Tucked in the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea north of Athens, Thessaloniki today is a major port hub for Northern Greece and is Greece's second largest city with nearly one million inhabitants. Its position, along the coast at the base of a mountain in a historic city with leafy streets, brings an attractiveness that hides its unattractive port. It's this geographical position along a major trade route that gave rise to the city back in the 4th century BC. With so much history and natural beauty in Thessaloniki, there is plenty to see and do here. Bubbly Tourist lays out a 1-day itinerary including a map of the must-see sights and activities.
Our Top 10 Things to See and Do in Thessaloniki
1. Church of Saint Demetrius (Hagios Demetrios)
This church, named after the Patron Saint Demetrius, offers so much more to see on the inside than the exterior of the church may lead one to believe. It was rebuilt (for a second time) after the great fire of 1917, but don't be fooled because there is plenty to see inside. The church is one of the 15 Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki that were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. One special feature of the Hagios Demetrios is the dedicatory mosaic panels, offered by ordinary citizens and officials of the city. Only nine of these mosaics escaped the great fire and cover the period from the 5th to the 9th century.
The Crypt of Saint Demetrius
Another special feature of the church is the Crypt. The Crypt was filled with earth deposits when the church was converted into a mosque, during the period of Ottoman rule. It was rediscovered after the great fire. It has been said that the Saint was martyred here and myrrh was available through his wounds. During the Middle Byzantine period, when worship of the saint became established, a fountain enabled the faithful to draw the miraculous myrrh and take back to their homelands. Artifacts from the church are still on display in the crypt.
2. The White Tower of the New Waterfront
The waterfront of Thessaloniki extends from the White Tower to the Opera House. Since 2013 this "new" Waterfront, with its beautiful architectural design and character, has had blooming gardens, tree alleys, flowerbeds, courts and small waterfalls, designated paths, arbors, kiosks, small glass canteens, playgrounds and big benches. The imposing White Tower of Thessaloniki is one of the first sights seen along the waterfront. In 1912, as Greece gained control over the city, the White Tower was remodeled and its exterior was whitewashed, and the White Tower was adopted as the symbol of the city. The Tower has had many names: "Lion's Tower" in the 16th century, "The Fortress of Kalamaria" in the 18th century, the "Janissary Tower" and the "Blood Tower" in the 19th century, since it served as a prison and a place of execution for long-term convicts. It now houses a permanent exhibition on Thessaloniki from the age of its founding in 316/15 B.C. to the present. It also offers stunning views of the city and sea from its balcony.
3. The Gardens of the Waterfront
There are 12 gardens along the Waterfront including the Garden of Alexander pictured below. Take your pick or see all of them. Here are your choices:
Garden of Alexander
The area around the statue of Alexander consisted of three parks, different from one another, that are organized as open spaces with grass and trees.
Garden of Open Sun
The slope rises from the waterfront paving towards the street which gives the impression of a natural hill that attracts visitors especially during the afternoon when the sun goes down.
Garden of Sand
Including two new tennis courts, this large area covered with sand, is designed as a playground with a café. The garden is open to the waterfront and includes a sea view.
Garden of Seasons
In an effort to restore that relationship between today's city inhabitants and nature, this garden is planted with herbs, rare endemic plants and wild flowers.
Garden of Odysseas Fokas
It includes a very large playground. To avoid the noise of the road, the garden placed stones on that side of the street to leave some passages. The garden is open to the waterfront and the sea.
Garden of Mediterranean
Covered with Mediterranean flora from the region, there are herbs and citrus trees. All of the existing paths in this garden include benches and the space is designed especially for pets, enclosed with blinds.
Garden of Sculpture
This place is intended to be a place of art without the restrictions of a museum or an art gallery. Visitors can interact or walk freely among the sculptures.
Garden of Sound
The garden is defined by a water canal, constructed parallel to the waterfront and two pergolas. The route that passes through all the gardens goes through the garden of sound and some games relative to sounds have been placed along it.
Garden of Roses
Mostly ornamental roses, the garden also includes a playground suitable for those with handicaps, a café and public toilettes.
Garden of Memory
The trees and flower beds are organized in a way to emphasize the perspective of the space. The garden of memory is an empty space, a "crack" in Thessaloniki's past. The space surrounding the garden have been planted with many tall trees.
Garden of Water
With aquatic plants such as water lilies and reeds, the element of water makes its presence more noted through the sound of water falling on a wall on the side of the street. In the center of the garden there is a café and on one of its sides a space with skateboard ramps.
Garden of Music
The garden of music is on the triangular space next to the House of Music. Trees have been planted following a grid, leaving a smaller triangular empty space in the middle where there are three circular wooden decks. This area can be used for small open air concerts.
4. The Arch of Galerius
The triumphal arch of Caesar Maximianus Galerius, known as Kamara, was built between
298-305 AD, in commemoration of the Emperor's victorious campaign against the Persians. The arch was built at the intersection of the central Roman road Decumanus Maximus (coinciding with the present-day Egnatia Street) and the processional road connecting the Rotunda with the palace.
5. Rotunda of St. George
The Rotunda of St. George is located just north of the Arch of Galerius. Sixteen centuries old, it is one of the oldest monuments in Thessaloniki. It has been a pagan monument, Christian church and Muslim house of worship, all of which have left their traces on it, and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. Although it is certain that the monument was erected by Galerius about AD 300, its purpose is less clear. Some scholars have asserted that it was built as a mausoleum for its founder (although he is definitely not buried here), while others have suggested that it was a temple dedicated either to the Kabeiroi or to Zeus. The latter view is the more likely, since Zeus was the patron god of two of the tetrarchs, Diocletian and Galerius.
6. Aristotle Square
The main square of Thessaloniki, Aristotle Square, is undoubtedly one of the points of interest that you'll see on your walk across the city. It includes the Flower Clock and of a statue of the ancient philosopher and teacher, Aristotle.
The Flower Clock
The Flower Clock is a Swiss clock installed in 1970 with a digital mechanism controlled by satellite and synchronized with the Greenwich Observatory in London).
Statue of Aristotle
Aristotle, a student of Plato's Academy, and a founder of his own school (see Aristotle's Lyceum in Athens), was revered among medieval Muslim scholars as "The First Teacher", and among medieval Christians like Thomas Aquinas as simply "The Philosopher", while the poet Dante called him "the master of those who know". You may notice the polished toe of Aristotle which has been held and rubbed by many a student (and thus tourist) in the belief it will bring them good luck and help them pass their upcoming exam.
7. The Palace of Galerius
Although in ruins, the Palace and the entire Galerian Complex is the most important monument in Thessaloniki. Built at the turning-point of two worlds, the Roman and Byzantine, its erection began in the late 3rd century-early 4th century AD, when the Caesar Galerius (293-311 AD) chose Thessaloniki as the seat of the eastern part of the Roman Empire. During Early Christian times, important 4th century emperors occasionally stayed in Thessaloniki due to its significance and geographic location, situated between Rome and Constantinople. Significant building remains of the complex came to light in excavations carried out during the second half of the 20th century like the Apsidal Hall and the buildings at the archaeological site in Navarinou Square.
8. Athonos Square
Athonos Square is a small but very lively market, popular for its traditional cafés and the many excellent taverns and restaurants serving original Greek dishes along with culinary dishes from around the globe. It is located in the heart of the city between Aristotle and Agia Sophia streets and it has been part of the Thessalonians’ life for about 80 years. Come to this open market for an authentic experience of Thessaloniki. The atmosphere, the people and the local delicacies will reward you. The square’s abundance of bright buildings and special traditional colors will certainly impress you as you walk through the narrow paved streets that surround the square and discover many small traditional shops.
9. Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki
The Hagia Sophia Church of Thessaloniki dates back to the 7th century. It was once a cathedral during the 4th crusade and also a mosque during the Ottoman rule. Because of its outstanding Byzantine art and architecture, in addition to its importance in early Christianity, it is one of several monuments in Thessaloniki listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Sample the Local Food and Wine of Thessaloniki
There is plenty of food options to choose from while visiting Thessaloniki. Whether it be Koulouri Thessalonikis, a traditional snack that's often eaten for breakfast with coffee, and can be topped with cream cheese; Moussaka, a comforting dish that originated in the Middle East and is now found in almost every restaurant in Thessaloniki, Souvlaki, a local favorite of chicken or pork on skewers, which some say is the most traditional food in Greece; or a Frappé coffee that was invented in Thessaloniki in 1957 and has become popular throughout Greece and Cyprus, there are plenty of comfort food options. If you're looking for a wine to which you can pair these foods, the region is known for its red and white wines, made from local grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, and Agiorgitiko.
History of Thessaloniki
Founded in 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedon, Thessaloniki was on a major trade route between Europe and Asia during the Roman Empire and later became the capital of the Roman Province, Macedonia. In 306 AD, Thessaloníki acquired a patron saint, St. Demetrius who was credited with a number of miracles that saved the city. The Church of Saint Demetrius today is one of the city's greatest attractions. In the early 1400's, Thessaloniki was captured by the Ottomans under which the city's Muslim and Jewish populations grew. The city came to become the largest Jewish city in the world and remained as such for at least 200 years, often called "Mother of Israel". The remains from the Ottoman period can be found mainly in the city's Ano Poli (Upper Town) district.
In Search of Bubbly in Thessaloniki
In an ongoing segment by Bubbly Tourist, we always search for a location - if not the best location - to have some champagne wherever we go.
Sometimes the best locations are those you stumble upon. This was the case for Bubbly Tourist when our parched mouths were in search of some bubbly. Nestled in a pedestrian street just off a busy street is Blé Vin whose outdoor seating was perfect for us to watch the world go by without being overly crowded with tourists. Serving local wine, we were able to indulge in several sparkling wines from the region. Enjoy it with local cheese and meats.
A 1-Day Itinerary of Must-See Sights and Activities of Thessaloniki
This Bubbly Tourist itinerary ensures you see our top recommended historical and cultural sites (from above) in Thessaloniki while taking into account their proximity to each other, allowing for a leisurely and enjoyable experience.
One Day Thessaloniki Itinerary
Morning:
Church of Saint Demetrius (Agios Dimitrios)
Time: 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Description: Start your day with a visit to this historic and significant church dedicated to the patron saint of Thessaloniki, known for its stunning mosaics and crypt.
Rotunda of St. George (Rotunda)
Time: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Description: Walk to the Rotunda, one of the oldest monuments in Thessaloniki, originally built as a mausoleum and later converted into a church.
Time: 10:35 AM - 10:50 AM
Description: Just a short walk away, this Roman triumphal arch commemorates the victory of Emperor Galerius over the Persians.
Time: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Description: Explore the remains of the Palace complex, which once served as the residence of Emperor Galerius.
Midday:
Time: 11:40 AM - 12:10 PM
Description: Continue your walk to this magnificent Byzantine church, modeled after the famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (not Constantinople).
Time: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Description: Head to Athonos Square, a lively area with traditional tavernas where you can sample local dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, and seafood specialties.
Afternoon:
Time: 1:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Description: Stroll through Thessaloniki’s main square, lined with cafes and shops, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Time: 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Description: Walk to the waterfront to visit Thessaloniki's iconic landmark, The White Tower. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Time: 3:20 PM - 4:00 PM
Description: Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, enjoying the beautiful gardens and sculptures.
Late Afternoon:
Time: 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Description: Relax with some bubbly at Vin Blé, a stylish spot perfect for wine down.
Incredible Day Trip from Thessaloniki
The Monasteries of Meteora
Have an extra day in Thessaloniki? One option Bubbly Tourist would highly recommend are the Monasteries of Meteora located just under three hours from Thessaloniki. There are six still functioning clifftop monasteries that are absolutely worth seeing. They seem to defy conventional thinking of what can possibly be built seven centuries ago on top of free standing natural pillars of rock. The monasteries are quite impressive and the views are just incredible.
Bubbly Tourist Bon Voyage!