I recently visited the beautiful city of Thessaloniki in November 2024, enjoying unexpectedly warm weather with no rain.
Though my trip was only for the weekend, I managed to visit the city’s most iconic landmarks, even though there was much more to explore. I also took a day trip to the stunning site of Meteora.
Since I visited during the winter, my suggestions will focus on sightseeing and indoor activities, rather than summer-related experiences.
In this guide you will find:
- An interactive map with more than 30 places
- What to do and which sites to see
- Ideas for your accommodation and eating
- Some recommendations for a trip to Meteora
This guide is provided to you for free and I thank you in advance for any tip you would like to give me!
If you are not registered, you can use the following code: zzws9mauc to get a 25% (up to 5,00 €) on your first ride.
Beside the taxi, you can also use Freenow also for scooter and bicycle rental.
Stay
I have chosen to stay at The Met Hotel, a well renowned hotel in Thessaloniki. The location is not ideal as it not very centric, however I like to walk so for me it was not an issue.
Though its position is not in the centre, they offer a complimentary shuttle service to the city centre.
The hotel features two swimming pools: one inside open all year round and one on the rooftop open only during summer. Furthermore there is a SPA, a gym and two restaurants.
The breakfast is also good.
Unveiled in 1974, it shows Alexander on his rearing horse, Bucephalus, symbolizing his strength, courage, and vast conquests. The statue stands as a powerful emblem of Greek heritage and Alexander’s enduring legacy.
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And to finish my seafront stroll I went seeing The Umbrellas of Zon
Erected in 1997, the sculpture features dozens of steel umbrellas of varying heights arranged in a way that gives them a sense of lightness and movement. The piece is celebrated for its elegance and has become a beloved symbol of Thessaloniki, especially striking at sunset and beautifully illuminated at night.
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The old town
I, then, retraced my steps and went to see the Arch of Galerius and Rotunda
It has been built around 305 AD to commemorate Emperor Galerius’s victory over the Persians.
Originally part of a larger palace complex, the arch features detailed relief carvings depicting battle scenes and Galerius’s triumphs.
Though only part of the original structure remains, it serves as a testament to Thessaloniki’s rich history and Roman heritage and is a popular meeting point in the city today.
The Rotunda in Thessaloniki is a massive, cylindrical structure originally built around 306 AD as part of Emperor Galerius’s palace complex. Likely intended as a mausoleum or temple, it was later converted into a Christian church and eventually a mosque during the Ottoman era, reflecting the city’s layered history. Its thick walls, high dome, and impressive mosaics make it an architectural marvel and one of Thessaloniki’s oldest standing monuments. Today, the Rotunda is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a powerful symbol of the city’s diverse cultural past.
It is open in the morning and I unfortunately I had not have the chance to visit.
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Then I started my hike toward the higher part of town.
The Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki, also known as Yedi Kule, is a historic fortress located on the city’s acropolis. Despite its name, which means “Fortress of Seven Towers,” it actually has ten towers. Originally constructed in the Byzantine period and later expanded under Ottoman rule, it served both as a defensive stronghold and, in later centuries, as a notorious prison until the 1980s. The fortress offers panoramic views of Thessaloniki and stands as a reminder of the city’s complex military and social history.
I was able to see it from the outside as it is only open in the morning.
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By the time I was up there, it was almost the sunset. Because all this walking made me thirsty I went to a bar nearby:
There were few people praying when I went (around 18:00) and I was able to enter and have a peek of the inside. It has also a balcony with a view over the city.
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I then continue my descent, passing through the city centre and went unwinding at my hotel.
Dinner
Few days before my visit, I saw that there was the International Film Festival and so I decided to go to see a movie. Since the theatre was at the pier of the old port, I found this very delicious typical restaurant just nearby:
Known as the “Maker of Modern Greece,” Venizelos was instrumental in expanding Greek territories and modernizing the country during the early 20th century. The statue, located in Venizelou Square, depicts him standing confidently, symbolizing his vision and leadership. Venizelos played a key role in shaping Greece’s political landscape, and his statue commemorates his lasting impact on Greek society and the city of Thessaloniki.
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Tourist started to arrive to the square and also our guides. The day of my visit there were three groups: two for Meteora and one for Mt. Olympus national park. I met my guide and at around 8:00am I departed with a private bus towards Meteora. The journey is about 3 hours with a stop at about half-way. During the bus journey you can see from the window Mt. Olympus along with other landmarks. My guide gave brief explanations about Thessaloniki and its surroundings during the trip.ù
Same thing as the other monastery, 3€ is the entrance fee. This time I had the opportunity to visit.
Inside, the monastery features beautiful frescoes, relics, and religious artifacts.
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DIY Tour
Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and its ancient monasteries, which are perched atop towering rock formations. The name “Meteora” means “suspended in air,” a fitting description of the monasteries that seem to defy gravity as they sit on rock pillars that rise as high as 400 meters.
The monasteries of Meteora were established by hermit monks in the 11th and 12th centuries, seeking solitude and spiritual enlightenment in this remote and awe-inspiring landscape. Over time, 24 monasteries were built, though only six remain active today: Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Rousanou, St. Nicholas Anapausas, St. Stephen, and Trinity. These monasteries house incredible religious artifacts, frescoes, and manuscripts, providing visitors with a glimpse into both Byzantine and post-Byzantine history.
The tour I suggested covers only 2 of the 6 monasteries and they vary based on the day of the visit.
If you want to visit by yourself, I suggest you to rent a car and drive to Meteora. There are a lot of parking spots around, even though they are not very big and the get full easily. I visited during low season, yet there were a lot of people and tourists around.
Lunch-time
Lunch is not included in the price of the tour, however they take you to one of their affiliated restaurants.
They offer a great variety of Greek dishes. They are really fast (it shows that they work with group tours) but the quality of the food was really exquisite. The gave you bread with oil, then I had the tzatziki and the chicken. They offered us an small ice cream as dessert. Prices are fair for the location and for the quality of the food. In fact, all their products are sourced from their own farm.
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Alternative tours
I have also considered the following tours before deciding to go to Meteora.
The staff was amazing and very welcoming. I had the eggplant as a starter and lamb meatballs as main course.
To finish a dessert similar to a brownie and raki as digestive.
It is frequented by a lot of young people. The moscow mule I had was really good. I also shared the cheesecake made with Greek yogurt.
You can also smoke narghilè here.
The Museum of Byzantine Civilization is dedicated to the rich cultural and historical legacy of the Byzantine Empire.
Established in 2000, the museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts, including sculptures, mosaics, textiles, and everyday objects that illustrate the art, history, and lifestyle of the Byzantine period.
The museum’s architecture is also noteworthy, designed to reflect the Byzantine aesthetic with modern elements. It offers a comprehensive narrative of the Byzantine era, from its inception in the 4th century to the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
The Museum of Byzantine Civilization is a must-visit for those interested in understanding the profound influence of Byzantium on Thessaloniki and beyond.
The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is one of Greece’s most significant museums, housing an extensive collection of artifacts from Macedonia, dating from prehistoric to late Roman times. Established in 1962, the museum showcases over 100,000 objects, including sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and everyday items that reflect the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The museum is particularly renowned for its collection of finds from the royal tombs of Vergina, associated with the ancient Macedonian kingdom and its most famous ruler, Alexander the Great. Notable exhibits include the gold masks, jewelry, and artifacts that provide insight into the lavish lifestyle of Macedonian nobility.
The museum’s modern design and well-curated displays make it an engaging destination for visitors interested in the history of Thessaloniki and the broader Macedonian area. It serves as a vital institution for preserving and presenting the region’s archaeological treasures.
The NOESIS Science Center & Technology Museum in Thessaloniki is an interactive science and technology museum that aims to inspire curiosity and educate visitors of all ages. Opened in 2003, NOESIS features a range of exhibits covering various scientific fields, including physics, astronomy, robotics, and engineering.
The museum is home to numerous hands-on exhibits, allowing visitors to engage directly with scientific principles and technological advancements. It also includes a planetarium, a 3D cinema, and various educational programs and workshops designed to promote learning through exploration.
NOESIS is a great destination for families and anyone interested in science and technology, providing an entertaining and informative experience that emphasizes the importance of innovation and discovery in our daily lives.
The MOMus - Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki is one of Greece’s leading institutions dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Founded in 1981, the museum boasts an impressive collection of works by Greek and international artists, with a focus on 20th and 21st-century art.
The museum’s collection spans various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art. It hosts temporary exhibitions, events, and educational programs that explore contemporary issues and trends in the art world. MOMus also serves as a platform for emerging artists, promoting innovation and creative expression.
This is the main shopping street in Thessaloniki, lined with international and Greek fashion brands, department stores, and shops offering everything from clothing and accessories to electronics.
Located near the city center, Modiano is an iconic covered market that offers a range of products, including fresh food, spices, herbs, and local delicacies. It’s a great place to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere and find unique items.
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Ciao a tutti! I'm Andrea and I am from Italy. I live in Latina, one hour away from Rome, but my origins are from Lecce province in south Italy. Whenever I have the opportunity I love to hop on a plane and explore the world. I usually travel solo, whether for pleasure or for business. I love to eat and everywhere I go I always try to eat like a local to savour better my travelling experience.
Have any questions or looking for advice? Just hit the ‘Contact Me’ button to send me a message—I’d be happy to help, no matter how big or small your query!
