Call it Thessaloniki, Saloniki or Salonica, Greece’s second largest city is for travelers looking for some authenticity, undoubtable charm, and meaning in their journeys. Unlike the other cities of Greece, Thessaloniki is a place with an interesting contrast of history, culture and vibrant nightlife. In short it is more than just a city, it is an authentic place where one can spend a few days in peace and tranquility. The next time you plan a Greek Vacation, make sure it is to Thessaloniki.
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8 Good Reasons To Visit Thessaloniki
- There are 15 early Christian and Byzantine monuments that come under the UNESCO sites.
- The city boasts of over 2,300 years of history with influences from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule.
- From ancient ruins to modern buildings, everything around has an array of architectural styles.
- Aristotle University, the largest university in Greece is located in Thessaloniki.
- The city is home to several museums, historical and cultural sites.
- With numerous bars, music venues, and cafes open till late in the night, the city is known for its bustling nightlife.
- Thessaloniki is known as Greece’s gastronomic capital because of its vibrant culinary scene.
- There are numerous festivals and events happening throughout the year, it is literally the art and festival hub of Greece.
Where Is Thessaloniki Located
Thessaloniki is a historic port city sitting along the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. It is located in Northern Greece and is the second-largest city in Greece. Since Thessaloniki lies very close to the borders of Bulgaria and North Macedonia, it is a gateway between the Mediterranean and Balkans. The city has just about 1 million inhabitants.
Getting There And Moving Around
The beautiful city of Thessaloniki is well connected by all modes of transportation. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan better.
By Air: The Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia which is 15km away from the city center operates both domestic and international flights. There are numerous airlines that fly to Thessaloniki from India too. This is the easiest and fastest way to get to Thessaloniki.
By Rail: Since Thessaloniki railway station does not connect to places outside of Greece, it is advisable to take a flight to Athens and then take a train to Thessaloniki. The train journey will take about 4-5 hours from Athens.
By Road: The Greek highways are so good that you can either hire a cab, take a bus or drive on your own. Taking a bus would be the most economical in comparison with all the other modes of transportation. By road from Athens to Thessaloniki which will take a little over 5 hours.
Getting Around: This busy city is well connected with public transportation options like buses, taxis and metro services. There is also the Hop on Hop off bus service which is ideal for a tourist. Since most of the attractions are well within the city center, a walking tour could also be a great idea.
Weather In Thessaloniki
The weather in Thessaloniki is generally hot and humid. Summers can get very hot, winters chilly and can also expect very little snowfall. Here’s a snapshot of how the weather looks throughout the year and when is the best time to visit Thessaloniki.
March to May – This is spring time and chances of rain fall is very less. It’s a great time to take a trip as there is freshness in the air due to the pleasant weather and blooming flowers. For book lovers it is the ideal time as the International Book Fair happens in the month of May every year.
June to August – The summer months have clear and sunny skies. Many festivals like the Street Mode festival, Urban Picnic Festival and many more festivals are held during these months. It’s a great time to enjoy some good food and great music.
September to November – The autumn months are the most favorable months for a visit due to the cool weather. Hence you can expect many tourists during this time. The Reworks Music Festival, the International Trade Fair, the festival of Dimitria and the Thessaloniki Mystery Festival happens during this time.
December to February – Winters are generally cold, hazy and foggy throughout the day. There are many who love to visit during this time of the year to enjoy the cold weather and occasional snow. However check before booking as many restaurants and activities are closed during these months.
Places To Visit In Thessaloniki
White Tower – This 15th-century structure which was used as a fortress and prison during the Ottoman rule has been converted into a museum today. It provides a peek into the city’s history and views from its upper level are breathtaking.
Aristotelous Square – This Square named after the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle is a hub of activities. It’s a great spot for people watching, enjoying sea views, street music, leisurely walks and relaxation.
Church Of St Demetrios – The UNESCO-listed site is a 5th-century basilica dedicated to St. Demetrios who was imprisoned and martyred here in 306 A.D. The remains of this church is a perfect example of the Byzantine Architecture.
Arch Of Rotunda And Galerius – The Galerius and Rotunda are two 4th century buildings that shows the architectural excellence and creativity of the people during those times. These buildings have served as mausoleum, church, and mosque through the years.
Archaeological Museums – There are many museums here, if not all make sure to visit a few as the museums here houses artifacts from Macedonia’s ancient past that includes sculptures, ancient jewelry, crafted gold, belts, mosaics and crowns. Museum of Byzantine Culture, Jewish Museum, Atatürk Museum, Macedonian Struggle, State Museum of Contemporary Art and museum of photography are some of the top ones.
Things To Do In Thessaloniki
Day Trips – There are many tour operators offering great day trips. For history buffs, Vergina is a good option, for beach lovers, the turquoise waters of Halkidiki is a fantastic escape and for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty, Mount Olympus and Dion is a must visit.
Nightlife – Thessaloniki is popular for its nightlife, so one can’t leave without experiencing its dynamic nightlife. Check out places like Valaoritou District and Bit Bazaar.
Walking Tour – The best way to explore Thessaloniki is by foot. This is your chance to explore the city like a local and to get an up-close look into the lives of the people here. Click here to book your Thessaloniki private walking tour with a guide.
Scuba Diving – Some of the beautiful Mediterranean beaches in Thessaloniki are known for its watersport activities. Beaches like Asprovalta and Stavros have certified Sea World Scuba Diving Center for both amateurs and experts.
Shopping – From high end boutiques to local designer shops, from malls to flea markets, there are many opportunities for shopping here. It’s a great way to end your coastal metropolis tour.
Also Read: Essential Greece Travel Tips To Know Before You Go
Final Words
Despite being the second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki is overlooked by most of the tourists. Its layers of civilization, unique experiences and a charm that is quite different from the other Greek cities will make you want to come back for more. If you’re looking for a not so crowded place to spend a few days in peace, Thessaloniki is the place to be.
FAQs
We highly recommend that you spend at least 3 days exploring all the city’s top highlights and important sights. For a more relaxed trip, add another two days to your itinerary.
The famous foods to try while here are soutzoukakia, spiced meatballs in tomato sauce and a cream-filled pie called bougatsas.
Euro (EUR) is the currency used not just in Thessaloniki but throughout Greece too.
Since Greece has a relatively high percentage of English speakers, tourists will not face any language barriers while travelling.
