Thessaloniki
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At a glance
- Country
- Greece
- Region
- Central Macedonia
- Population
- 320,000
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Thessaloniki Makedonia (SKG)
- Coordinates
- 40.64°N, 22.94°E
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Overview
Thessaloniki is Greece's second city, a relaxed, sociable port on the Thermaic Gulf with a long waterfront promenade. Its history is layered: Roman arches and rotundas, Byzantine churches, Ottoman baths and a once-large Jewish community.
It is also one of the best places to eat in Greece, with meze bars, markets and sweet bougatsa pastries for breakfast. A large student population keeps the cafés and bars busy late into the night.
Things to see
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Photo: CeeGee, CC BY-SA 4.0 White Tower
The waterfront symbol of the city, now a museum about its history, with views from the top.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: C messier, CC BY-SA 4.0 Rotunda
A massive Roman building later used as a church and mosque, with fine mosaics in its dome.
Tickets and tours -
Arch of Galerius
A Roman triumphal arch covered in carved battle scenes, in the middle of the city.
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Photo: C messier, CC BY-SA 4.0 Hagios Demetrios
The great basilica of the city's patron saint, with early Christian mosaics and a crypt.
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Photo: XeresNelro, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ano Poli
The upper town of steep lanes, old houses and Byzantine walls, with sweeping views over the bay.
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Photo: Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany, CC BY-SA 2.0 Archaeological Museum
Gold treasures and finds from ancient Macedonia, including gold wreaths and elaborate jewellery.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Konstantinos Stampoulis ( Geraki ), CC BY-SA 2.5 Bougatsa breakfast
Start the day with flaky filo pastry filled with custard or cheese, dusted with sugar and cinnamon.
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Photo: Ymblanter, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kapani and Modiano markets
Browse stalls of olives, cheese, fish and spices, then stay for meze nearby.
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Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0 Waterfront walk
Stroll the promenade to the Umbrellas sculpture as the sun sets over the bay.
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Photo: Panegyrics of Granovetter (Sarah Murray), Public domain Day trip to Vergina
See the royal tombs of ancient Macedon, including one thought to be that of Philip II, in an atmospheric underground museum.
Find tours
Where to stay
City centre
Around Aristotelous Square, close to the sights, restaurants and waterfront.
Hotels in City centreLadadika
Restored warehouses near the port, full of tavernas and bars.
Hotels in LadadikaAno Poli
Quiet, atmospheric guesthouses with views, though steep.
Hotels in Ano Poli
Getting around
The centre is flat and walkable, buses cover the city, and a metro line now runs under the centre.
Buses and taxis run from the airport to the centre in around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
When to go
Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant. Summers are hot, and October brings the Dimitria cultural festival around the feast of St Demetrius.
Plan your trip to Thessaloniki
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.