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Thessaloniki
Greece's coolest second city is where ancient history meets proper nightlife vibes. Think buzzing waterfront bars, incredible food scene, and enough Byzantine gems to keep you busy for days - it’s a beach holiday that’s so good it's not just classic, it’s classical!
🎉 Why should I visit Thessaloniki?
🏛️ Mind-blowing Byzantine churches and Roman ruins (hello, UNESCO World Heritage sites!)
🍷 UNESCO City of Gastronomy with legendary food scene and epic nightlife
🌊 Stunning 3.5km waterfront promenade perfect for sunset strolls
🎭 Buzzing cultural scene with festivals, museums, and live music venues
🏺 Iconic White Tower with panoramic city views that'll make your Insta pop
🎓 Massive student population keeping the energy young and the prices reasonable
🎉 Good to Know
🤩 Fun fact: Thessaloniki is the birthplace of Kemal Atatürk (founder of modern Turkey) and where the Cyrillic alphabet was invented. Plus, it survived the Great Fire of 1917 and bounced back even cooler.
🏛️ Must-see spot: The White Tower is your starting point - climb to the top for epic 360° views, then walk the waterfront promenade all the way to the Concert Hall.
🍻 Price of a pint: Around €3-€5 (£2.50-£4.25) depending on the area - Ladadika and waterfront spots are pricier but worth it for the atmosphere!
🏖 What are the best areas to explore in Thessaloniki?
Thessaloniki's compact size means you can easily walk between different vibes, from ancient history to modern nightlife.
Ladadika District - the heart of nightlife with cobblestone streets, restored warehouses turned into bars and restaurants, and proper Greek taverna vibes. Perfect for evening bar crawls.
Aristotelous Square - the city's main square with cafes spilling onto pavements, people-watching paradise, and the starting point for most walking tours.
Waterfront Promenade - 3.5km of seaside perfection from the White Tower to the Concert Hall, packed with bars, restaurants, and stunning sunset spots.
Ano Poli (Upper Town) - the old town that survived the 1917 fire, with traditional houses, Byzantine walls, and killer views over the city and Mount Olympus.
Valaoritou & Bit Bazaar - the alternative districts with indie bars, vintage shops, and a proper underground vibe popular with students and creatives.
🏨 What are the top hotels to stay at in Thessaloniki?
From luxury waterfront stays to chic boutique hotels, Thessaloniki's accommodation scene knows how to balance style with Greek hospitality.
The Met Hotel - Surprisingly affordable five-star design hotel with rooftop pool, modern minimalist rooms, and prime location near the port. Perfect for luxury seekers who want to be in the thick of things.
Electra Palace Thessaloniki - Elegant luxury hotel right on Aristotelous Square with rooftop bar, spa facilities, and panoramic port views. Ideal for couples wanting to be central to everything.
Makedonia Palace - grand waterfront hotel with private beach area, multiple restaurants, and traditional Greek luxury. Great for families and anyone wanting seaside vibes without leaving the city.
Anatolia Hotel Thessaloniki - solid four-star option that's brilliant value for money, with comfortable rooms, friendly service, and a central location. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want proper hotel amenities without breaking the bank.
Daios Luxury Living - contemporary five-star with harbor views, rooftop restaurant, and sleek modern rooms. Excellent for business travelers and luxury lovers.
🧳 Thessaloniki City Break 2025 / 2026 Travel Guide
💕 Things to do in Thessaloniki for couples
Romance comes easy in a city with sunset waterfront walks, rooftop cocktails, and candlelit tavernas in historic districts.
Sunset drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the Thermaic Gulf - pure magic.
Romantic dinner in Ladadika's cobblestone streets with live bouzouki music.
Couples spa day at luxury hotel spas with traditional hammam treatments.
Evening stroll along the waterfront promenade from White Tower to Concert Hall.
Wine tasting tour of local Greek wines with harbor views.
👨👩👧👦 Things to do in Thessaloniki for families
Kids will love mixing ancient history with modern fun, plus the Greeks absolutely adore children.
Interactive exhibits at the Archaeological Museum with ancient Macedonian treasures.
Climb the White Tower for panoramic views and maritime history displays.
Family bike rides along the safe, flat waterfront promenade.
Boat trips around the bay from the harbor - kids love the pirate-themed boats.
Explore Ano Poli's narrow streets and Byzantine walls for adventure vibes.
🎉 Things to do in Thessaloniki for groups
Group holidays here are all about epic nights out, cultural exploration, and proper Greek feast sessions.
Bar crawl through Ladadika district hitting traditional tavernas and modern cocktail bars.
Group cooking class learning to make traditional Greek dishes and mezze.
Private guided tour of Byzantine churches and Roman ruins with group discounts.
Rooftop party at venues like Zeus is Loose hostel with city views and DJ sets.
Day trip to Mount Olympus or Halkidiki beaches with group transport.
🍽 Things to do in Thessaloniki for foodies
As UNESCO's first City of Gastronomy in Greece, the food scene here is absolutely next level.
Try bougatsa - the city's famous custard pastry that locals queue for at Giannis.
Hunt down the best souvlaki at traditional psitopoleia (grill houses) in Valaoritou.
Sample trigona panoramatos - triangular phyllo pastries filled with cream.
Food tour through Modiano Market for fresh produce, spices, and local specialties.
Late-night mezze marathon in Ladadika with ouzo, tsipouro, and endless small plates.
🚍 Getting around in Thessaloniki
🚇 Metro - brand new metro system opened in 2024! Clean, efficient, and connects major attractions. Single tickets around €1.20.
🚶 Walking - the city center is totally walkable, and most attractions are within 20 minutes of each other. Plus, the waterfront promenade is perfect for strolling.
🚕 Taxis - reasonably priced and easy to find, especially around Aristotelous Square and the waterfront. Great for airport transfers or late-night rides.
🚌 Buses - comprehensive network covering the whole city, cheap and frequent. Perfect for reaching areas like Ano Poli or the airport.
🚲 Bikes - flat terrain and dedicated bike paths along the waterfront make cycling brilliant for exploring the city.