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Thessaloniki

Seafront promenades, bougatsa mornings & bar streets

Browse Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Mitakos Books, White Tower and Aristotelous Square. Food lovers should not miss Ouzou Melathron and Nea Folia. Below you will find 11 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Thessaloniki at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Best time to visit: spring and autumn
  • Highlights: Mitakos Books and White Tower
  • Where to stay: Ladadika and Ano Poli
  • Local picks: 11 hand-chosen recommendations
  • Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Thessaloniki

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Where to stay in Thessaloniki

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Ano Poli

Ano Poli

The old upper town of timber houses, byzantine walls and sea views.
★ 4.6
$
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Centre

Archaeological Museum

Macedonian gold and antiquities in a modernist landmark building.
★ 4.6
$
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Centre

Aristotelous Square

The grand seafront square at the citys civic heart.
★ 4.5
$
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City Center

Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki

Why it matters: run by the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki since 2001, this museum preserves the memory of a Jewish presence in the city stretching back more than 2,000 years – and of the Holocaust that nearly erased it, with the names of 27,000 identified victims inscribed in marble in the Victims Room. Collections include tombstones from the city’s destroyed Jewish cemetery and the only surviving collection of prewar family photographs. Give it an hour, then wander over to nearby Modiano Market, once the heart of Jewish commercial life. Mind the unusual hours: closed Saturdays, but open Wednesday evenings.
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Agia Sofia

Mikri Frida

Why it matters: founded in 2016, this five-member social cooperative (KoinSEP) runs its tiny cafe-gallery as a community project – proceeds fund free exhibitions, workshops and cultural events, with a side mission of showcasing the Byzantine church of Acheiropoietos right next door. The space is small, colourful and firmly non-smoking – still a rarity in Greece – with local art rotating on the walls. Order a coffee and a slice of the homemade cheesecake, and check the calendar: there is usually an exhibition or presentation on. Note it closes mid-afternoon on Sundays.
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White Tower

Mitakos Books

One of the oldest bookshops in Thessaloniki, a charming little place near the White Tower specialising in foreign-language literature – English and German titles alongside guidebooks, maps and histories of the city. Check the board outside for upcoming events.
★ 4.3
$
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Centre

Modiano Market

The restored covered market of tavernas, delis and mezze bars.
★ 4.4
$
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Centre

Nea Folia

A warm neighbourhood favourite for modern Greek cooking.
★ 4.5
$$
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Centre

Ouzou Melathron

A beloved, playful ouzeri for northern Greek mezze and ouzo.
★ 4.5
$$
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Centre

Rotunda

A vast Roman rotunda later turned church and mosque, rich in mosaics.
★ 4.5
$
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Ladadika

The Bristol Thessaloniki

An antique-filled boutique hotel in the atmospheric Ladadika quarter.
★ 4.6
$$$
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Centre

Thessaloniki Food Tour

A guided graze through the citys markets, bakeries and mezze bars.
★ 4.6
$$
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City centre

Vogatsikou 3

One of Thessaloniki’s defining cocktail bars, in the old premises of the legendary 80s haunt Bel Air. The list runs past seventy cocktails and the DJs lean soulful – funk and disco with a pop twist – which makes it dangerously easy to stay for a third round. Come before midnight for a seat.
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Waterfront

White Tower

The cylindrical waterfront tower that is the symbol of the city.
★ 4.6
$
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Before you go

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Thessaloniki travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Thessaloniki?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Thessaloniki at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Thessaloniki?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Thessaloniki?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Thessaloniki guide.

What is the best time to visit Thessaloniki?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Thessaloniki is worth visiting year-round.

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