Thessaloniki Travel Guide – Tourist attractions and useful tips

Getting to know Thessaloniki

What you can do for free in Thessaloniki

1. Go for a walk along the seafront
   If you like going for long, relaxing walks in scenic places, the waterfront promenade in Thessaloniki is the best place for you! Explore the path, without being disturbed by car traffic, and enjoy the beautiful views and the attractions that you’ll find on the way, such as the status of Alexander the Great.
2. Check out the Aristotelous Square
   Aristotelous Square is the biggest square in Thessaloniki and one of the most popular places there. This is the modern city centre, and a place where tourists and Greeks alike enjoy a lot.
3. Take a free walking tour
   Many cities of the world, especially the more popular tourist destinations, offer visitors the possibility to explore the grounds with a free walking tour and to learn more about the city’s history and culture. Find one in Thessaloniki and enjoy the experience!

Top spots to visit

1. The Roman Forum of Thessaloniki
   The site of the excavations of the Roman Forum, also widely known as the square of Ancient Agora (Archaias Agoras), is definitely one of the most fascinating places one can visit in Thessaloniki. It is a Roman ancient market, where you can see the remains of a theater and two Roman baths. Visitors can also visit the museum that is located underground on the site.
2. The Rotunda
   Closer to the modern centre of the city, the ancient Rotunda is still standing upright, despite being seriously damaged by earthquakes over the years. The building used to be a Roman temple, then a church and then a mosque. Go inside to see some of the restored mosaics.
3. The White Tower
   Thessaloniki’s main landmark, the White Tower, stands out on the city’s waterfront and exploring the grounds is definitely one of the best things to do while on a vacation there. The tower houses an exhibition about the Byzantine history of the city.
   

Hidden spots to visit

1. Thessaloniki Train Cemetery
   Go towards the outskirts of Thessaloniki to find this fascinating place, full of old trains that are slowly falling apart. The spot can be really fascinating and, as a bonus, it can turn into a fantastic setting for a photoshoot.
2. Heptapyrgion Fortress
   The Heptapyrgion Fortress is an abandoned Byzantine fortress towers over the city of Thessaloniki, and its dark history as a prison makes it a great spot for visitors who enjoy the more gloomy and mysterious places.
3. Pasha Gardens
   If you enjoy greener, natural places, this very not popular park might be a great place for you. The structures in it are half ruined, and there is a general feeling of mystery floating around, which has the potential to make this experience even more enjoyable.

Restaurants

If you’re looking for a place to eat in Thessaloniki and ask the locals for recommendations, chances are high that they will send you to the Ladadika neighbourhood, which is full of restaurants and bars, and also has a very charming atmosphere. You can also check online for reviews of restaurants from all over the city, and choose based on any preference you might have. Some of the best places to eat in the city are: Kanoula, Argofageio, Menu me…nou, Lola Ouzeri, Prytanio. Mediterranean and Greek cuisine are the most frequently found there.

Recommended time for visiting

Generally, the best time to visit Thessaloniki is the period between May and october, when the weather is warm/hot and you can enjoy a “sun holiday”. However, spring months (March, April) already have pleasant temperatures, and as long as you bring a spring jacket and you’re not really eager to visit the nearby beaches, an out of season vacation here can be great! Hotel fares and plane tickets might also be cheaper then.