The second-largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki might not have as many recognizable landmarks as Athens, but it still rivals the capital with vibrant food, shopping, history, and nightlife. From exploring ancient palaces and traditional to taking sunset cruises, there are things to do in Thessaloniki for every type of traveler. Go for a walk along the scenic waterfront, join a food tour to learn about how Greeks eat, or get lost among the exhibits in the archaeological museum.
While many international visitors are drawn to Greece during the summer months, Thessaloniki can be uncomfortably hot and humid at this time of year. The most pleasant times to visit are spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), when temperatures are milder and festivals bring extra buzz to the city. Check out the Thessaloniki Film Festival in late October, the Reworks International Music Festival in September, or the Thessaloniki International Book Fair in May.
Thessaloniki is a walkable city with a charming center full of restaurants, shops, bars, and nightlife. The waterfront is also a scenic place to walk. There are plenty of regular buses and taxis are readily available. To cover ground quickly, use the city’s bike share system with a fleet of bikes including 2-seater, 4-seater, and electric bikes. Boats offer a scenic mode of transportation along the coastline.
In addition to the abundant culture and history within it, Thessaloniki serves as a great base for day trips. Popular excursions include the picturesque Halkidiki beaches, the Mt. Athos monastic community, and the seaport of Kavala with views over the Macedonian coast and Aegean Sea. You can also plan day trips to center around food, history, outdoor activities, and more.
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Thessaloniki is often called the cultural capital of Greece and is known for its nightlife, restaurants, shopping, museums, and historic landmarks. Offering beautiful ocean views and a wide range of ancient monuments, Thessaloniki is a popular tourist destination. The city is also known for its youthful spirit and late-night scene.
...MoreYes, Thessaloniki is definitely worth visiting. This fun city is a match for anyone interested in history, Greek culture, food, museums, or nightlife. Scenic ocean views and a long list of attractions including ancient Greek monuments add to the appeal of this city, often called the cultural capital of Greece.
...MoreYou need a minimum of two days to explore Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece. Known for its history, Greek culture, ocean views, and nightlife, Thessaloniki also has the potential to keep you happily occupied for 5-7 days. Museum lovers will find a lot to do in Thessaloniki.
...MoreYes, Thessaloniki is a walkable city. While it is the second-largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki has a city center that’s ideal for strolling and has plenty to offer visitors including restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Don’t miss the ocean views along the Thessaloniki waterfront, too. Bike share is also available.
...MoreNo, you don’t need cash in Thessaloniki. Most tourist attractions and restaurants accept both credit and debit cards, and some also offer contactless payments. However, carrying some cash is always advisable in case a credit card machine is out of order or if there’s a minimum spend.
...MoreYes, Thessaloniki is more reasonably priced than Athens. When comparing these two Greek cities, prices in Thessaloniki for restaurants, activities, coffee, and nightlife are cheaper than in Athens. For the best value trip to Greece, you may want to opt for Thessaloniki over Athens.
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