A massive round building that has served as a mausoleum, church, mosque, and museum.

The Rotunda is a round building in Thessaloniki, originally a mausoleum, later a church, and a mosque. Today, it's a museum and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. /n The building was constructed in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Galerius. It has a rich history, having served various purposes over the centuries. Its architecture and mosaics are a testament to the city's multicultural past.

The Rotunda is a round building in Thessaloniki, originally a mausoleum, later a church, and a mosque.

The old town of Thessaloniki, offering a glimpse of the city's Byzantine past with its traditional houses and narrow streets.

Ano Poli is the old town of Thessaloniki, offering stunning views of the city. It's a charming area with narrow streets, traditional houses, and Byzantine walls. /n The area is located on the city's hill, above the modern city center. It's a great place to explore on foot, with many historical sites, churches, and traditional tavernas. The area also offers a panoramic view of Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf.

Ano Poli is the old town of Thessaloniki, offering stunning views of the city.

The most famous landmark of Thessaloniki with a museum and an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city.

The White Tower is the most famous landmark of Thessaloniki and symbol of the city. It is a monument and museum on the waterfront of the city. /n The tower was built in the 15th century as part of the city's fortifications. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to the history of Thessaloniki and offers a panoramic view of the city from its top.

The White Tower is the most famous landmark of Thessaloniki and symbol of the city.

One of the largest museums in Greece, it houses artifacts from Macedonia.

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is a treasure trove of history, showcasing the rich archaeological and cultural heritage of Macedonia. The museum's collections cover a wide chronological range, from prehistoric times to late antiquity, and include masterpieces of art, everyday objects, statues, and more. /n The museum's building itself is a work of art, with its modern architecture providing a stark contrast to the ancient artifacts housed within. The museum also hosts various educational programs and exhibitions, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history and culture.

A museum showcasing Thessaloniki's rich archaeological history, with exhibits spanning from prehistoric times to late antiquity.

Also known as the Heptapyrgion, this is a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress situated on the north-eastern corner of the acropolis of Thessaloniki. It offers a panoramic view of the city and the Thermaic Gulf.

Eptapyrgio, also known as Heptapyrgion, is a must-visit attraction in Thessaloniki, Greece. This historic fortress, located in the old town, is one of the city's most significant landmarks. It offers breathtaking views of the city and the Thermaic Gulf, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The fortress has a rich history, dating back to the Byzantine era. It was initially built as a fortress and later served as a prison until the late 20th century. /n Today, Eptapyrgio is a symbol of Thessaloniki's rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the fortress and learn about its history through the various information boards and exhibits. The fortress is also home to a small museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the history of the fortress and the city. The panoramic views from the top of the fortress are truly breathtaking, offering a unique perspective of Thessaloniki. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a great spot to take in the views, Eptapyrgio is a must-visit when in Thessaloniki.

Eptapyrgio, also known as Heptapyrgion, is a Byzantine-era fortress in Thessaloniki, offering panoramic views of the city.

The Thessaloniki Waterfront is a particularly attractive part of the city. It is characterized by its long promenade, lined with cafes and bars, and the iconic 'Umbrellas' sculpture. It is a popular place for both locals and tourists to take a walk, ride a bike, or simply enjoy the view of the sea.

Thessaloniki Waterfront is a vibrant and bustling area filled with restaurants, cafes, and bars, all offering stunning views of the Thermaic Gulf. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, perfect for a leisurely stroll during the day or a lively night out. /n The waterfront is also home to several important landmarks, including the White Tower and the statue of Alexander the Great. The area is always buzzing with activity, with street performers, food vendors, and artists adding to the lively atmosphere. Whether you're looking to enjoy a delicious meal, have a drink with friends, or simply take in the beautiful views, Thessaloniki Waterfront is the place to be.

Thessaloniki Waterfront is a vibrant area filled with restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering stunning views of the Thermaic Gulf.

Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city. Nestled in the heart of Macedonia, Thessaloniki offers a blend of ancient and modern attractions. Explore the UNESCO-listed Byzantine Walls and Rotunda, or stroll along Aristotelous Square, the city's social hub. Visit the Archaeological Museum for a glimpse into Greece's past, and the White Tower for panoramic city views. Enjoy the city's lively nightlife, with a plethora of bars and restaurants serving local delicacies. Thessaloniki also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. With its beautiful beaches and warm Mediterranean climate, Thessaloniki is a perfect destination for both history buffs and sun-seekers.

Rotunda

Ano Poli

White Tower

Start your day with a visit to the Rotunda, a massive round building that has served as a mausoleum, church, mosque, and museum. Its impressive architecture and rich history make it a must-see.

Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in a local taverna. Try local specialties like souvlaki, moussaka, and tzatziki, paired with a glass of ouzo.

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the Ano Poli, the old town of Thessaloniki. Explore its narrow, winding streets, traditional houses, and Byzantine walls.

For dinner, head to a local seafood restaurant. Thessaloniki is known for its fresh seafood, so try dishes like grilled octopus, fried calamari, and fish soup.

End your day with a visit to the White Tower, the city's most famous landmark. Climb to the top for a stunning view of the city and the Thermaic Gulf.

Exploring the City Center and Ano Poli

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

Eptapyrgio

Thessaloniki Waterfront

Begin your second day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. Here, you can see a vast collection of artifacts from Macedonia.

Have lunch in a local café, where you can try traditional Greek pastries like bougatsa and spanakopita, along with a cup of strong Greek coffee.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Eptapyrgio, or Seven Towers, a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress with stunning views over the city.

Dine in a traditional Greek taverna, trying different meze dishes like dolmades, taramasalata, and saganaki.

Finish your trip with a relaxing evening walk along the Thessaloniki Waterfront, enjoying the sunset over the Thermaic Gulf.

Museum Visit and Fortress Exploration

Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October

UTC+2

Thessaloniki's public bus system, operated by the Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization (OASTH), is extensive and efficient. Buses run frequently and cover most areas of the city and suburbs. You can purchase tickets at kiosks, onboard the bus, or via the OASTH mobile app.

Taxis are a common way to get around Thessaloniki. They can be hailed on the street, booked in advance, or found at taxi stands around the city. Taxis in Thessaloniki are metered, so the fare will depend on the distance and time of travel.

Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore outside of Thessaloniki. There are several car rental companies located at the airport and throughout the city. Remember that driving in Greece requires an International Driving Permit along with your valid driver's license.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Beat are available in Thessaloniki. These can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're not familiar with the city. You'll need to download the app and set up an account to use these services.

Thessaloniki has a growing network of bicycle lanes, and the flat city center is particularly bike-friendly. There are several places where you can rent bicycles for the day or for longer periods.

Thessaloniki's city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking an excellent way to explore. Many of the city's main attractions, including the White Tower, Aristotelous Square, and the Rotunda, are within easy walking distance of each other.

Boat tours are a popular way to see Thessaloniki from a different perspective. These tours typically depart from the city's port and travel along the Thermaic Gulf, offering views of the city skyline and the surrounding coastline.

A traditional pastry made of phyllo dough filled with cream, cheese or minced meat. It's a popular breakfast item in Thessaloniki.

Bougatsa

A popular Greek fast food consisting of meat, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce, served wrapped in a pita bread. It's a must-try street food in Thessaloniki.

Gyros

Skewered grilled meat usually served in a pita bread with sauce, tomatoes and onions. It's a common street food in Thessaloniki.

Souvlaki

A creamy dip made from tarama, the salted and cured roe of the cod or the carp. It's a traditional appetizer in Thessaloniki.

Taramosalata

A traditional Greek white or rosé resinated wine, which has been made for at least 2000 years. It's a popular drink in Thessaloniki.

Retsina

A dry anise-flavored aperitif that is widely consumed in Thessaloniki and all over Greece.

Ouzo

A pomace brandy from Greece and in particular Thessaloniki. It's a strong distilled spirit containing approximately 45 percent alcohol by volume and is produced from the pomace, the residue of the wine press.

Tsipouro

A savory Greek pastry made with phyllo dough, spinach, feta cheese, onions, eggs, and seasoning. It's a popular snack or meal in Thessaloniki.

Spanakopita

Stuffed grape leaves with rice and herbs, often served with a lemon sauce. It's a traditional appetizer in Thessaloniki.

Dolmadakia

A layered dish made with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce. It's a classic main course in Thessaloniki.

Moussaka

A fried cheese appetizer, often flambéed at the table before being served with lemon and pepper. It's a popular starter in Thessaloniki.

Saganaki

A traditional Greek dessert made with layers of golden brown crispy phyllo, sprinkled with melted butter, filled with the most creamy custard and bathed in scented syrup. It's a popular dessert in Thessaloniki.

Galaktoboureko

New Year's Day

Epiphany

Clean Monday

Annunciation of the Virgin Mary

Greek Independence Day

Orthodox Good Friday

Orthodox Easter Monday

Labor Day / May Day

Orthodox Holy Spirit Monday

Dormition of the Holy Virgin

The Ochi day

Christmas Day

Synaxis of the Mother of God

The highest mountain in Greece, known from Greek mythology as the home of the gods.

Mount Olympus

The archaeological site of Aigai, the first capital of Macedon. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vergina

Known for its beautiful waterfalls and historic Byzantine walls.

Edessa

The birthplace of Alexander the Great and the historical capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedon.

Pella

A picturesque city with beautiful beaches and the impressive medieval fortress of Kavala.

Kavala

A complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries built on natural sandstone rock pillars. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meteora

A mountain and peninsula in northeastern Greece, an important centre of Eastern Orthodox monasticism. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mount Athos

A peninsula in Northern Greece known for its golden beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Chalkidiki

An ancient city, famous for the Lion of Amphipolis, a 4th-century BC funerary monument.

Amphipolis

An ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its historic ruins.

Philippi

Athens

Chania

Corfu

Crete

Delphi

Methana

Mykonos

Rhodes

Santorini

Aristotelous Square in center of the city

Blooming lavender and helichrysum in Mesimeri

Thessaloniki is Greece's second-largest city and is located in the northern part of the country.

The city has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average summer temperatures range from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C), while winter temperatures range from 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C).

The official language is Greek, but English is widely spoken, especially by younger people and those working in tourism.

The currency used in Thessaloniki is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or street vendors.

Tipping is customary in Greece. In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% of the total bill is standard. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest Euro is common.

Thessaloniki is generally a safe city, but like any major city, it's wise to take precautions against pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas.

The city has a rich history, with influences from the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. This is reflected in the architecture and culture of the city.

The city's public transportation system includes buses and taxis. There's also a bike-sharing program called Thessbike.

Thessaloniki is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a plethora of bars, clubs, and music venues.

The city is also famous for its food scene. Don't miss trying local specialties like bougatsa (a sweet or savory pastry), souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), and retsina (a traditional Greek wine).

Thessaloniki is a port city, so fresh seafood is abundant. Try local dishes like grilled octopus or fried calamari.

The city is also a shopping hub, with a mix of high-end boutiques, local artisan shops, and bustling markets.

Thessaloniki is a walkable city, but comfortable shoes are recommended as many streets are cobblestone.

The city is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2).

Thessaloniki has a modern water treatment system, and tap water is generally safe to drink.

Pharmacies in Thessaloniki are well-stocked, and pharmacists often speak English. However, it's a good idea to bring any necessary medications with you.

The city is home to Aristotle University, the largest university in Greece, contributing to a lively student population.

Thessaloniki hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival.

The city is served by Thessaloniki Airport 'Makedonia', located about 15 kilometers southeast of the city center.

Electricity in Greece is 230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Greece with a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.

January is the coldest month in Thessaloniki, with occasional snowfall. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds.

February is still quite cold, with a slight increase in temperature. It's a good time to visit if you want to experience the city's winter charm.

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures gradually increasing. The city starts to bloom, making it a beautiful time to visit.

April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures. It's a great time to explore the city and its surroundings.

May is a warm month, perfect for outdoor activities and beach visits. The city is vibrant with local festivals and events.

June marks the beginning of summer with high temperatures. It's a great time for beach activities and enjoying the city's nightlife.

July is the hottest month in Thessaloniki. It's the perfect time for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the vibrant summer atmosphere.

August is equally hot, with plenty of sunshine. It's a great time to enjoy the beaches and the city's summer festivals.

September is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures. It's a great time to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds.

October sees the beginning of autumn, with temperatures gradually decreasing. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy the fall colors.

November is a cool month, with temperatures dropping further. It's a good time to visit if you want to experience the city's autumn charm.

December is a cold month, with occasional rain. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy the holiday season and festive atmosphere.

Thessaloniki, Greece is known for its Mediterranean climate, which means it experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. 

If you're planning to visit during the summer months, from June to August, expect temperatures to range from 75°F to 95°F (24°C to 35°C). It's advisable to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and a high SPF sunscreen to protect yourself from the intense sun. Don't forget to stay hydrated, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Visiting in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) can be a great choice as the weather is generally mild with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C). These seasons are perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Pack layers to accommodate the cooler mornings and evenings.

Winter, from December to February, sees temperatures between 35°F and 55°F (2°C to 13°C). Rain is more common during this time, so pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella. Despite the cooler weather, Thessaloniki's cultural and historical attractions remain open and less crowded.

Regardless of when you visit, Thessaloniki's weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip. This will help you pack appropriately and plan your activities. Enjoy your visit to this vibrant Greek city!

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2-Day Offbeat Adventure and Sightseeing in Thessaloniki, Greece

About Thessaloniki, Greece