Top 26 Must-See Attractions in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki's waterfront symbol: a 15th-century Ottoman tower that was once a fortress and prison. Inside, a museum on the history of the city runs from the ground floor up six storeys, and the top gives wide views over the Thermaic Gulf. Adult ticket €8 (2026); it closes mid-afternoon in winter.

A magnificent triumphal arch built around AD 300 to commemorate Roman emperor Galerius's victory over the Persians. Featuring intricate relief sculptures depicting military processions and sacrificial scenes, this partially preserved monument showcases exceptional Roman craftsmanship and provides insight into ancient provincial architecture.

One of Greece's finest museums housing an exceptional collection of Macedonian treasures including rich Macedonian grave goods such as the Derveni finds, ancient Greek sculptures, Byzantine mosaics, and Hellenistic jewelry. The museum's modern exhibits and interactive displays provide comprehensive context for understanding ancient Macedonian civilization.

Adult ticket €10 (2026). The famous Vergina royal treasures moved to the museum at Vergina (Aigai) in 1998.

One of the most important Byzantine churches in Greece, dedicated to St. Demetrius, the patron saint of Thessaloniki. The extraordinary gold mosaics and marble columns create an atmosphere of spiritual magnificence. The crypt houses the shrine of St. Demetrius and features remarkable frescos depicting early Christian martyrdom scenes.

A stunning Byzantine basilica featuring a massive dome and intricate mosaics depicting Christ and the Virgin Mary. The soaring interior space and harmonious proportions reflect sophisticated Byzantine architectural principles. The church underwent several transformations, serving as mosque during Ottoman rule before restoration to its original splendor.

The city's main square, opening onto the sea. It was laid out in Ernest Hébrard's plan after the great fire of 1917, with its curved, arcaded buildings completed over the following decades; a statue of Aristotle stands near its seaward end. It is the city's meeting point for coffee, rallies and celebrations.

An extensive seafront boulevard stretching along the Thermaic Gulf, featuring walkways, gardens, cafés, and excellent views of the water. The perfectly maintained promenade is ideal for evening strolls and offers refreshing breezes. Street performers and local vendors add vibrant atmosphere, especially during summer months and weekends.

The hillside old town that survived the 1917 fire: steep lanes, Ottoman-era timber-framed houses, stretches of the Byzantine walls, the Heptapyrgion (Yedi Kule) fortress and the Vlatadon Monastery, with the best views over the city and gulf. Take a taxi or bus up and walk down.

Professionally guided tours exploring major historical sites, architectural treasures, and cultural landmarks. Expert guides provide detailed historical context and fascinating stories about Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern periods. Tours typically include the White Tower, Arch of Galerius, major churches, and local neighborhoods with authentic experiences.

The monastic republic of Mount Athos has twenty monasteries on a mountainous peninsula about 2.5 hours' drive from Thessaloniki. Most visitors see it from a boat cruise from Ouranoupoli, which is open to everyone and keeps the required distance from the shore. Entering Athos is for men only, needs a permit (diamonitirion) with limited daily numbers booked well in advance; a one-day pilgrimage is possible, but most visitors stay overnight in a monastery.

Visit the ancient Macedonian capital where the spectacular royal tombs of Philip II and Alexander the Great's family were discovered. The museum displays golden artifacts, armor, and burial goods of extraordinary craftsmanship. The site offers profound insights into Macedonian power, wealth, and funeral practices during antiquity's greatest empire.

Iliopetra is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.9★ from 1441 reviews. Located at Eschilou 5, Thessaloniki 546 34, Greece.

Pites tis Polis is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.9★ from 2663 reviews. Located at Dim. Gounari 50, Thessaloniki 546 35, Greece.

Kanoula is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.8★ from 4785 reviews. Located at Taskou Papageorgiou 4, Thessaloniki 546 31, Greece.

Στάφυλος Γη is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.8★ from 2279 reviews. Located at Apostolou Pavlou 24, Thessaloniki 546 34, Greece.

Menu με...νου is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.8★ from 2117 reviews. Located at Αλεξάνδρου Παπαναστασίου, Δ 87, Thessaloniki 544 53, Greece.

Voukakrato is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.8★ from 1145 reviews. Located at Kalapothaki 6, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece.

Argophageío is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.8★ from 1133 reviews. Located at Apellou 6, Thessaloniki 546 22, Greece.

Taverna "O Thodoros" is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.8★ from 2684 reviews. Located at Paparrigopoulou 15, Thessaloniki 546 30, Greece.

The Rouga is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.7★ from 10209 reviews. Located at Karipi 28, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece.

Grada nuevo is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.7★ from 1771 reviews. Located at Kalapothaki 14, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece.

rOOTS is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.7★ from 2806 reviews. Located at Mpalanou 4, Thessaloniki 546 23, Greece.

Ouzerie Lola is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.7★ from 3398 reviews. Located at Agapinou 10, Thessaloniki 546 21, Greece.

Κιβωτός των Γεύσεων is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.7★ from 2089 reviews. Located at Patriarchou Ioakim 26, Thessaloniki 546 35, Greece.

Olympos Naoussa is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.7★ from 782 reviews. Located at Leof. Nikis 5, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece.

Charoupi is a highly-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki, rated 4.6★ from 4774 reviews. Located at Doxis 4, Thessaloniki 546 25, Greece.