Thessaloniki walking tour & city guide
A seafront promenade, Byzantine churches and great food.
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Thessaloniki, Greece's second city, is a lively port on the Thermaic Gulf with a long history as a Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman city. It is a university town with a young, relaxed atmosphere and is widely considered the food capital of Greece.
The waterfront and the White Tower
The city's long seafront promenade is where everyone goes for an evening walk. It runs past the White Tower, the symbol of Thessaloniki and once part of the city walls, to the Umbrellas sculpture by George Zongolopoulos. Aristotelous Square, a grand plaza opening onto the sea, is the city's main meeting point.
Roman and Byzantine history
In the center, the Arch of Galerius and the round Rotunda date from the Roman era. Thessaloniki is also famous for its Byzantine churches, many of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the large basilica of Agios Dimitrios, dedicated to the city's patron saint, and Agia Sofia with its mosaics.
On the hill above the center, the Ano Poli, or Upper Town, survived the great fire of 1917. Its steep lanes, old wooden houses and Byzantine walls lead to the Heptapyrgion fortress, with wide views over the city and the gulf.
Visiting tips
Thessaloniki is easy to explore on foot and has a new metro line. It is a good base for trips to the Halkidiki beaches, Mount Olympus and the ancient royal tombs at Vergina. Take time to visit the markets and try the local pastries for breakfast.
Top sights in Thessaloniki
- 1
White Tower
The city's symbol, with a museum and views.
- 2
Seafront promenade
A long waterfront walk to the Umbrellas.
- 3
Aristotelous Square
The grand central square facing the sea.
- 4
Rotunda and Arch of Galerius
Impressive Roman monuments.
- 5
Agios Dimitrios
The great basilica of the patron saint.
- 6
Ano Poli
The old upper town with walls and views.
Food markets & where to eat in Thessaloniki
Modiano Market
A historic covered market, restored with food stalls.
Kapani Market
A lively open-air food market in the center.
Ladadika
An old warehouse district full of tavernas and bars.
Bit Bazaar
A small square of mezedopolia and antique shops.
Food to try in Thessaloniki
Bougatsa
Filo pastry filled with cream or cheese, a breakfast classic.
Koulouri Thessalonikis
The city's famous sesame bread ring.
Trigona Panoramatos
Crispy triangular pastries filled with cream.
Meze and tsipouro
Small shared plates with a local spirit.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Thessaloniki
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in ThessalonikiCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Thessaloniki.
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