Thessaloniki, capital of the Central Macedonia region and the second largest city in Greece, is a glittering jewel of the Thermaic Gulf. She basks in the sun of the Aegean Sea, inviting everyone to come and share her many delights. Renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, exquisite cuisine and friendly citizens, this enchanting destination offers visitors many one-of-a-kind experiences.
The city captivated my husband and I with its timeless charm. We walked for miles each day, exploring monuments, museums and other points of interest. Afterwards, we rested on a cafe terrace in Thessaloniki’s bustling Aristotle Square and indulged in the popular pastime of people-watching.
Totally fascinated and completely exhausted, we settled into our comfortable room at the Historic Boutique Hotel Bristol Capsis. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast buffet at the hotel, we were ready to start all over again. Although Thessaloniki packed with fascinating things to see and do, here are the nine we recommend as an introduction to this vibrant and awe-inspiring city.
We are grateful to Pass Everywhere – Tourism Marketing And Historic Boutique Hotel Bristol Capsis for their generous support and assistance during our visit to Thessaloniki. However, all opinions are entirely my own.
1. Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum
Showcasing the region’s rich history and culture, from prehistory to late antiquity, the Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in Greece.
This spacious and well-appointed museum houses a wealth of artifacts, including priceless pottery, beautiful jewelry, sculptures, coins, and mosaics. These and other objects combine to trace the development of Macedonian civilization and that of Greece.
Among other treasures, my husband and I were impressed by the gold recovered from the royal tombs of Vergina and by the Derveni papyrus, the oldest surviving book in Europe.
Byzantine mosaics on the Dome of the Rotunda
Photo credit: Simon Lock / MyEclecticImages
2. Museum of Byzantine Culture
Discover another important chapter in the history of Thessaloniki at Byzantine Culture Museum. The extensive collection, which spans from the 4th to the 15th century, includes more than 3,000 objects. Icons, frescoes, manuscripts, textiles and other objects bear witness to the history, art and splendor of the Byzantine Empire.
The exhibits were grouped into thematic sections representing various aspects of Byzantine life. This arrangement made it easy for us to gain a basic understanding of how society works in the areas of religion, politics, economics, and culture.
The White Tower, a monument of Thessaloniki
Photo credit: Simon Lock / MyEclecticImages
3. White Tower
Standing on the waterfront, the white tower is the most recognizable landmark of Thessaloniki. The Ottomans built the tower in the 15th century and it served as a city fortification as well as a prison and place of execution. Today it houses a museum that tells the story of Thessaloniki through various multimedia exhibits spread over six levels.
We climbed the stairs, stopping at all six floors. Each exhibit focused on a different period and theme, such as the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Modern eras. Upon reaching the top, we were rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Thessaloniki and the sea glistening in the sun.
You can buy a pass that gives you access to the museums above, as well as other attractions.
4. Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki has a fascinating Jewish history that spans 2 millennia. The Romaniote Jews, who had lived in Greece since antiquity, formed a vibrant and diverse community. They welcomed Jewish arrivals in Roman times, Sephardi Jews fleeing Spain in the 15th century, and Ashkenazi Jews fleeing 19th and 20th century pogroms and persecutions in Eastern Europe.
Over the centuries, the Jewish community has made a substantial contribution to the culture and economy of Thessaloniki. At its height, the city had more than 30 synagogues and was known as the “Mother of Israel”. During the Nazi occupation of World War II, more than 56,000 Jews from Thessaloniki were deported to the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camps. Fewer than 2,000 returned. Two synagogues now serve the greatly diminished Jewish community of Thessaloniki.
We found the Thessaloniki Jewish Museum in an old downtown bank building. Artifacts, documents, photographs and testimonies have captured the religious traditions, social life, economic activities and artistic expressions of the Jewish community of Thessaloniki from antiquity to the present day.
The section on the Holocaust was particularly heartbreaking and disturbing. Obviously, the curators took great care and consideration for the truth when assembling the exhibit.
Rotunda of Galley
Photo credit: Simon Lock / MyEclecticImages
5. Rotunda of Galley
Originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Galerius, the Palace of Thessaloniki Rotunda it didn’t take long to explore it. But this brief interlude had a huge impact. Roman and Byzantine architecture combine to create eye candy and welcome shade on a hot afternoon.
Intricate mosaics adorned the grand interior and we marveled at work dating back nearly 2 millennia. A fine example of Thessaloniki’s multicultural heritage, the Rotunda gave our saturated brains a break, while gently handing us another piece of Thessaloniki’s historical puzzle.
Since it was nearby, we walked to the Arc de Galère and walked around it. We were struck by how these monuments, dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods, reflected the architectural styles and influences of the eras that figure so prominently in the cultural framework of Thessaloniki.
6. The seafront promenade
In an effort to relax after our long but exhilarating days, we treated ourselves to leisurely strolls along the seafront promenade, passing tavernas, cafes and smiling people also taking part in the early recovery. evening. We enjoyed a tranquil view of the Thermaic Gulf, as well as a glimpse of the White Tower.
It was as if we had one foot firmly planted in the past and the other in the present. We knew then that we had fallen in love with Thessaloniki, because this feeling seemed perfectly natural.
The main nave of Agios Dimitriosa church dedicated to the patron saint of Thessaloniki
Photo credit: Simon Lock / MyEclecticImages
7. Historical churches
The Greek Orthodox Church plays a prominent role in Greek culture and Thessaloniki is home to several of the most impressive churches in Greece. The interior of Hagia Sophia was breathtaking, with its stunning mosaics and frescoes that transported us back to the days of the Byzantine Empire. Another architectural gem was Agios Dimitrios, dedicated to the city’s patron saint and impressive both inside and out.
Thessaloniki has more stunning churches than most can squeeze into a single visit. But considering the wonders that each church holds, you can’t go wrong, even if you manage to see just one.
4th-century city walls in Thessaloniki
Photo credit: Simon Lock / MyEclecticImages
8. Ano Poli
A climb through winding streets led to Ano Poli (Ville Haute), the old town of the city. A maze of narrow cobbled streets, colorful traditional houses, quaint squares and quaint Byzantine churches greeted us, along with the imposing Byzantine walls and the breathtaking views they offered.
After catching our breath and soaking up the authentic atmosphere of Ano Poli, we continued our ascent to the Thessaloniki Castle, located on a hill above the old quarter. The castle was built in 316 BC and the existing walls date back to the 4th century AD. Our exhaustion from the climb was replaced by spectacular views of the city, harbor and Aegean Sea from the top of the Trigonian (range) tower.
Part of Kapani Market
Photo credit: Simon Lock / MyEclecticImages
9. The Phenomenal Flavors of Thessaloniki
Much to our delight, Thessaloniki was a foodie’s paradise influenced by various cultures and cuisines. Our first stop was the busy area Kapani Marketwhere we indulged our senses with fresh produce, spices and local delicacies.
Thessaloniki was abundant grazing, so we opted for snacks and street food during the day, and tiny family restaurants – unpronounceable names, limited menus and no websites – for dinner. Our favorites included tender calamari, grilled octopus, spicy meatballs, gyros, mpougatsa (a cheese or meat pie), creamy bean compote and smoked eggplant dishes. For dessert, we usually indulged in the classic flaky baklava, washed down with Greek coffee. And not a day goes by without a fresh Greek salad tossed with one of the best olive oils we’ve ever tasted.
Thessaloniki is a captivating mix of old and new. No matter where you stand or what you touch, you come into contact with a piece of the city’s history. At the same time, Thessaloniki invites you to enjoy modern amenities and participate in its vibrant nightlife. Ancient ruins, a top-notch food scene, and a welcoming vibe make exploring this Greek gem an unforgettable adventure. In fact, you could continue the adventure by making Thessaloniki your first stop on a Macedonia road trip.
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