City map

Quick view

Top 10 sights

Greece
General Information

Nightlife

Restaurants

Calendar of events

Hotels
We recommend, you book at

Weather & best time to visit

03:00 UTC

Phone calls & Internet

Shopping in Thessaloniki

Find rental car

Travel etiquette
How to fit in

Health

Visa & Immigration

Share city guide with friends

Thessaloniki – a brief overview
Thessaloniki is a crossroads where East meets West. It has seen civilizations and empires come and go over millennia, from the Macedonians to the Romans, and from the Byzantines to the Ottomans. Each conqueror left their mark, but this vibrant busy city has retained a sense of freedom and space, largely thanks to the French architect who rebuilt it after a devastating fire in 1917.
There are leafy parks, ancient quarters with narrow alleys, and over 50 churches and monasteries. In between, Greece’s second city still remembers to pack in the style, with a host of fashionable boutiques – and some say the best nightlife in the country.
Best price search


Top 10 sights in Thessaloniki

White Tower
Thessaloníki 546 21
Greece
Tel: +30 231 026 7832
Show on map
Opening times:
Tue-Sun 0830-1500
Built in the 15th century, the 34m tower is the city’s most recognisable landmark. Having seen many uses over the years, including being a prison, the highlight today is the panoramic view from the roof.
Archaeological Museum
54013 Thessaloniki
Greece
Tel: +30 231 083 0538
Show on map
Opening times:
Daily 0800-2000
One of the most important museums in Greece, with a rich collection of historical artefacts from Thessaloniki and across Macedonia – most dating from the classical Greek and Roman periods.
Insectopia
56334 Thessaloniki
Greece
Tel: +30 251 051 7609
Show on map
Opening times:
Mon 1030-1330
Tue-Sat 1130-1330 and 1730-2000
Sun 1200-1800
Offering a glimpse into a micro world, this fascinating exhibition has the biggest private collection of ant colonies in Europe, as well as countless other creepy-crawlies, spiders, butterflies and amphibians.
Ayios Dimitrios Church
54633 Thessaloniki
Greece
Tel: +30 231 021 3627
Show on map
Opening times:
Daily 0800-2200
The largest church in Greece is a magnificent mosaic-covered basilica. Begun in the fourth century AD, it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times following successive fires and earthquakes.
Ayios Nikolaos Orfanos Church
54634 Thessaloniki
Greece
Tel: +30 231 021 4497
Show on map
Opening times:
Tue-Sun 0830-1500
This 14th-century Byzantine church is mostly noted for its well-preserved frescoes.
Museum of Byzantine Culture
54640 Thessaloniki
Greece
Tel: +30 231 330 6400
Show on map
Opening times:
Daily 0800-2000
With a focus on the late Roman / early Christian era, this museum depicts aspects of Byzantine daily life and religious practices.
Osios David (Latomou Monastery)
54633 Thessaloniki
Greece
Show on map
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0900-1200 and 1600-2000
Built around AD500, this remarkable little church offers a great view of the city. The beautiful mosaic in the interior of its dome depicts an unusually beardless Jesus.
Noesis – Science Centre and Technology Museum
57001 Thessaloniki
Greece
Tel: +30 231 048 3000
Show on map
Opening times:
Various
Part planetarium, part technology centre, part interactive science museum, this modern exhibition hall west of central Thessaloniki shows the astonishing levels of scientific knowledge attained by the Ancient Greeks.
Greek Agora and Roman Forum
Thessaloniki
Greece
Tel: +30 231 022 1266
Show on map
Opening times:
Tue-Sun 0830-1500
The forum in the ancient agora (marketplace) dates to the second century AD. A small amphitheatre here is still sometimes used for outdoor concerts in summer.
Museum of the Macedonian Struggle
54622 Thessaloniki
Greece
Tel: +30 78 229 778
Show on map
Opening times:
Tue-Fri 0900-1400
Sat 1000-1400
Through a series of dioramas and other exhibits, this museum tells the story of Macedonia’s breakaway from the Ottoman Empire via a series of violent revolts from 1904-1908.
Country information
Country overview
A flavourful melting pot of sparkling nightspots, fresh seafood, sizzling Mediterranean passion and mythical legend, Greece is a fascinating and enchanting destination – whether lounging on a sandy stretch, or exploring ancient relics. Greece’s urban hubs are home to some of the world’s most glorious and prized ancient and medieval architecture, such as Athens’ white marble Parthenon and Thessaloniki’s proud Byzantine churches, and the setting of some of humankind’s oldest tales.
On the coast, find bustling, umbrella-peppered beaches and secluded sandy coves, washed by turquoise waters and regularly doused in sunshine. Off shore, Greece’s 1400 islands, such as party-hard Mykonos and picturesque Santorini, offer a rainbow of paradisiacal settings for an idyllic island-hopping adventure.
Geography
Greece is situated in southeast Europe on the Mediterranean. The mainland consists of the following regions: Central Greece, Peloponnese, Thessaly (east/central), Epirus (west), Macedonia (north/northwest) and Thrace (northeast). High mountains, fertile plains, pine forest and scrub-covered foothills are all found on the Greek mainland.
The largest mountain range is the Pindus, which runs north-south through central mainland Greece, and separates the regions of Thessaly and Epirus. The highest mountain is Olympus, which soars 2,917m (9,570ft) – according to Ancient Greek mythology, this is where the 12 Olympian Gods resided.
The islands account for one-fifth of the country’s land area.
The majority are thickly clustered in the Aegean between the Greek and Turkish coasts. The Ionian Islands are the exception; they are scattered along the west coast in the Ionian Sea, looking (both geographically and culturally) towards Italy. The Aegean archipelago includes the Dodecanese, lying off the Turkish coast, of which Rhodes is the best known; the northeast Aegean group, including Chios, Ikaria, Lemnos, Lesvos and Samos; the Sporades, off the central mainland; and the Cyclades, comprising 39 islands (of which only 24 are inhabited). Crete, the largest island (with an astounding 1,000km of coastline and a population of some 650,000), is not included in any formal grouping.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 10772967
Population Density (per sq km): 82
Capital: Athens.
Language
Greek (Ellenika). Most people connected with tourism, and younger generations generally speak some English, French, German or Italian.
Currency
Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
General business opening hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1700.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2018 – December 2019 period.
2018
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2018
Epiphany: 6 January 2018
Start of orthodox Lent: 19 February 2018
Independence Day: 25 March 2018
Orthodox Good Friday: 6 April 2018
Orthodox Easter Sunday: 8 April 2018
Orthodox Easter Monday: 9 April 2018
Labour Day: 1 May 2018
Orthodox Whit Sunday: 27 May 2018
Orthodox Whit Monday: 28 May 2018
Assumption: 15 August 2018
Ochi Day: 28 October 2018
Christmas: 25 and 26 December 2018
2019
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019
Epiphany: 6 January 2019
Start of orthodox Lent: 11 March 2019
Independence Day: 25 March 2019
Orthodox Good Friday: 26 April 2019
Orthodox Easter Sunday: 28 April 2019
Orthodox Easter Monday: 29 April 2019
Labour Day: 1 May 2019
Orthodox Whit Sunday: 17 June 2019
Orthodox Whit Monday: 18 June 2019
Assumption: 15 August 2019
Ochi Day: 28 October 2019
Christmas: 25 and 26 December 2019
All information subject to change.
Nightlife in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki’s nightlife comes into its own in winter, when the nearby resorts – the traditional fun zone for tourists – shut.
In 2009, a Lonely Planet survey declared it the world’s “fifth best party town”.
Thermaïkos
54623 Thessaloniki
Greece
Show on map
City institution waterfront bar and club, with a fabulous marble and mirror interior, and regular DJs.
Boat Bars
Thessaloniki
Greece
Tel: +30 231 022 1266
Show on map
30-minute ‘booze cruise’ harbour tours leave every 20 minutes and are free if you buy a drink.
The Hoppy Pub
54621 Thessaloniki
Greece
Show on map
Friendly international bar with over 150 craft beers from around the world.
Cocktail Bar
54626 Thessaloniki
Greece
Show on map
There’s a clue in the name of this chic joint – the staff also mix customised drinks to order.
Sinatra
54624 Thessaloniki
Greece
Show on map
A popular meeting place that’s coffee bar by day, wine bar in the evening.
Restaurants in Thessaloniki
The city centre is packed with restaurants, cafés and snack bars of all descriptions.
Needless to say, the dominant cuisine is Greek, with seafood being a particular speciality.
Ta Nisia
54623 Thessaloniki
Greece
Show on map
Price: Expensive
Top-end Greek dishes with a modern touch, served in a charming and bright dining room.
7 Thalasses
54624 Thessaloniki
Greece
Show on map
Price: Moderate
Modern seafood creations served in an elegant setting.
Mavri Thalassa
55132 Thessaloniki
Greece
Show on map
Price: Moderate
More classic seafood dishes served with a welcoming smile in a modern restaurant.
Tsarouchas
Thessaloníki 546 21
Greece
Tel: +30 231 026 7832
Show on map
Price: Moderate
Traditional and tasty Greek dishes, served by the same family since 1952.
Odos Delfon
54640 Thessaloniki
Greece
Show on map
Price: Cheap
Simple but popular café serving cheap snacks and international dishes at low prices.
Calendar of events
Thessaloniki Documentary Festival
March 2018
Website
Venue: Various venues
Dedicated entirely to documentary filmmaking, this festival screens a thought-provoking selection of movies under a number of different categories, such as ‘Views of the World’, ‘Stories to Tell’ and ‘Human Rights’. Masterclasses, kids’ documentaries and glitzy parties are always on the agenda too.
Street Mode
30 August – 2 September 2018
Website
Venue: Thessaloniki Port
In a one-day celebration of street culture, graffiti artists create eye-catching murals and DJs spin tunes to bouncing revellers. Street dance shows and breakdancing battles draw cheering crowds, while crazy parkour stunts leave onlookers gasping in disbelief. Live bands play on stage late into the evening.
Reworks
September 2018
Website
Venue: Various venues
This audio-visual festival showcases an eclectic mix of international and Greek contemporary music and artists, with a particular focus on new trends. Live concerts, visual art displays and buzzing club nights draw a cool crowd, with events running from late evening until dawn each day.
Thessaloniki Biennale of Contemporary Art
September 2018
Website
Venue: Various venues
Held in odd years, Thessaloniki’s bienniale celebrates the Mediterranean, its culture and its people through art exhibitions, kids’ activities and guided tours. Numerous galleries, museums and places of worship play host to an exciting assortment of paintings, photos and sculptures.
Thessaloniki International Fair
8 – 16 September 2018
Website
Venue: Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre
Over 200,000 visitors flock to this annual fair promoting every Greek industry conceivable, from furniture to the farming sector to e-gaming. Visitors can browse new publications in the book market, check out the latest car models and listen to top Greek bands live on stage.
Dimitria
September – November 2018
Website
Venue: Various venues
For a month each autumn, this hugely popular cultural festival stages around 50 different arts events. Classical concerts, theatrical productions, dance shows and art exhibitions all combine to make a world-class celebration which has become the second largest festival in Greece.
Thessaloniki Night Half Marathon
13 October 2018
Website
Venue: Starts at Nikis Avenue and finishes in front of the White Tower
This half marathon is a race with a difference – it takes place after dark. More than 10,000 runners pound the streets beneath the city lights in both a half marathon and a 5k race, with crowds lining the pavements to cheer them on and DJs spinning tunes at the end.
Thessaloniki International Film Festival
November 2018
Website
Venue: Various venues
International and Greek films are in the running for awards at this highly esteemed film festival, which is now well into its sixth decade. Movie fans can enjoy a fabulous programme of independent cinema, along with star appearances, dynamic discussions and masterclasses.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Hotels in Thessaloniki
There are hundreds of hotels in Thessaloniki, between them covering every category and comfort level from luxury to budget.
In general, rates are very low by Western European standards, but rooms can fill and prices rise during the autumn convention season.
The Excelsior
54624 Thessaloniki
Greece
Show on map
Category: Expensive
The last word in city centre opulence for many years, this is an elegant, luxurious option.
Egnatia Palace
54631 Thessaloniki
Greece
Show on map
Category: Moderate
Mid-sized modern hotel with a great central location.
Kinissi Palace
54630 Thessaloniki
Greece
Show on map
Category: Moderate
Charming family-run historical hotel that dates from 1924.
Anessis
54624 Thessaloniki
Greece
Show on map
Category: Cheap
Simple but comfortable modern option with agreeably budget prices.
Best time to visit
Today: Sunday, 22.04.2018 03:00 UTC

sunny
temperature
10°C
wind direction
northwind speed
2.5 mph7 days forecast
Monday
23.04.2018
23°C / 15°C
Tuesday
24.04.2018
24°C / 17°C
Wednesday
25.04.2018
25°C / 18°C
Thursday
26.04.2018
27°C / 18°C
Friday
27.04.2018
26°C / 18°C
Saturday
28.04.2018
21°C / 15°C
Sunday
29.04.2018
20°C / 13°C
Climate & best time to visit Greece
Greece has a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, dry hot days are often relieved by stiff evening breezes, especially in the north, on the islands and in coastal areas. Athens can be stiflingly hot, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 40C in July, so visitors should allow time to acclimatise – the evenings are generally cooler, but can remain very hot during heat waves. Winters are mild in the south but much colder in the mountainous north, where it is not uncommon to see snow and temperatures plummeting to well below zero. November to March is the rainy season, most notably on the Ionian islands.
If you are planning a beach holiday, the sea is warm enough to swim from June through September, and hardier types will also manage in May and October. Seaside hotels are generally open from Easter through to late-October, as are water sports facilities.
Sailing holidays need slightly more careful planning. Charter companies operate from May through September, but weather conditions vary greatly from place to place, and month to month. Beginners should start with the Ionian Sea, which sees moderate winds through summer. People with little sailing experience should avoid the Cyclades in July and August, when the unpredictable meltemi blows at speeds of up to 8-9 Beaufort.
Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for hiking and mountain biking, when the days are sunny but not unreasonably hot. Spring sees the Greek countryside dappled with wild flowers, while in autumn the trees take on russet hues.
Although few people think of Greece as a winter destination, it is in fact possible to ski and snowboard here. Two of the most popular mountain ski resorts are Arahova (near Delphi) and Kalavrita (on the Peloponnese), both much loved by wealthy Athenians, and therefore also well provided with cosy hotels and authentic rustic eateries with blazing log fires.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute min | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | 20 °C | -14 °C | 9 °C | 1 °C | 75 % | 39 mm | 7 | 3.3 h |
Feb | 23 °C | -9 °C | 12 °C | 2 °C | 71 % | 40 mm | 6 | 4.0 h |
Mar | 30 °C | -6 °C | 14 °C | 4 °C | 72 % | 46 mm | 7 | 4.7 h |
Apr | 31 °C | -1 °C | 19 °C | 7 °C | 68 % | 36 mm | 5 | 6.6 h |
May | 36 °C | 4 °C | 24 °C | 12 °C | 65 % | 44 mm | 6 | 8.1 h |
Jun | 38 °C | 10 °C | 29 °C | 16 °C | 58 % | 31 mm | 4 | 9.6 h |
Jul | 41 °C | 10 °C | 32 °C | 19 °C | 52 % | 22 mm | 3 | 10.8 h |
Aug | 43 °C | 11 °C | 32 °C | 19 °C | 52 % | 21 mm | 3 | 9.8 h |
Sep | 37 °C | 8 °C | 27 °C | 16 °C | 61 % | 27 mm | 3 | 7.9 h |
Oct | 32 °C | 2 °C | 22 °C | 11 °C | 67 % | 40 mm | 5 | 5.3 h |
Nov | 27 °C | -5 °C | 16 °C | 7 °C | 78 % | 57 mm | 7 | 3.8 h |
Dec | 21 °C | -7 °C | 12 °C | 3 °C | 78 % | 53 mm | 7 | 3.1 h |
year | 43 °C | -14 °C | 21 °C | 10 °C | 66 % | 456 mm | 62 | 6.4 h |
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone
Country code: +30
Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the new arrangement.
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
Shopping in Thessaloniki
Key Areas
Thessaloniki’s shopping heart is enclosed by four streets: Egnatia, Ethnikis Amynis, Leoforos Nikis and Venizelou. Tsimiski, running down the middle, has the big international names; Mitropoleos and Proxenou Koromila have chic designer boutiques. The most famous department store is Notos Galleries, with more than 250 top fashion brands (Mitropoleos 31).
Markets
Modiano is the largest covered market in Greece. Located between Vasileos Irakliou St and Egnatia, it has been part of life since 1930. Most stalls sell food: spices, cheese, fish and meat. A short distance away by Aristotelous Plaza, Kapani – the oldest open market in the city – has been around for centuries.
Shopping Centres
Thessaloniki has some of the largest shopping malls in the Balkans, but most are in out-of-town locations. Among the most central is Plateia Shopping Centre on Tsimiski. It has numerous shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as a bowling alley and cinemas.
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Greeks are very aware of their strong historical and cultural heritage. Traditions and customs differ throughout Greece, but overall a strong sense of unity prevails. The Greek Orthodox Church has a strong traditional
influence on the Greek way of life, especially in more rural areas. The throwing back of the head is a negative gesture. Dress is generally casual. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in public buildings.
Health
Main emergency number: 112
Food & Drink
Tap water is drinkable in Athens and other cities – in fact, in areas where the local water is good, bars and restaurants are obliged by law to provide customers with glasses or jugs of tap water free of charge upon request. So don’t be ashamed to ask. However, visitors should be wary of drinking tap water in remote areas, and on many islands – even if the locals do it, they have probably built up a resistance that newcomers may need time to acquire. Bottled water is widely available and prices are strictly controlled on the mainland and islands. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are considered safe to eat.
Other Risks
Visitors to forested areas should consider getting the vaccination for tick-borne encephalitis three months before their date of travel.
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.