Thessaloniki: Explore the City Center and Old Town

Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region of Macedonia. With an international airport 15 km to the east, it is the ideal starting point for holidays in Northern Greece. Although exploring the city centre on foot is far better, you will need to rent a car to discover the wider region — from the beaches of Halkidiki to the foothills of Mount Olympus.

The City Centre

Thessaloniki is a port city built on Thermaikos Gulf, facing Mount Olympus across the water. The city centre has four central avenues (Nikis, Tsimiski, Egnatia, Agiou Dimitriou) running parallel to the busy waterfront where the locals meet for their evening walk. The central squares of Aristotelous and Eleftherias face Nikis Avenue, the coastal road that leads to the 15th-century White Tower.

Tsimiski Avenue is the main shopping street, lined with Greek and international brands. Egnatia Avenue follows the route of the ancient Roman road (Via Egnatia) and passes several major monuments. Between these avenues, a grid of smaller streets hides boutique shops, bookstores, and some of the best food in Greece.

The White Tower

The White Tower is the landmark of Thessaloniki. There are two popular versions of the origin of the name. During Ottoman rule, the tower served as a prison. In 1890, a convict whitewashed the tower in exchange for his freedom. According to the other version, the whitewashing was a symbolic gesture of cleansing after the city's liberation in 1912.

Today, the White Tower is open to the public as a museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the waterfront, the city, and — on a clear day — Mount Olympus in the distance. The surrounding park area is a popular meeting spot, especially in the evening.

Nea Paralia — The Waterfront Promenade

The Nea Paralia (new waterfront) is a 3.5 km pedestrian promenade stretching from the White Tower southeast to the concert hall. Redesigned in 2013, it is one of the finest urban waterfronts in Europe — with themed gardens, public art installations, playgrounds, and uninterrupted sea views.

The locals use it for running, cycling, and their evening volta (walk). On weekends, it fills with families and street performers. The sculpture Umbrellas by George Zongolopoulos at the far end has become a symbol of modern Thessaloniki. Walk or cycle the full length at sunset for the best experience.

Ano Poli — The Old Town

Our favourite place in Thessaloniki is Ano Poli (the upper town). It is also known as "the old town" and is the only part of the city that survived the great fire of 1917. You will fall in love with the quiet neighbourhoods, cobbled streets, and Ottoman-era wooden houses. Walk past the Byzantine walls and enjoy panoramic views of Thermaikos Gulf with beautiful sunsets.

Ano Poli is the perfect escape from the busy rhythm of the city centre. The Trigoniou Tower viewpoint offers one of the best photo opportunities in the city. The small tavernas in the neighbourhood serve traditional dishes at honest prices, away from the tourist-facing restaurants downtown. On warm evenings, the locals gather in the small squares with a coffee or a glass of wine.

Ladadika and Kalamaria — Where to Eat and Drink

Thessaloniki is widely considered the food capital of Greece, and two neighbourhoods stand out for dining:

Ladadika — a former warehouse district near the port, restored into a lively area of restaurants, bars, and live music venues. It is the best option for dinner and nightlife, with everything from traditional tavernas to modern cocktail bars. On Friday and Saturday nights, the pedestrian streets fill with people.

Kalamaria — east of the city centre, next to the marina. Famous for its seafood tavernas where you can enjoy ouzo and fresh fish by the sea during the day. The waterfront strip has dozens of restaurants with views across the gulf.

Beyond these areas, Thessaloniki's food scene is everywhere. The Modiano Market and Kapani Market (next to each other near Aristotelous Square) sell fresh produce, spices, olives, and local delicacies. For street food, try the local bougatsa (a flaky pastry with cream or cheese) and the famous koulouri — a sesame-covered bread ring sold on every corner.

Museums and Monuments

Thessaloniki has an extraordinary concentration of museums and historical monuments:

Archaeological Museum — hosts findings from excavations across Macedonia, covering prehistoric to Roman times. The Gold of Macedon and the Thessaloniki in Prehistory exhibitions are highlights.

Museum of Byzantine Culture — if you are interested in the Byzantine period, this award-winning museum will transport you through thematic sections covering daily life, worship, burial customs, architecture, art, and commerce.

Arch of Galerius — on Egnatia Avenue, this triumphal arch was built in honour of the Roman Emperor Galerius. Walk a bit further to the beautiful church of Agia Sofia, an 8th-century cross-basilica and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rotunda — one of the oldest and most impressive buildings in the city. Originally built as a Roman temple, later converted into a church and then a mosque. The mosaics inside are stunning.

Day Trips from Thessaloniki by Car

Thessaloniki is perfectly positioned for road trips into Northern Greece. Rent a car at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) and explore:

• Halkidiki (60–120 km) — three peninsulas with some of the best beaches on the Greek mainland. Kassandra is nearest, Sithonia is the most scenic.

• Vergina (80 km) — the Royal Tombs of Macedon, including the tomb of Philip II, Alexander the Great's father. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Mount Olympus (90 km) — Greece's highest mountain and home of the ancient gods. The town of Litochoro is the base for hiking trails and the mountain's slopes.

• Edessa (90 km) — the waterfall city of northern Greece, with a beautiful old quarter and natural park.

• Kavala (150 km) — a coastal city with a dramatic Byzantine aqueduct, an old town, and nearby beaches on the island of Thassos.

Practical Tips

• Walking the centre — the city centre is best explored on foot. Major monuments and squares are within walking distance of each other.

• Parking — street parking in the centre is difficult. Use the parking near the port or Nea Paralia waterfront, or the underground car park at Aristotelous Square.

• Best time to visit — autumn (September–November) is wonderful in Thessaloniki: warm enough for outdoor dining, cool enough for comfortable sightseeing, and the International Film Festival in November adds cultural buzz.

• Winter visits — unlike the islands, Thessaloniki is a year-round destination. Winter brings Christmas markets, cosy tavernas, and excellent prices on car rentals and hotels.

Explore Thessaloniki your way — rent a car, a scooter or a motorbike with Simplybook and support local communities.

Featured image by pxfuel, licensed.