Explore Thessaloniki Like a Local with Insider Tips and Curated Guides from Felicity Travel Stories

Thessaloniki is everything you could want from a European vacation crammed into one city. At a crossroads between east and west, Thessaloniki has been at the heart of great empires for millennia and brims with historic sights. When it comes to the best things to do in Thessaloniki, you’re spoiled for choice.

Thessaloniki is also Greece’s second most populous city: modern, vibrant, and infused with Mediterranean character. It is the capital of culture in Greece and is home to leading festivals and art shows. There are world-class museums and a diverse mix of things to do in Thessaloniki. Many are within walking distance of each other in the charismatic old city.

Felicity Apartments are perfectly located in the heart of Thessaloniki, just steps away from everything the city has to offer.

Discover the City Center

Start your day with a Greek coffee at one of the cafés around Aristotelous Square. It's the beating heart of the city wide, open, full of life, and perfect for people-watching. You can try the famous Bougatsa, a warm, flaky pastry filled with custard, cheese, or even minced meat. It’s a local favorite and the perfect way to start your day in the city.

Explore the Waterfront & White Tower

Walk down to Thessaloniki’s famous seafront. Stroll along the promenade, admire the iconic Umbrellas artwork, and enjoy the sea breeze. The Umbrellas is another modern artwork on the endlessly diverting waterfront, built to mark Thessaloniki’s year as the European Capital of Culture. The sculpture is small but distinctive, with stainless steel umbrellas suspended on poles 43ft (13m.) Although installed in 1997 by sculptor George Zongolopoulos, it is one of the iconic images of Thessaloniki, tailor-made for the Instagram age. Remarkably, George Zongolopoulos was 92 years old when he unveiled the sculpture. Zongolopoulos had a long and storied career, but umbrellas were his signature: the ones on Thessaloniki are considered the finest example.

In keeping with Zongolopoulos’s ambitions, the umbrellas blend harmoniously into the setting. And despite the rarity of umbrellas in warm and temperate Thessaloniki, it fits neatly onto the eclectic art of the waterfront. Occasionally, they are the focal point for events that play with color and lighting. Most strikingly, they are bathed in pink for breast cancer awareness every October. This is another must-see in an area brimming with some of the best things to do in Thessaloniki. Tip: Rent a bicycle for the full experience!

White Tower

The White Tower is a striking landmark on the waterfront. The imposing cylindrical structure stands 112 ft (34m) tall and is one of the most visited monuments in Thessaloniki. It’s a dramatic sight with an even more dramatic history.

The tower was built under Sultan Murad II following his successful capture of Thessaloniki in 1430. The fortification was raised on the site of a Byzantine fort mentioned by archbishop Eustathius of Thessalonica when the Normans sacked the city in 1185.

A sturdy fortification defending the city in the ensuing centuries, the tower was also used as a prison at the center of some of the bloodiest episodes in Thessaloniki’s long and turbulent history.

See the ruins of a pre-Byzantine Roman Agora

A short distance from Aristotelous Square is the Roman Forum of Thessaloniki. The Roman forum was Constructed in the 1st century AD and was the heart of cultural and political life until the 6th century. Within the time capsule are two Roman baths (only one has been excavated,) a forum, and a theater once used for gladiatorial games.

The Odeion is the most striking structure. Built in 200 AD, the Odeion was a theater stage for poetry recitals, shows, and musical performances. Small theaters like this were typically decorated with figures of the muses and reserved exclusively for the aristocracy. The seating and stage are so well-preserved that you can imagine them being used today for a show today.

Amazingly, the ruins were only unearthed in the 1960s. They were buried for centuries and only discovered after an aborted plan to build the municipal courthouse, part of Ernest Hébrard’s vision for Aristotelous Square. It makes for an incongruous sight, with millennia-old ruins surrounded by modern shops and apartments.

You can get a good view of the ruins without going in. But it only costs €2 to enter and walk in the footsteps of Roman governors and gladiators. Plus, there’s an underground museum with air-conditioning. Two Euros well spent! Especially as the money will help preserve ancient ruins once nearly buried under a courthouse!

Wander around the colorful old streets of Ano Poli (Upper Town)

ou’ve probably noticed a theme emerging from my list of the best things to do in Thessaloniki. The lasting impact of the Great Fire of 1917, which destroyed 2/3 of Thessaloniki in just 36 hours. Ano Poli was not touched by the fire, which makes it the oldest and most authentic old neighborhood in Thessaloniki.

Locals love it there because it feels homely and detached from the main tourist haunts. Yes, there are tourists. But it’s mostly a place where locals hang out in lively tavernas and cute corner cafes. You may even hear traditional rebetiko music in easygoing tavernas.

The winding paved streets are bursting with character, and lazily wandering around the neighborhood is a delight. But there’s also a handful of top-tier sights in Thessaloniki.

As the name suggests, Upper Town overlooks Thessaloniki. The views can be spectacular, especially along the byzantine fortifications ringing Ana Poli. The views from the Trigonion (Chain) Tower are particularly sweeping.

Nestled within the warren of streets in Ano Poli are several paleo-Christian and Byzantine churches and monasteries. They are all protected by UNESCO World Heritage. Highlights include the Holy Church of Hosios David (5th century), Vlatadon Monastery (14th century), the Church of Taxiarches, and the Holy Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos (14th century.)

For me, the standout was the magnificent 14th-century Church of Prophet Elias (Elijah.) The former monastery and mosque is a curious building and one of the prettiest churches in Ano Poli. That said, all the churches are worth a look. Best of all, hunting them down means exploring the labyrinthine streets of Ano Poli, which are endlessly captivating and one of my favorite things to do in Thessaloniki.

Ladadika Nightlife

The Ladadika district leaves an impression. The historic district is bursting with color and life.Cozy taverns and hospitable restaurants make Ladadika a prime destination to sample Greek cuisine. In fact, the area derives its name from the Mediterranean staples of oils and olives that were sold when Ladadika was an Ottoman bazaar.

Having been the city market for centuries, Ladadika was heavily damaged in the 1917 fire. The area fell into disrepair and, at one point, was home to the city’s red-light district. Designated a site of historic interest in the 1980s, the area slowly sprang back to life.

Today, Ladadika is a compact maze of paved streets lined with bars and eateries, many in former olive oil warehouses. At night, it is the liveliest part of Thessaloniki.

There’s food for every taste, from plates of souvlaki and gyros to burgers and fries. Live music regularly starts up in packed taverns. Terraces overlook quaint squares and fountains. In short, it is stimulating to wander around, soaking up the atmosphere. Even better to stop for a plate of meze and watch the world go by. Stay at Felicity Apartments and enjoy the comfort of being moments away from Thessaloniki’s best attractions.