As a holiday destination, Thessaloniki is an ideal choice whether you are after a family friendly vacation or you are an avid explorer eager to see the sites and main attractions. It is the second largest city in Greece and welcomes millions of international visitors every year. Festivals, events, an interesting cultural aspect, a vibrant night-life scene, and an interesting historical time-line are all worthy attributes that it can boast of. Let’s get started on how to make the most of your time in the city
Travel Information for Thessaloniki
How to get there
The city is served by the nearby international airport, which receives domestic and international flights daily.
Museums to Visit
- The Museum of Byzantine Culture displays various exhibitions including early Christian churches and cities
- The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is mostly renowned for its Macedonian artefacts and artworks from Royal palaces
- The Science centre and Technology museum has the largest planetarium in the country
- The Railway Museum houses an original Orient Express train
Attractions and Things to do
- The White Tower situated on the waterfront dates from the Byzantine era and currently hosts an indoor museum detailing the history of Thessaloniki
- The Hagia Sophia is one of the oldest churches and a member of the UNESCO World heritage list
- The Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda date from the 4th century and display intricate carvings in the stone
- The Hagios Demetrios displays one of the largest basilicas in Greece and likewise it is a member of the UNESCO Heritage list
- The Roman forum in the city centre hosts ancient buildings such as a small theatre and public baths
- Thessaloniki is widely marketed as a shopping destination because of its variety of shops including luxury brands, boutique designers, antique stalls, and the standard high street brand names
- In the evenings and at weekend, the seaside is popular especially with locals who opt for a leisurely stroll
Festivals and Events
- The Thessaloniki International Film Fair occurs every year in November
- The Dimitria festival is held every year for a month and it focuses on music and dance
Food to Try
- Bougatsa is a pastry that is typically eaten for breakfast
- Frappes coffees sold in street cafes are widely consumed
- Giaprakia is rice and tender meat wrapped in cabbage leafs
- Mydia Yiachni will delight seafood lovers because it is a mussel stew. Alternatively, also try Soupies krasates which is cuttlefish steamed in white wine
Get Around
Car hire is a great way to get around and also explore the surrounding sites.