Travel back in time and visit ancient Greece in Thessaloniki. There are plenty of attractions in this Greek city, and we’ve listed the must-sees for you.
Which Thessaloniki attractions should I visit?
- Discover the White Tower & the Arch of Galerius where the history of Greece almost comes to life;
- Visit the Archaeological Museum & the Roman Agora, perfect for archaeology enthusiasts;
- The Hagia Sophia church, a top attraction not to be missed.
The White Tower of Thessaloniki
One of the remnants from the Ottoman Empire is the 34-meter high White Tower of Thessaloniki. In the past, the White Tower was used as a prison and executions were carried out there. Due to this bloody history, the tower was once known as the Tower of Blood. To mask this grim history, the tower was painted white in 1833 and was named the White Tower. Climb all the stairs to the 6th floor and enjoy a stunning view over the bay.
Arch of Galerius
Just a 10-minute walk from the White Tower, you’ll find the number 2 must-see Thessaloniki attraction: the Arch of Galerius. Centuries ago, three triumphal arches were dedicated to the Roman Emperor Galerius. Of these, only the middle one remains standing. It is beautifully decorated with stone reliefs full of war scenes with elephants, and Galerius himself is also depicted along with his father-in-law Diocletian.
Tip: another fun activity in Thessaloniki is renting a bike so you can get to know the city even better. On a bike, you’ll feel like a local and can go wherever and whenever you want without having to rely on public transport. It’s also easy to explore more of the Thessaloniki surroundings.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum takes you through the rich history of Thessaloniki. Here you’ll find excavated items such as pottery and tools. Everything revolves around antiquity, which interestingly contrasts with the modernity of the museum. Using interactive high-tech equipment, you can learn about history here. Through touchscreens, you get more information about the background of the items on display.
Things to do in Thessaloniki: after visiting all these attractions, you’ll naturally get hungry, and the Greek cuisine is an attraction in itself. Opt for the food tour and taste the delicious Mezze. Learn all about the culinary culture of Greece and enjoy not only delicious food but also attractions in and around the center of Thessaloniki. A perfect combination!
Roman Agora
If you’re not a big fan of museums but still want to see some archaeology, head to the Roman Agora, an impressive ruin where much trading took place. For years, this was the economic, political, religious, and social center of Thessaloniki. It’s an attraction you shouldn’t miss. If you want to know more after seeing the ruins, there’s a beautiful and free-access museum hidden underground.
The Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki
In the heart of the city center is the Hagia Sophia, also spelled Hagia Sophia, a church from the 8th century. For centuries, during the Turkish occupation, it served as a mosque. The building is a replica of the famous Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. The dome and vaults are meant to represent the heavens, and you can admire impressive frescoes there.
The church is open daily from 07:30 – 12:00 and from 17:00 – 20:30.
Things to do in Thessaloniki: want to discover all these attractions with a Dutch guide? Book the Thessaloniki highlights bike tour now and explore it all in just 3 hours. You’ll cycle with a guide past all the hotspots of this Greek city. After the tour, you’ll know exactly where to find the hidden spots that the average tourist won’t easily discover.
Want to discover more of Greece? Check out the other cities where you can cycle in Greece with Baja Bikes.