These are the best places to stay in Crete
February 15, 2024
Content
Of course, we all know the Greek city of Athens as a city break destination, but have you ever considered Thessaloniki? The second largest city of Greece is the student city of the Balkans, and you notice it in everything. It is alive, buzzing and full of fun. It is bursting with hotspots. But because of the ancient history of the city, there is also plenty to see and discover in terms of sights. We share the best tips for a city trip to Thessaloniki!
The hip city of Thessaloniki: Greece's second largest city
Thessaloniki is located on the Thermaic Gulf in the Central Macedonia region. The city and the urban area around it have a total population of more than one million. It is therefore an important metropolis in Greece. The city is especially popular among students, with 1 in 10 residents in Thessaloniki being students. The city was founded in 315 BC. It is therefore probably easy to imagine that the city is not only bustling, but also breathes history.
Despite Thessaloniki being the second largest city in Greece, the center is nice and compact. Consequently, you can pretty easily do everything on foot. An undisputed highlight is the walk to the historic city center Ano Poli. It is well preserved, with many elements from both the Macedonian and Ottoman Empires still in place. But Thessaloniki's long promenade is also not to be missed during a city break.
1. Visit the historic district of Ano Poli
Cramped streets with colorful bougainvillea and historic buildings, beautiful churches and so many nice tavernas that it is almost impossible to choose where to sit down for a refreshing Greek frappé... This is how we would describe the old part of town, Ano Poli. In Ano Poli you experience how the local Greeks enjoy the unhurried way of life, the blissful idleness. But there is also plenty to see and discover here.
Take a look inside Vlatadon Monastery, the only Byzantine monastery in town with a still active community. Look out over the Trigoniou Tower, one of the highlights of Ano Poli. And behold the Portara Gate, the central gate of the ancient city walls. Finally, walk to Pasha's Garden, the city park. Not only is this a nice place to unwind, you also have a very nice view of the Agios Dimitrios church here.
And okay, moving forward, after you've seen all the sights in Ano Poli, it's really time to find a terrace. For that you go to Tsinari. This neighborhood in Ano Poli has, if you ask us, the nicest restaurants and bars. Our favorites are: Ouzeri Tsinari and Kafe Aithrio. If you prefer a spot with a view of the city, restaurant Kreodinis Balcony A fine stop for a delicious Greek lunch.
Insider tip: on the website of Visit Greece (the tourism agency of Greece) you can download a free guide to walks through Thessaloniki. In it you will find, among other things, a walk through Ano Poli, but also many others that are worthwhile.
2. Stroll along Thessaloniki's promenade and climb to the top of the White Tower
Thessaloniki is located on the coast, but unfortunately there is no beach. However, there is a promenade of no less than 3.5 kilometers where you can have a nice walk, eat and drink and find some interesting sights.
For example, on the elongated boulevard flaunts the White Tower, the symbol of Thessaloniki. The tower was once a notorious prison, nicknamed the Red Tower because of its many corporal punishments. To leave the bloody past behind, the tower was later painted white.
Another highlight on the boardwalk is the artwork "Umbrellas" by Greek architect Giorgos Zogolopoulos. The umbrellas are very photogenic, so it is fun to admire the art object.
On the promenade you will find an awful lot of tasty restaurants to sit down at. One place where we had a very good meal is Restaurant Daios, which, by the way, is also a hotel. Not only are you here super central, because at Daios Luxury Living you also have an insane view.
Insider tip: pirate boats leave from the boardwalk every day for a cruise of about 30 minutes. You can board the boat for free, you only pay for your drink. They serve cocktails, beer and wine, as well as soft drinks and tasty smoothies. Reservations are not required. If there is room, you can board. As you sway over the water and enjoy the sunshine and upbeat music, you look out over all of the city. We boarded the Klio Cruise Bar during sunset. This is surely the best time to take the boat ride.
3. Admire the Rotonda and Arch of Galerius
Thessaloniki may be a hip and young city, but that doesn't mean there aren't historical sights to admire. Be sure to add the Rotonda and the Arch of Galerius to your list!
The Rotonda of Galerius is the oldest monument in Thessaloniki and an important religious site. A little further on you will find the Arch of Galerius.
The Roman Emperor Galerius built an imperial complex in Thessaloniki around 306 AD, and both the Arch of Galerius and the Rotonda were basic elements of this palace complex. It is not entirely clear today what the building was used for. For example, there is talk of a mausoleum, but also that the Rotonda was used as a place for events. Many archaeologists believe it was initially used as a Roman temple and eventually later became the church of Agios Georgios. However, during the Ottoman occupation period, the church was converted to a mosque.
At least one thing is clear and that is that the Rotonda and Arch of Galerius are impressive to see. The Rotonda is beautifully decorated with ancient Christian mosaics and a triumphal arch. But the Arch of Galerius is also an important and beautiful reference to the city's long, rich history.
4. Head to Ladadika, Thessaloniki's hip nightlife district
One of the most lively neighborhoods in Thessaloniki is Ladadika. The Ladadika neighborhood used to be a trading place where olive oil was traded. Today, the historic district is filled with cozy terraces, bars, stores and restaurants. It is therefore the place to be for a night out in Thessaloniki.
5. Stroll the local markets and try local delicacies
I'm sure we don't have to explain to you why we love Greek cuisine. Tzatziki, fresh olives and, of course, Greek honey, these are some delicacies that we love to stock up on when we are in Greece. But there are two more specialties typical of the Thessaloniki region: bougatsa and koulouria. There is no better place to try the local delicacies than at one of the city's markets. You'll find three of them, to be exact: the Kapani, Modiano and Athonos markets.
The Kapani market is one of the most traditional markets in Thessaloniki and it is one of the few places in the city where you feel that time has stood still. The market has been there since the Ottoman occupation in the early 15th century, and you can literally buy anything there. From regional fruits and vegetables to different kinds of meat and fish and souvenirs. After strolling around the market, why not relax with a snack and a drink? You can do that at restaurant Sōstēs.
Insider tip: the tastiest bougatsa (a crunchy pastry with vanilla cream) eats at 'Vasilis', a local patisserie and real hidden gem. This is about a 10-minute walk from Kapani market. Navigate to this address.
6. Shop till you drop in the shopping streets of Thessaloniki
Not only in terms of local markets is it great to wander around and store in Thessaloniki, the city also lends itself perfectly to a city break for shopping. The main shopping streets can be found in the new center: Tsimiski, Egnatia and Mitropoleos. You will also find nice stores in Agias Sofias, Venizelou and Dragoumi streets.
In Thessaloniki's tightly ordered streets, shopping is very orderly. The rule of thumb? The closer to the sea, the more luxurious the boutiques. Instead, do you dive more into the secluded streets further from the coast? Then you might be on the right path to your latest vintage find.
7. Take a trip to the beach in Halkidiki
You may not find a beach in Thessaloniki, but the nearby seaside resort of Halkidiki (also known as Chalkidiki) is as you would expect on a Greek island. Elongated beaches, small coves, crystal clear turquoise waters ... with a coastline totaling more than 500 km long, there are plenty of places to discover here.
It is about an hour's drive from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki. We unfortunately did not visit Halkidiki during our city break to Thessaloniki, but it is definitely a reason to come back to this beautiful region!
Practical tips for visiting Thessaloniki
For your city break to Thessaloniki, set aside at least two days to see the best sights. But if you go for more days, you'll have fun, too. Especially if you also set aside a day to go to the beach in Halkidiki.
We went to Thessaloniki in May and this is an ideal month to explore the city. In general, we would recommend April through June and September. The temperature is already very pleasant then, but it's not too hot yet. Especially since you do a lot on foot in Thessaloniki, this is a nice touch.
Currently, in terms of public transportation, you can use buses in the city and from the subway. The metro in Thessaloniki is, in fact, set to open in November 2024!
How do I get to Thessaloniki?
The flight to Thessaloniki takes about 3 hours. Skycanner flies directly from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Thessaloniki airport.
What is the nicest place to stay?
Want to stay near the highlights of Thessaloniki? Then we recommend The promenade and port area of Thessaloniki and the city center ON. If you don't mind a bit of a walk, then the ONOMA Hotel a surprisingly good choice. A wonderful city break to Thessaloniki is guaranteed!
ONOMA Hotel
The 5-star ONOMA hotel is the place to be in Thessaloniki. It offers comfortable rooms and is fully equipped. The nicest part of the hotel is the rooftop bar, where you will also find the swimming pool. After a day wandering around the city, take a dip in the refreshing water here and then order a tasty cocktail from the extensive menu. The hotel is a 20-minute walk from the city center. You will stay here for an average of €100.00 to €200.00 per night.
Book a complete vacation to Thessaloniki
Fancy a hassle-free city break to cozy Thessaloniki? With TUI and Sunweb arrange your flight and accommodation in one go. Extra convenient: at TUI you can also opt for a fly & drive or round trip, so that you can discover other authentic spots of Greece in addition to this lively city. Ideal if you want to combine culture, nature and relaxation, and like to take advantage of great deals or last-minutes.
Thessaloniki as a city to live in
Did you know that Thessaloniki is also an incredibly nice city to live and work in for a while? For example, if you want to go abroad for a year. After spending a few days in Thessaloniki, we felt everything: it's buzzing here! This is of course mainly due to the wonderful climate, the amazing Greek cuisine and because it is a popular student city with lots of nice hotspots. As a digital nomad this is of course ideal, because you can find a nice (coffee) store on every street corner in the center. But there are also several options if you want a job on location.
Retrieved from the website Yobbers you will find a complete overview of jobs in Thessaloniki. You can also easily apply for great jobs through the website. For example, you can find (remote) jobs as a team lead for a large social media platform, as a content moderator and as a quality analyst. Are you ready to immerse yourself in Greek life?
Even more inspiration for Greece
After your trip to Thessaloniki, are you far from done with Greece? We have many more travel tips ready for you! Discover the most beautiful islands, the nicest places to stay and hidden gems on the mainland:
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
The most beautiful beaches on Mykonos
October 21, 2024
Santorini: where to stay on the sunny Greek island
May 13, 2025
The 7 Best Beaches in Aruba: Our Favorite Beaches & Hidden Gems
August 13, 2026
7 Best Things to Do in Tirana, Albania
July 22, 2026
More Greece? Be inspired!
Zakynthos
May 15, 2025
