Thessaloniki, Greece Travel Community

Never been to Thessaloniki. Where to start?

1 - 4 of 4 Posts
k_tsoukalas

k_tsoukalas

Administrator
I've been to Greece several times but I have never been to Thessaloniki. What are some of the main sites to see here, and what do you all recommend doing?
 
  • Like
Reactions: ssherie_
I would recommend the Ladadika district and Lefkos Pirgos! They're the most popular spots for sure :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: auroracoor1
I love Aristotelis Square! Almost all of Thessaloniki’s public celebrations (Christmas and New Year), as well as cultural and political events and rallies are held on Aristotelous Square. It's so beautiful during holidays because everyone is out and about shopping, eating, and enjoying the beautiful Greek weather.
 
k_tsoukalas said:
I've been to Greece several times but I have never been to Thessaloniki. What are some of the main sites to see here, and what do you all recommend doing?
Click to expand...
Thessaloniki is the most erotic city in Greece. You have to take a walk by the sea (leoforos Nikis) and you will find Lefko pyrgo. You must visit Aristotelous plateia( square) and have a Coffee on Δωμάτιο με θέα (room with a view) where you can see the square and the sea. You must visit Λαδάδικα (ladadika) where the night is magical for Coffee, drinks or special food. I will add a Coffee Shop Remvi | Café Bar Restaurant in Kalamaria, by the sea also. A stroll in the old city where you can find the ancient walls. You should visit Agios Dimitrios, a church in Agiou Dimitriou street, a saint that protects Thessaloniki.
 
1 - 4 of 4 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

First impressions of Thessaloniki compared to Athens?

I’ve been to both Thessaloniki and Athens, but it’s been a while, so I’m trying to refresh my memory a bit.

Someone I might be traveling with this summer asked me how the two cities compare, and I realized I wasn’t sure how I’d describe it now. I remember Athens feeling bigger, more intense, and obviously packed with history at every turn.

Thessaloniki, on the other hand, felt a bit more relaxed and maybe more focused on food and day-to-day life, but that’s just how it stuck with me.

I’m curious how others see it, especially if you’ve been more recently. Do they still feel that different from each other? If you had to explain the vibe of each city to someone going for the first time, what would you say?

How Did Thessaloniki Feel the First Time You Visited?

The first visit to a city often leaves a very specific imprint — not just what you saw, but how your body reacted to being there. Some places feel impressive, others overwhelming, and some quietly settle into you without asking permission.

I’m curious about people’s first experiences of Thessaloniki. When you arrived for the first time, how did it feel?

Did the city come across as familiar or unexpected? Calm or charged? Did the sea change your sense of space? Was it the pace, the light, the food, the conversations drifting past cafés, or something harder to name? Sometimes it’s not a landmark that sticks, but a mood — the way time moved, or didn’t. It has been so long since I was there for the first time!

Favorite Places to See in Thessaloniki - Advice Needed

I'm thinking about spending one or two days in Thessaloniki this fall before continuing my trip elsewhere in Greece. I've heard so many good things about the city, but with limited time I'd love to make the most of my visit.

Of course, I plan to see some of the well-known sights like the White Tower and the waterfront, but I'm also interested in the places that really capture the character of the city. If you only had a day or two, what would you consider absolute must-sees?

I'd love recommendations for historic neighborhoods, churches, museums, viewpoints, local markets, cafés, or favorite restaurants. Are there any hidden gems that first-time visitors often overlook?

If you've visited Thessaloniki, what experiences stood out the most? I'd really appreciate hearing how you would spend a short visit in the city.

5 Days in Thessaloniki Enough or Too Much?

I’m starting to plan a possible trip to Greece with my family, and Thessaloniki is high on my list. I’ve always been interested in the history there — Byzantine sites, Roman ruins, Ottoman influences — plus the food scene seems incredible. It feels like a city with a lot of character compared to some more tourist-heavy destinations.

What I’m trying to figure out is timing. Would about five days in Thessaloniki be a good amount, or is that more than the city really needs? We tend to travel at a relaxed pace, not rushing from place to place, but I also don’t want to run out of things to do.

For those who’ve visited, how long did you stay? Did you wish you had more time, or less? Would you combine it with nearby day trips?

Is Ano Poli worth the uphill walk?

I've been looking into different neighborhoods to explore in Thessaloniki, and Ano Poli keeps coming up as a place worth visiting. The traditional houses, narrow streets, and beautiful views over the city sound wonderful, but I'm wondering whether the uphill walk is as challenging as some people say.

I love exploring neighborhoods on foot, especially places with interesting architecture, little cafés, and a more traditional atmosphere. Ano Poli seems like it would be a nice change of pace from the busier waterfront and city center.

For those who have visited, is the walk up worth the effort? Are there particular streets, viewpoints, or historical sites that you recommend seeing while you're there?

I'm also wondering if it's better to walk uphill from the center or take a taxi or bus to the top and explore on the way down. I'd love to hear everyone's experiences!
Share and discuss your Thessaloniki photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top