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Looking for concepts on what to do in Thessaloniki? Whether or not you wish to uncover Roman monuments, traditional Palaces, Ottoman ruins or charming waterfront diners, the very best points of interest in Thessaloniki cater to all most popular journey kinds and pursuits.
Thessaloniki’s historical past dates again millennia. And whereas there are many fascinating museums that element this metropolis’s fascinating story, you can too comply with within the footsteps of historic Greeks, Persians, Romans and Byzantines whereas exploring a few of Thessaloniki’s most well-known landmarks and points of interest.
If you wish to journey by means of time to the town’s origins as a significant hub of commerce, artwork and tradition, I’d counsel visiting monuments just like the Roman Discussion board and the Rotunda. Should you simply wish to journey again a mere few centuries in time, you possibly can go to the White Tower, Aristotelous Sq. or the Thessaloniki Waterfront.
Desire to get your fill of historical past from museums?
You’re spoilt for selection in Thessaloniki – the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Museum of Byzantine Tradition and the Atatürk Museum all present insights into the town’s fascinating heritage. Desire to search out out what’s in retailer for the long run? Browse the interactive displays on the Thessaloniki Science Centre Know-how Museum.
As you possibly can see – there actually is one thing for everybody on this Macedonian city paradise. Right here’s what to do in Thessaloniki to profit from your getaway.
Finest Issues to Do in Thessaloniki
From exploring historic Roman monuments and centuries-old fortifications to sipping cocktails by the waterfront underneath the Mediterranean solar, listed below are 12 of the very best issues to do in Thessaloniki.
1. Thessaloniki Waterfront
Spending just a few nights within the stunning and historic metropolis of Thessaloniki? In between visiting museums, native eateries and historic landmarks, you may wish to take a stroll alongside the beautiful Thessaloniki Waterfront.
Given a shocking facelift just some years in the past, the Thessaloniki Waterfront runs for round 5 kilometres by the seaside. Alongside the route, you’ll stroll by a plethora of bars and eating places that present excellent settings to chill with a drink and a chew whereas taking in ocean views.
You’ll additionally stumble upon just a few of the town’s most well-known points of interest, together with the White Tower, the Thessaloniki Live performance Corridor and the Images Museum. A contemporary sculpture park referred to as “The Umbrellas” is simply half a kilometre from the White Tower.
2. White Tower of Thessaloniki
Essentially the most well-known monument in Thessaloniki is the White Tower by the coast. Again within the 15th century when the Ottomans took over the town, the White Tower was constructed to defend the town’s jap harbour.
At the moment, this 34-metre-tall, cylindrical tower now hosts a museum (White Tower Museum) that was put in by the close by Museum of Byzantine Tradition, providing you with insights into the historical past of the tower and the town of Thessaloniki from the Roman period to the current day.
Whereas exploring the museum contained in the White Tower, you’ll hear fascinating tales about historic battles utilizing an audio information. You can even ascend the spiral staircase to absorb sprawling metropolis and ocean views from the tower’s battlements.
3. Pirate ship in Thessaloniki
The pirate ship in Thessaloniki is an iconic floating ship set towards the backdrop of the town’s famed waterfront. Get on board and also you’ll get a historic glimpse into maritime lore and a singular sightseeing expertise, this reproduction vessel transports guests on a fascinating journey throughout the Thermaikos Gulf.
Because the ship units sail, you’re immersed in an ambiance paying homage to historic seafaring tales, all of the whereas having fun with panoramic views of Thessaloniki’s skyline and the White Tower. It’s a must-visit for these seeking to mix historical past with journey in Greece’s cultural coronary heart.
It’s free to get on, however it’s a must to purchase drinks, they usually’re fairly costly. We had a good time on board although, toddler included, and I’d undoubtedly advocate you do it as a high Thessaloniki attraction.
4. Thessaloniki Outdated City
Thessaloniki’s Outdated City, or ‘Ano Poli’, is a historic gem nestled above the fashionable metropolis. Characterised by slim, winding streets and conventional Ottoman-era structure, this space gives a journey by means of centuries of layered historical past. Byzantine church buildings stand alongside quaint taverns, whereas panoramic views of the Thermaikos Gulf unfold from its elevated vantage.
This is likely one of the finest areas in Thessaloniki to discover.
5. Important sq. in Kalamaria
Kalamaria is a suburb of Thessaloniki, about 20 minutes from the town. It’s a stunning place to loosen up and absorb the solar and environment. The primary sq. there may be additionally an incredible place to rent these automobiles for youths to experience. Reggie was 14 months right here and beloved it. It really works by distant management so we had been stood very shut whereas he (thought he) was driving round.
Should you’re in search of enjoyable issues to do in Thessaloniki for youths, the principle sq. in Kalamaria is a superb shout. There are additionally some nice eating places right here and it’s only a enjoyable place to loosen up within the night, for the entire household.
6. Holy Church of Saint Demetrius (Hagios Demetrios)
The Holy Church of Saint Demetrius, in any other case often called Hagios Demetrios, was constructed within the 4th century CE on the positioning the place Patroin Saint Demetrius was martyred. Whereas the early construction was destroyed by a number of fires within the first couple of centuries of its life, the five-aisled basilica you possibly can see at the moment was principally constructed in the course of the 630s.
It took about 100 years staring from the yr 630 so as to add the constructing’s well-known mosaic panels that contribute to its distinctive design. Whereas lots of the mosaics had been destroyed by a blaze in 1917, artworks that depict Demetrius and the church founders with kids stay principally intact.
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7. Eat at ERGON Agora
Only a few minutes out of the town ERGON Agora is likely one of the finest eating experiences in Thessaloniki for certain. It’s an ole warehouse on the coast with a seaside, food and drinks stalls arrange outdoors, occasional music, an incredible store and an enormous restaurant inside the principle constructing. There’s tons to do and see right here, all centred round food and drinks.
Visiting right here is certainly one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Thessaloniki, and also you get a pleasant full stomach too. Oh, there are additionally some nice gelato choices for dessert too. You’ll get an incredible feed with all of the Greek meals right here, and hopefully a beautiful sundown like we did too!
8. Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Fancy shopping a various array of artefacts that date again to the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman eras? You received’t remorse perusing the fascinating displays on the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.
Among the most notable shows at this museum embrace finds from one of many metropolis’s 6th-century Ionic temples, plus relics from a 4th-century palace constructed underneath the orders of Emperor Galerius. You’ll additionally uncover a reconstructed Macedonian tomb that was unearthed in close by Agia Paraskevi.
Some of the current displays takes you on a journey by means of time in Thessaloniki, from prehistory to the Bronze Age. Don’t neglect to take a look at invaluable gadgets such because the 4th-century Derveni Krater.
The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki opens every day from 8am to 8pm and often stays comparatively busy till closing. I’d advocate setting apart a minimal of two hours to take all the things in.
This is likely one of the high Thessaloniki locations to go to.
9. Aristotelous Sq.
Positioned between the waterfront and Nikis Avenue, Aristotelous Sq. is a perfect place to kick off a strolling tour of Thessaloniki.
The sq. itself was designed in 1918 by coveted French architect Ernest Hébrard. The listed mansion blocks that encompass the sq. popped in the next few a long time. To the northeast of the sq., you’ll see the Olympion Theatre Cinema, which hosts the annual Thessaloniki Worldwide Movie Pageant.
Should you’re visiting Thessaloniki in the course of the festive season or public holidays, you possibly can wager there’ll be loads of celebrations happening in Aristotelous Sq., which additionally tends to host political rallies and cultural occasions all year long.
Ensure that to go to Aristotelous Sq. on a transparent day – views stretch so far as 100km to the Olympus Massif when the solar is shining.
10. Museum of Byzantine Tradition
The Museum of Byzantine Tradition is the place to go if you wish to study concerning the mark the Byzantine Empire made on Macedonia.
As you discover this wonderful museum’s 11 galleries, you’ll see artefacts that date all the best way again to the 4th century, when the empire was established by Constantine. The newest displays date again to the 15th century, when the Byzantine Empire got here to an finish by the hands of the Ottomans.
Some artefacts on show on the Museum of Byzantine Tradition embrace printed books, statues, portray, mosaics, jewelry, materials, manuscripts, picket icons and Byzantine artwork. You’ll additionally see spectacular examples of stonemasonry within the type of piers from church buildings and inscribed arches and stones.
11. Go to Ladadika
Cobblestone streets, colourfully painted quaint buildings, eating places spilling out onto the pavements, conventional taverns, and historical past galore… what isn’t to like concerning the vibrant district of Ladadika?
Traditionally, Ladadika was a chaotic service provider district that was residence to a large Jewish neighborhood. In truth, the identify Ladadika is derived from the district’s former olive oil shops.
When the 20th century rolled round, Ladadika grew to become an notorious crimson gentle district and a hotspot for spies. The wars of the 20th century brought on the district to fall into decline, however its interwar structure was superbly restored within the 90s and Noughties.
At the moment, Ladadika is considered one of Thessaloniki’s finest nightlife districts, residence to a surplus of bars, ouzeri (taverns), worldwide eating places and native diners.
Any information to Thessaloniki will advocate you go to right here, so do it!
12. Rotunda
Relationship all the best way again to the 4th century CE, the UNESCO-listed Rotunda is likely one of the oldest buildings in Thessaloniki. It, in addition to the adjoining Arch of Galerius, was constructed underneath the orders of Roman Emperor Galerius to commemorate the Roman victory over the Persians.
Throughout its 1,600-year+ lifespan, the Rotunda has been a Roman temple, a church and a mosque – a minaret nonetheless stands outdoors the Rotunda at the moment. Contained in the Rotunda, you’ll see newly restored paleo-Christian mosaics that had been first added to the constructing all the best way again within the 5th century.
13. Arch of Galerius
Only a stone’s throw from the Rotunda is the Arch of Galerius, additionally constructed greater than 1,700 years in the past to have fun the victory of Galerius over the Sassanid Persians.
When it was constructed, the Arch was an eight-pillared gateway to the town. It additionally had a triple arch that was lined in sculpted marble panels. Whereas most of those panels have fallen sufferer to time, just a few reliefs stay that present insights into the town’s Roman historical past. One picture depicts Galerius on horseback towering above his enemies, whereas one other exhibits him providing his foes mercy.
14. Atatürk Museum
A person named Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is credited for founding the fashionable secular state of Turkey again in 1881. Apparently, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born in a three-storey home in Thessaloniki on Apostolou Pavlou Avenue.
In 1935, the town of Thessaloniki gave the home as a present to the Turkish state, who reworked it right into a museum that particulars the lifetime of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The constructing itself additionally varieties part of the Turkish consulate.
Take a tour of the Atatürk Museum to see the room through which Atatürk was born. In the home’s courtyard, you’ll see a pomegranate tree that was planted by Atatürk’s father effectively over a century in the past.
15. Thessaloniki Science Centre Know-how Museum
Thessaloniki isn’t nearly historical past and tradition. On the Thessaloniki Science Centre Know-how Museum – Greece’s foremost science and tech museum – you may get to grips with subjects akin to magnetism, optics, electrical energy, telecommunications, mechanics and extra.
There are over 40 interactive stations on the Thessaloniki Science Centre Know-how Museum, good for each youngsters and adults alike who get pleasure from a little bit of hands-on academic leisure. There are additionally exhibitions on the historical past of motor transport from 1918 to the current day – you’ll see automobiles from nearly each period.
16. Roman Discussion board of Thessaloniki
Excavated in 1966, the Roman Discussion board of Thessaloniki, in any other case often called the Historical Agora, was the centre of political and public life in Thessaloniki between the 2nd and third centuries CE.
Whereas the Discussion board could lie principally in ruins at the moment, it was as soon as almost 100 metres broad and 150 metres lengthy, positioned on the intersection of the town’s two fundamental Roman roads.
One of many highlights of the Roman Discussion board is the Cryptoporticus, that are subterranean corridors that had been most likely used for storage functions. Following these corridors takes you to an underground museum, the place you possibly can browse artefacts from the discussion board and displays on its excavation. There are additionally remnants of baths, a mint and a restored Roman-era theatre on the east aspect of the Discussion board.
17. Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki
After the Sephardic Jews had been pressured to both convert to Catholicism or face expulsion from Spain within the 15th century CE, Thessaloniki grew to become a significant settlement with the Spanish-speaking Sephardic neighborhood. This neighborhood flourished for round 450 years till the devastation of the Holocaust.
When the Sephardic Jews began arriving in Thessaloniki in the direction of the top of the 15th century, they introduced beneficial expertise akin to weapon-making, medical science, cartography and printing. Till the mid-20th-century, the Sephardic neighborhood thrived within the Ottoman local weather of spiritual tolerance.
If you wish to study Spanish-Jewish heritage in Thessaloniki, together with the horrendous occasions of 1943 when 49,000 Jews had been deported, you could browse the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki.
18. Go to the meals markets
Should you’re in search of what to do in Thessaloniki for foodies, then head straight to the meals markets. Modiano Meals Market within the metropolis centre is an effective place to start out – a number of tasty samples to go spherical!
Many of the outlets in Modiano Meals Market are meals shops promoting spices, cheese, fish, meat, delicatessen merchandise and so forth. There are additionally just a few small tavernas, eating places and bars right here.
19. Go to Perea Seashore
Solely quarter-hour from Thessaloniki, however in the wrong way to the principle metropolis, Perea Seashore is an actual locals seaside. We visited in March, which was apparently winter for them (I used to be in a tshirt) and had a stunning day consuming on the seaside and stress-free. There are just a few bars and cafes, and a memento store too.
What to do in Thessaloniki
In Thessaloniki you possibly can uncover historic monuments and buildings relationship all the best way again to the Roman period. You can even discover historical past and tradition museums, architectural landmarks, scrumptious eating places and loads of wonderful points of interest by the waterfront.
When individuals consider Greece they could consider the Greek island hopping, the favored spots like Mykonos and Santorini, and even the Mamma Mia island of Skopelos, but it surely’s effectively value giving the Greek cities a while.
Above is a far-from-exhaustive checklist on what to do in Thessaloniki, however there are additionally inexperienced areas just like the Alexander the Nice Backyard, and the Backyard of Sculptors, Sount and Water, and even seashores.
READ MORE: The Finest Issues to Do in Samos
What are your favorite issues to do on a vacation to Thessaloniki? Do my readers a favour by leaving a remark beneath.
Fast checklist of what to do in Thessaloniki
- 1. Thessaloniki Waterfront
- 2. White Tower of Thessaloniki
- 3. Pirate ship in Thessaloniki
- 4. Thessaloniki Outdated City
- 5. Important sq. in Kalamaria
- 6. Holy Church of Saint Demetrius (Hagios Demetrios)
- 7. Eat at ERGON Agora
- 8. Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
- 9. Aristotelous Sq.
- 10. Museum of Byzantine Tradition
- 11. Go to Ladadika
- 12. Rotunda
- 13. Arch of Galerius
- 14. Atatürk Museum
- 15. Thessaloniki Science Centre Know-how Museum
- 16. Roman Discussion board of Thessaloniki
- 17. Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki
- 18. Go to the meals markets
- 19. Go to Perea Seashore
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