Visit Thessaloniki
The vibrant soul of the north. Thessaloniki is a city of the sea and the bright light. The White Tower stands on the waterfront as a symbol of the city and its long history. You can walk for miles along the shore with a view of Mount Olympus in the distance. It is a place where the Balkan spirit meets the Mediterranean waves in a lively mix. The sunsets over the water are famous for their deep pink and orange colors. You can spend a whole evening just watching the boats go by in the bay.
The Ano Poli or upper town has narrow streets and old houses that survived the great fire of 1917. You can visit the Rotunda and ancient Roman ruins that sit in the middle of busy shopping streets. The markets like Modiano are full of spices, fresh olives, and local cheeses that smell amazing. It is a city that loves to eat and stay out late into the night. The energy here is infectious and warm to every visitor. You will find that every square has a cafe filled with people enjoying a long talk and a frappé.
This city is a must for any tour of Greece by car. It is the perfect base for exploring the blue beaches of Halkidiki or the high mountains. The drive along the coast is full of blue water and green trees that come right down to the sand. The roads are wide and lead to ancient sites like Pella and hidden coves that are perfect for a swim. It is a city that invites you to join the party and stay for a while. You will love the fresh seafood and the lively music.
Top sights to visit
- The White Tower Visit this round stone tower on the waterfront which is the most famous symbol of the city. You can climb to the top for a great view of the harbor and the nearby shops. It houses a museum about the local history.
- The Waterfront Promenade This five kilometer long path along the sea is perfect for a walk as the sun goes down. You can see many modern statues including a group of giant steel umbrellas that look great in photos. The sea breeze is very fresh.
- Aristotelous Square This is the main plaza of the city designed with grand arches and open views of the water. It is a lively hub for shopping and has many cafes where you can try a local frappe. It is the heart of the city's social life.
- The Rotunda See this massive circular brick building that was first a tomb and then a church and a mosque. Its walls are incredibly thick and the inside is full of old golden mosaics. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
- Ano Poli (Upper Town) Drive up the steep hills to the old district that survived the great fire of the past. You can walk through narrow streets with wooden houses and see the old city walls. The view of the gulf from here is the best in town.
- Heptapyrgion Fortress Located at the highest point of the city this fort was used as a castle and a prison for a long time. You can explore the old stone towers and walk the ramparts for a wide view of the mountains. It is a quiet and rugged site.
- Modiano Market Explore this historic indoor market to find fresh olives, local cheeses, and bags of bright spices. It is a feast for the senses and a great place to try a quick local snack. The building has a very cool glass and metal roof.
- The Arch of Galerius Known as the Kamara this stone arch is covered in detailed carvings of ancient battles. It sits in a busy part of the city where students and locals meet every day. It is a great piece of Roman history right on the street.
- Agios Dimitrios Church This is the main church of the city and sits above an underground crypt where a saint was kept. The stone columns and old mosaics are very beautiful and show the city's long faith. The crypt below is quiet and very cool.
- The Roman Forum See the ruins of the ancient city center including a small theatre and old shops. It was found by accident while digging for a new building and is now an open air museum. It is located right in the middle of the modern city.
- Ataturk Museum Visit the house where the founder of modern Turkey was born which is now a quiet museum. It is a simple pink building with a beautiful garden in a quiet part of town. It tells a story of local history and world change.
- Ladadika District Walk through this old neighborhood near the port that is full of colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. It is the best place to find traditional Greek music and local food in the evening. The area is full of life and joy.
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History of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC and named after the sister of Alexander the Great. It became the second most important city in the Byzantine Empire, serving as a wealthy port and a center of art and faith. Its location on the Aegean Sea made it a bridge between Europe and the East. For over two thousand years, it has been a city of massive walls, grand churches, and busy markets where many cultures have met.
The city’s history is a mix of Roman glory and Ottoman influence. You can see the Arch of Galerius celebrating ancient battles and the White Tower which has stood as a guard on the waterfront for centuries. In the early 1900s, the city was known as a vibrant center of Jewish community. After a great fire destroyed much of the center in 1917, the city was rebuilt with wide squares like Aristotelous Square and an elegant Mediterranean style.
Today, Thessaloniki is a city that lives by the rhythm of the sea. It is famous for its food, its music, and its very long waterfront walks. Driving through the city shows you Roman ruins sitting right next to modern shopping streets and busy cafes. It is a warm, energetic, and historic place that serves as the gateway to the mountains and beaches of northern Greece.