14 Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki has always been the crossroads of civilizations, a place where East and West meet, a mixture of great cultures and traditions.

Today, this is a city of lavish beauty and hospitable people, with world-renowned cultural heritage, a gentle Mediterranean climate, and interesting events throughout the entire year.

This is the largest university center of Greece, the seat of the famous Aristotle University, and a city with an extremely rich nightlife.

We created a list of the top 14 places that you should definitely visit if you decide to spend your vacation in Thessaloniki.

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1. White Tower

Thanks to its rich and tumultuous history, the White Tower is probably one of the most known and most important historical monument in entire Greece.

The White Tower was built in the 15th century, his main role was to replace the old Byzantine fortress that was built in the 12th century.

The main role of the White Tower was to further strengthen the port defense, but it was also used as a garrison and a prison. Due to its notorious and ruthless imprisonment, it was known as the “Red Tower” (Kanli Kule) or the”Tower of Blood”.

It was surrounded by massive walls who served to bracket the tower and to carry heavy guns.

The walls were completely destroyed in 1866th. During the First Balkan War, in 1912, the tower was whitewashed as a symbolic gesture of cleansing, and was given its new name by which it is known today, “White Tower”.

Today, this historical place is one of the biggest tourist attractions, it is completely open for visits, it has his own museum in which you can learn more about the history of this place or buy souvenirs.

2. Agios Dimitrios

Most residents of Thessaloniki consider this church to be the most significant in their beloved city.

This is a church with a very rich history and it was devoted to the Patron Saint Dimitrios who was martyred in the 4th century, and this church was built on the exact same place.

This church is filled with incredible mosaic panels, the exact date of those panels is not determined, it is believed that they have been made between 630s and 730s.

Unfortunately, a lot of other mosaics got burned in the fire that took place in 1917.

A small chapel was built in 4th century, at the same place where Roman baths used to be, the final reconstruction was between 629 and 634 A.D. when the church was constructed as the five aisled basilicas.

This church was turned into a mosque during the Ottoman occupation, The most interesting part of this church is the ancient “Crypt”, that was rediscovered in 1917, after the great fire. The crypt was finally restored in 1988.

3. Roman Forum (Ancient Agora)

Roman Forum was constructed by Romans in 1st century A.D. It was the center of the public and political life in Thessaloniki, along with the Galerian Palace Complex.

The Roman Forum was surrounded by buildings which play different roles in the city.

These impressive looking buildings were a hallmark of the financial progress that the city was making in the Roman and Hellenistic epoch.

Roman Forum was connected to all the main streets, the entire city was decorated with impressively looking fountains and sculptures. If you decide to visit this historical place you will also be able to visit the restored amphitheater (Odeion).

4. Zeitenlik – (Military cemetery)

Zeitenlik is the Military Cemetery which is located in Lagada. Inside this military cemetery are burial grounds of the Serbian, Italian, French, English and Russian soldiers, who were killed in the great battle in WWI.

More than 20,000 soldiers that were killed during WWI are buried in this cemetery. There was a hospital for Serbian soldiers in 1916 at this exact place, which later turned into a cemetery for the soldiers that lost their lives in the horrific battles during WWI.

Every year on October 11th, representatives of the state whose soldiers are buried at this place are gathering to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country.

5. Alexander the Great Monument

Alexander the Great is considered one of the greatest and most significant historical figures in the world.

He was the King on ancient Greek kingdom Macedon, he is known for conquering almost the entire world that was known in his time.

Alexander was born in Pella, 356 BC, his father Philip II was the King of Macedon until he was assassinated in 336BC. Alexander was one of the few who had the privilege of being taught by the great philosopher Aristotle himself.

He is considered to be one of the greatest commanders that ever lived on this planet, his war strategies are still a subject of admiration for many.

The monument of Alexander the Great was designed by Evaggelos Moustakas, it was revealed in 1973 and the height of this monument exceeds 6 meters.

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6. Ana-Poli, Thessaloniki’s Old Town

Ana-Poli is located on the north side of Thessaloniki, and this is the only part of the city that did not burn out in the big fire which took place in 1917.

Most people that visited Ana-Poli are amazed by the look of the Old Town, the fortresses that were built during the Ottoman period are very well-preserved.

If you are a fan of local cuisine this is a great place for you to visit, there are plenty of little taverns which will give you the unique opportunity to taste the amazing local cuisine of Macedonia and Greece.

If you have some extra time you can also visit “Agios Nikolaos” which is the old Byzantine church, and “Monastery of Vlaton”. Both buildings are built in the 14th century A.D. and are one of the oldest buildings in this Old Town.

7. Ataturk Museum

Ataturk Museum – This Museum is named after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who was the founder of the Republic of Turkey, field marshal, and the first president who served from 1923 to 1938. He completely modernized and converted Turkey into an industrial nation.

This museum, which was originally used as a house, was built in 1870. The council of Thessaloniki gave this building to the Turkish state, which they later converted into the Museum, and they dedicated it to Mustafa Ataturk.

The museum got completely renovated and reopened for the public in 2013, after 3 years of renovation.

8. Aristotelous Square

This is the main square in Thessaloniki and it is located in the city center.

The square was built in 1950, and it was designed in 1918, by Ernest Hebrard.

Various events took place at this place, from the celebration of the new year and Christmas to all kinds of political speeches. Every March at this square an international film festival is taking place.

9. Rotunda

Rotunda was built by the Romans in 306 A.D. and today it represents one of the oldest religious sites in the Thessaloniki.

After long and devastating wars, Romans decided to divide their empire into the 4 regions, and every region had its own province, this decision contributed to the creation of Tetrarchy (leadership of four).

In the 4th century, Construction began under Caesar Galerius, who was one of the four lords of the Roman Empire and who chose Thessaloniki as the capital city of his province.

This place had several purposes, first, it was used as a pagan temple, then it was turned into a Christian church, it was also used as a mosque in the age of the Ottoman Empire.

Rotunda was reopened for public in 2015, it was completely renovated and dedicated to tourists, you can find different shops and restaurants along with the entire place.

10. Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

This is one of the most important museums in Thessaloniki. It is located in the city center, and it is very close to the Museum of Byzantine Culture.

In this museum, you can find unique mosaics, ancient jewelry that was very popular in Hellenistic culture, and, different sculptures that were made by great artists.

Archaeological Museum was renovated and re-opened for the public in 2003, and it was completely re-organized and divided into 6 thematic units. One of the biggest attractions in this museum is the famous “Derveni Krater”. This museum is also suitable for people with disabilities.

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11. Ladadika District

If you want to experience the taste of the local cuisine, wander around different shops and restaurants, then this historic district is the perfect place for you.

Ladadika is filled with colorful houses, small taverns, bars and different shops and it is also a great place to experience the night-life of Thessaloniki.

This place is known for a great and cheerful atmosphere since the 1990s, it is also known for small parties that are organized by the local population.

12. War Museum of Thessaloniki

This is a military museum, which got open to the public in the 2000s.

It was designed by the well known Italian architect Vitalliano Posseli, the museum was constructed for 2 years, from 1900 to 1902.

The museum contains replicas of weapons that were used by the Greek army, maps that were used in WWI and WWII, different paintings and also different items that were used during the Balkan War. Besides that.

The museum also has a library which contains a large number of books and writings about the wars and about history. If you are a fan of antiques and souvenirs you can find different small shops that are located near the museum

13. Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki

Jewish Museum is located in the Agiou Mina street, inside this museum you can find a lot of information about the life of the Jewish people that lived in Thessaloniki, and it is also one of the rare structures that weren’t destroyed by the fire in 1917.

Inside this museum, you can see weapons that were constructed and built by the Iberian Turks, cartography and printing skills, and also important writings and texts that were printed in the 16th,17th,18th,19th, and 20th century in Thessaloniki.

Before it was converted into the Jewish museum, this building was used by the Bank of Athens and “L” Independent, which was the Jewish newspaper.

14. Byzantine Museum

This museum will introduce you to the complete history of the Byzantine culture, it is considered to be one of the most modern museums in entire Greece.

The museum is divided into 11 different thematic units, in which they are exposed different; sculptures, different paintings, coins, mosaics, ceramics, books, jewelry, and many other items that were used during the Byzantine epoch.

The Byzantine Museum was awarded two times; In 2005 the Museum was awarded by the Council of Europe, and in 2016 the Museum won the first award in the International Festival. (AVICOM).

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