Thessaloniki: Top 15 attractions in Greece's cultural capital

White Tower

The White Tower is considered the main symbol of the city of Thessaloniki, once protecting it from invasions. The building was probably erected in the 10th century, as evidenced by an inscription preserved on one of the walls. In 1912, the building was painted white and given its current name.

Currently, the tower houses an exhibition organized by the Museum of Byzantine Culture of Thessaloniki, which opened its doors after restoration. It presents all aspects of the city's history, all important events and moments of city life. Visitors can take an intriguing journey through time from the city's founding to the recent past, accompanied by sounds and electronic projections that create a special atmosphere.

Ano Poli

Ano Poli is located on top of a hill. This atmospheric neighborhood is characterized by steep, winding streets, several artifacts from the Roman period, and a scattering of ancient Byzantine churches. Numerous fountains from the Ottoman era are a reminder of Turkish influence. Odós Olympíados Street connects the Upper Town with the Lower Town, as well as the old city walls and the citadel.

The city waterfront

Visiting a city that stretches along the shores of the endless sea and not taking a walk along its cozy waterfront is a real tourist crime. In addition, the Thessaloniki waterfront is where all local tourist routes begin.

The street is located on the site of the city walls demolished in the 19th century. It stretches from the White Tower to the port. The promenade runs along the very edge of the water. There is a lively avenue and hotels on the shore. There are bike paths and walking alleys for tourists, as well as cozy green squares where you can take a break from the midday heat.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki recreates the history of tribal migrations and the founding of settlements in Macedonia since ancient times.

Thematic halls present the sequential development of the Macedonian region since prehistoric times. Museum reproductions and artifacts acquaint visitors with the daily life of the ancient Macedonians, their trades and crafts, and explain the historical and cultural significance of their rituals.

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is considered one of the best in Greece. Many valuable artifacts are several hundred years old and are of great historical value.

Atatürk House Museum

The famous Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born in Thessaloniki in 1881, when the city was part of the Ottoman Empire. The house where he spent his childhood and youth was turned into a museum in the mid-20th century. It was here that the reformer discussed ideas about a free democratic state with his associates. All the furnishings, objects, furniture, documents, and personal belongings in Ataturk's building are authentic.

Science Center and Technology Museum

The NOESIS Thessaloniki Technology Center is a place where you can learn about the latest achievements in science and technology. The center's organizers aim to popularize modern science through exhibitions, seminars, films, and lectures, which are held here regularly.

The museum's space and design immerse visitors in an environment of technological achievements and make it easy to grasp the essence of scientific innovations.

Basilica of Saint Demetrius

Built on the site of ancient Roman baths in the 4th century (according to one of the generally accepted versions), managed to preserve its grandeur to this day.

The first building of the basilica existed until the 7th century, when it was destroyed by earthquakes and fires. The temple was restored in 1950. Currently, the sanctuary houses the relics of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, which increases the interest in the church among pilgrims from all over the world.

You can book a hotel in Thessaloniki with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Vlatadon Monastery

Vlatadon Monastery is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ. In the second half of the 14th century, Dorotheos Vlatadon, a monk from Crete, and his brother Mark founded a monastery in Thessaloniki.

Today, the temple retains its status as one of the city's greatest shrines. It is the only one of the many Byzantine monasteries in Thessaloniki that continues to operate today. The temple is surrounded by greenery and flowers, and the observation deck on the monastery grounds offers a beautiful view of the city.

Church of St. Panteleimon

This 13th-century Byzantine church, located in the center of Thessaloniki, looks quite unusual—the ancient building seems to be squeezed between the modern high-rises of this progressive city.

Despite the fact that the church is included in the UNESCO register, it has not been fully restored. In some places, the building looks rather neglected, but this does not detract from its architectural value. The interior has been lost, with only a few original frescoes remaining.

Cinema Museum

The Cinema Museum, the first of its kind in Greece, is located in the heart of Thessaloniki. It was founded in 1995 and opened on the centenary of cinema. The museum has a collection of antique cameras, film cameras, subtitling machines, photographs, and movie posters.

Here, visitors can learn about the masterpieces of Greek cinema and the attempts to create the first film, follow the stages of development of this art form, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of old comedies. Connoisseurs of all things vintage should visit the local library. It houses hundreds of valuable books on photography and rare magazine issues.

Waterland Water Park

Located 10 km from Thessaloniki, Waterland Water Park is one of the largest water entertainment and amusement complexes in Greece, covering 150,000 square meters with a modern 24-hour water purification system.

Water slides, pools with hydromassage and artificial storms, waterfalls and mountain river waves, numerous water slides and trampolines, tennis courts, mini-football, basketball, and volleyball courts, cafes, and various shops—there is enough entertainment and relaxation areas here to spend an unforgettable day actively.

Rotunda Gallery

This structure, dating back to the early 3rd century, was probably built in honor of the pagan god Zeus. According to another version, it is a memorial complex dedicated to Emperor Maximilian Galerius.

Either way, the roots of this place go far back in history. In the 4th century, the building was converted into a church, and in the 16th century, it became the mosque of Sheikh Efendi. Between 1912 and 1978, the rotunda housed an exhibition of Byzantine and early Christian sculpture.

Modiano Market

The large market, which began operating in 1922 thanks to the Jewish merchant E. Modiano, is a place where the whirlwind of life never stops for a minute.

The market stalls are located almost in the very center of Thessaloniki. The market sells local products, souvenirs, flowers, and other goods. There are also taverns where creative people gather. We recommend visiting this place even to those travelers who do not plan to shop, just to observe the bright Greek color.

Hagia Sophia

The Church of Saint Sophia is one of the most important historical churches in the city. The first religious building was constructed in the 8th century. In the 9th-10th centuries, the church was decorated with expressive figurative mosaics. From 1204 to 1430, the religious building had the status of a cathedral. During the Ottoman period, it housed a mosque. The original building was destroyed in a major fire in 1917.