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About Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki sits on the northern shore of the Thermaic Gulf in Greek Macedonia, about 500 km north of Athens. The flat lower city, rebuilt on a grid after the fire of 1917, runs from the seafront promenade and the White Tower up through Aristotelous Square, the Ladadika warehouse quarter and the Egnatia street axis, where the Roman monuments of Galerius (the Arch, the Rotunda and the palace remains on Navarinou Square) stand. Above it the Byzantine walls and the steep lanes of Ano Poli (the Upper Town) climb to the Heptapyrgion fortress and wide views over the gulf. Fifteen early Christian and Byzantine monuments, including the churches of Agios Dimitrios, Hagia Sophia and Acheiropoietos, form a UNESCO World Heritage listing from 1988. The city has a single metro line (Line 1), buses run by OASTH, and Makedonia Airport (SKG) about 15 km south-east of the centre. Greece uses the euro, cards and contactless payments are widely accepted, and the centre is compact enough to cover on foot, so most visitors need two to three days.
- Capital
- Thessaloniki (capital of the Central Macedonia region; Athens is the national capital)
- Largest city
- Thessaloniki
- Population
- about 319,000 (municipality, 2021 census); about 825,000 (urban area)
- Languages
- Greek, English
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone
- EET/EEST (UTC+2/+3)
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Best places to visit in Thessaloniki
The 20 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Rotunda of Galerius (Agios Georgios)
Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
Palace of Galerius (Navarinou Square)
Church of Agios Dimitrios and Crypt
Roman Forum (Ancient Agora)
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Thessaloniki Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Thessaloniki, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Thessaloniki
- Days 1-2Thessaloniki city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Thessaloniki
- Days 1-3Thessaloniki comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Thessaloniki, departure
Where to stay in Thessaloniki
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget EUR 55 (about USD 63.25)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range EUR 120 (about USD 138.00)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury EUR 260 (about USD 299.00)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Electra Palace Thessaloniki
Five-star hotel with 138 rooms on Aristotelous Square, the central axis between the Thermaic Gulf waterfront and Egnatia Street. Facilities include the Aegeo Spa (couples treatment rooms, steam room), an outdoor pool and a restaurant. Reservations +30 2310 294000.
Check rates on Booking.comMakedonia Palace
Five-star waterfront hotel with 298 rooms on the Thermaic Gulf, about 2 km from the White Tower. Facilities include a spa with hammam, a seasonal outdoor pool (May to September), the Salonika Restaurant and Bar with sea views, a pool bar and 11 conference halls. Reservations +30 231 089 7197.
Check rates on Booking.comDaios Luxury Living
Luxury boutique hotel of 49 rooms over 7 floors on the Nikis Avenue seafront promenade, with two meeting rooms. Reservations +30 2310 250200.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Excelsior
Five-star Small Luxury Hotels of the World member with 36 rooms, a few steps from Aristotelous Square at the corner of Komninon and Mitropoleos streets. Reservations +30 2310 021020.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Thessaloniki
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Mourga
SinTrofi
Xaroupi
Deka Trapezia
Mezen Salonica
Clochard
Book a food tour in Thessaloniki We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is compact and walkable along the waterfront, with Makedonia Airport 15 km south-east, an automated metro, OASTH buses and separate coach and rail terminals for onward trips
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 25 (about USD 28.75) | EUR 70 (about USD 80.50) | EUR 150 (about USD 172.50) |
| Food (per day) | EUR 18 (about USD 20.70) | EUR 30 (about USD 34.50) | EUR 70 (about USD 80.50) |
| Transportation | EUR 3 (about USD 3.45) | EUR 5 (about USD 5.75) | EUR 15 (about USD 17.25) |
| Activities | EUR 9 (about USD 10.35) | EUR 15 (about USD 17.25) | EUR 25 (about USD 28.75) |
| Daily total | EUR 55 (about USD 63.25) | EUR 120 (about USD 138.00) | EUR 260 (about USD 299.00) |
Best time to visit Thessaloniki
Weather through the year in Thessaloniki
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C.
Thessaloniki has a hot, dry-summer Mediterranean climate that turns continental in winter: July and August highs average about 32 C and heat waves can reach 38-40 C, while January highs average about 10 C with lows near 2 C and occasional snow. Rain falls mostly from November to March, and the cold Vardaris wind can make winter days feel harsher.
Many archaeological sites and museums are closed on Tuesdays and on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday and 25-26 December. Entry to state sites is free on 28 October and, at many sites, on the first and third Sunday of each month from November to March; confirm at hh.gr. Crowds build around Easter and 15 August.
Essential travel tips
- Greece uses the euro; 1 EUR is about 1.15 USD, and cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, though small bakeries and kiosks still prefer cash
- State museums and monuments often close at 15:30 from 1 November to 31 March and on Tuesdays; check hh.gr and the museum site before setting out
- Buy state-site tickets online at tickets.hh.gr to skip ticket-office lines; a combined multi-site ticket (about EUR 15, valid three days) has been offered, so confirm it is still sold
- Meals are late: lunch at 14:00 to 16:00 and dinner after 21:00; ask for the bill, as it will not arrive until requested
- Tipping 5 to 10 percent or rounding up is appreciated when service is not included
- Wear sturdy shoes: Ano Poli is steep and paved in uneven stone
Safety information
Thessaloniki is generally safe for solo travellers; the realistic risks are pickpocketing on buses, near Aristotelous Square and in crowded markets, taxi overcharging and traffic
Dial 112 (free, English-speaking, works without a SIM) for police, ambulance and fire; the Tourist Police can be reached on 171
Keep phones and wallets in zipped front pockets or cross-body bags on OASTH buses, in the Modiano and Kapani markets and around Aristotelous Square
Use licensed yellow-and-black taxis with the meter on, or Beat and FreeNow, and confirm the price before riding from the airport or port
Wildfires are possible from May to October: follow 112 alerts, avoid forest trails on red-alert days and obey evacuation orders on Halkidiki beaches
Greece is in an earthquake zone: if shaking starts, drop, cover and hold on, and move to open ground afterwards
Tap water in Thessaloniki is safe to drink; bottled water is common in mountain villages
Summer heat can exceed 38C: avoid midday sightseeing, drink water and use sunscreen
Use mosquito repellent from May to October because of West Nile virus cases in northern Greece
Cross streets at crossings and watch for motorbikes on pavements; traffic is fast and drivers do not always yield
Strikes and demonstrations are frequent on Aristotelous Square and Tsimiski Street; avoid protests and check for transport strikes
Keep a digital copy of your passport and carry some ID; police may ask for identification
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Thessaloniki?
Greece is a member of the Schengen Area. EU citizens need only a national ID card or passport; visitors from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries may stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and others need a Schengen visa. Non-EU visitors are registered under the EU Entry/Exit System at the border; check travel-europe.europa.eu before travelling.
How many days do I need in Thessaloniki?
Two full days cover the White Tower, the Galerius monuments, Agios Dimitrios, Ano Poli and the Archaeological and Byzantine museums. A third day allows the markets and a day trip to Vergina or Pella.
How do I get from Thessaloniki airport to the centre?
Take line 01X from the stop in front of Exit 4 of Terminal 1 (about EUR 2, about USD 2.30) to the city centre and the railway station, or a taxi at the fixed fare of EUR 25 (about USD 28.75) by day, announced to rise to EUR 28 (about USD 32.20); the trip takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
What currency is used in Thessaloniki?
Greece uses the euro. At 1 EUR = 1.15 USD, a basic bus or metro ticket is about EUR 0.60 (about USD 0.69), a bougatsa breakfast is about EUR 3 to EUR 4 (about USD 3.45 to USD 4.60) and a taverna main course is EUR 9 to EUR 15 (about USD 10.35 to USD 17.25).
Is Thessaloniki safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Violent crime is low and the centre is busy until late. Watch for pickpockets on crowded buses and in markets, use a licensed taxi or FREENOW at night, and call 112 in an emergency.