special scene.
4. Alexander the Great statue
How could Alexander be far from his half-sister, Thessaloniki? Alexander’s statue in Thessaloniki is the largest in Greece and was sculpted in 1974 by Eu. Moustakas.
5. The Umbrellas
One of the most insta-popular spots of the city, the Umbrellas is a modern art composition by artist Giorgos Zoggolopoulos in 1995.
6. The New Waterfront
The New Waterfront is a wide and long walking and cycling park starting from Macedonia Palace Hotel and reaching the Concert Hall. It is popular with everybody, young and old, couples, athletes, cyclists, children and was recently created by architects Prodromos Nikephorides and Bernard Cuomo.
7. Nea Krini
Nea Krini, in the eastern suburbs of Thessaloniki, is a great place to unwind and try seafood and fish in the local restaurants. A stroll in the Aretsus Marina is a must too.
8. Saint Demetrius Church
This is an emblematic Palaeochristian church, with a very long history, where the relics of Saint Demetrius are kept. Demetrius is the patron saint of the city, because his nameday celebration is in 26 October and incidentally that was the day the city was liberated from the Ottoman Empire. Besides the saint’s remains, the church has crypts and catacombs beneath and is a UNESCO monument.
9. Saint Sophia Church
Another UNESCO monument, Saint Sophia church was built in the 8th century AD and is a prime example of Byzantine architecture.
10. OTE Tower
Built in 1970, this 76 meter tall tower was originally OTE’s pavilion in the Thessaloniki’s International Fair. On its top there is a rotating roof cafe from which you can enjoy views to any angle of the city.
11. Turkish Baths
Thessaloniki's Turkish Baths might be the best preserved in Greece. They were built in 1444, often with materials taken from Christian churches and functioned as baths until 1968.
12. Arch of Galerius
Also known as “Kamara”, this is the most common meeting point in the city. Kamara is the surviving arch of the palace the Roman Emperor Galerius built in order to celebrate his victories against the Persians.
13. Upper Town
This is the elevated old town of Thessaloniki, surrounded by the fortresses. Upper Town is great for a visit in the evening and at night and it offers spectacular views to the city and sea plus many options in seafood and traditional coffee shops.
14. Rotunda
Rotunda was built in the 4th century AD by emperor Galerius and it was meant to be a Pantheon or a mausoleum. Galerius died early though and the building was turned into a christian church while in the 16th century the Ottomans turned it into a mosque. Rotunda suffered a lot from earthquakes but large parts of its original mosaics are rescued.
15. Ladadika
A district where oil was sold, and where prior to 1990 the sex workers would be found, earning such a reputation that songs were written about this, has nowadays become one of the hotspots of the city with vibrant restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels. Hence its vibrant lighthearted yet vaguely underground aesthetic.
16. The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
It is the largest archaeological museum in Northern Greece and one of the biggest in the country. Its exhibits are of huge significance and come mostly from Thessaloniki and the greater region of Macedonia. It covers prehistoric times until late antiquity.
17. The Museum of Byzantine Culture of Thessaloniki
It is one of the most important Byzantine museums in Greece and it is also acclaimed for its design, a notable example of Modern Greek architecture. The museum covers all aspects of everyday life in the Byzantine Empire, the ecclesiastical art, the Byzantine Emperors and the life in the imperial palace as well as the Byzantine legacy in Modern Greece.
Original source in Greek (made some modifications with the recommendations)
