Thessaloniki
A waterfront city with Byzantine churches and some of Greece's best food.
138 kmBanskoBulgaria · Hidden town
141 kmKastoriaGreece · Hidden town
142 kmMeteoraGreece · Nature spot
153 kmPrespa LakesGreece · Nature spot
156 kmRila MonasteryBulgaria · Hidden town
169 kmSeven Rila LakesBulgaria · Nature spot
177 kmOhridNorth Macedonia · Hidden town
188 kmThings to do
2 days in Thessaloniki
Day 1
- MorningClimb the White Tower for views over the bay.
- AfternoonVisit the Rotunda and the Byzantine churches, then walk to the upper town, Ano Poli.
- EveningHave dinner in the Ladadika district, then walk the waterfront to the Umbrellas sculpture.
Day 2
Visit the beaches of Halkidiki, or the royal tombs at Vergina.
What to eat
Bougatsa pastry for breakfast and koulouri bread rings.
Local tips
Make the most of Thessaloniki
Beat the crowds
Thessaloniki is lively all year. The seafront is at its best in the evening.
Best photo spot
The White Tower and the long seafront promenade at sunset, with the umbrellas sculpture.
Getting there
Buses connect the airport with the centre. The new metro makes getting around easier.
Don't miss nearby
Mount Olympus, about an hour away, and the beaches of Halkidiki.
Good to know
Thessaloniki has great street food; try bougatsa, a custard or cheese pastry, for breakfast. The upper town has Byzantine walls and great views.
Secret spots
2 secret spots near Thessaloniki
Our most hidden places around Thessaloniki: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Thessaloniki to take with you.
leax nsolcsh64 km away
hrnus elhmalc70 km awayPlan your visit
Getting to Thessaloniki
Getting there
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)14 km away
- Skopje195 km away
The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.
Weather this week
Best time to visit: All year
At a glance
Questions
Thessaloniki: good to know
Is Thessaloniki worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you like food, the coast and historic old towns. A waterfront city with Byzantine churches and some of Greece's best food.
How many days do you need in Thessaloniki?
Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.
When is the best time to visit Thessaloniki?
You can visit all year. Thessaloniki is lively all year. The seafront is at its best in the evening.
How do you get to Thessaloniki?
The nearest airport is Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), about 14 km away. Buses connect the airport with the centre. The new metro makes getting around easier.
What is there to see near Thessaloniki?
Nearby hidden places include Mount Pelion (138 km), Bansko (141 km) and Kastoria (142 km).