Today, that history feels less like a museum exhibit and more like a lived-in warmth, where ancient stones bask under the same sun that greets locals ordering frappe at corner tables. It is a vibrant, unpretentious port city where Byzantine echoes mingle with modern nightlife, inviting you to wander its labyrinthine alleys without rushing to see everything.
Do Thessaloniki the way locals do: start slow at Garden of Remembrance, eat where the regulars do at The Rouga, let the evening run long at Dentro sto Bar.
Top things to do in Thessaloniki Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
White Tower of Thessaloniki
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.7 (65,327 reviews)
Landmark Ottoman fortress & former prison housing an interactive exhibition of the city's history.
Check tours & tickets 2
Aristotelous Square
Historical Place · ★ 4.7 (50,259 reviews)
Vast, waterfront public square, designed by Ernest Hebrard & surrounded by mansions & cafes.
Check tours & tickets 3
Arch of Galerius
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.7 (16,757 reviews)
Iconic monument dedicated in 303 CE featuring relief scenes of Galerius' victory over the Persians.
Check tours & tickets 4
Ataturk Museum of Thessaloniki
History Museum · ★ 4.7 (12,559 reviews)
Modest home & birthplace of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, offering tours.
Check tours & tickets 6
Holy Cathedral Church of Hagia Sophia
Church · ★ 4.8 (8,391 reviews)
Historic, iconic orthodox church with elaborate statuary, paintings & mosaics under massive arches.
Check tours & tickets 8
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Museum · ★ 4.7 (9,272 reviews)
Noted archaeological museum with a massive collection of Greek art & artifacts up to late antiquity.
Check tours & tickets 9
Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.6 (7,718 reviews)
This Byzantine-era fortress features multiple towers & overlooks the city's acropolis.
Check tours & tickets 10
Rotonda
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.6 (6,619 reviews)
Circular building built as a house of worship by Romans in the early 300s & known for its mosaics.
Check tours & tickets Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
The Rouga
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (10,447 reviews)
Website 12
Salento Wood Fired Street Food
Italian Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (5,216 reviews)
13
Kanoula
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (4,878 reviews)
Snug spot with eclectic decor offering Mediterranean cuisine including many vegetarian options.
Website 14
Mpakal
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (9,957 reviews)
Website 15
The Greek
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (7,486 reviews)
Website 16
Mamalouka
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (7,578 reviews)
Salads, seafood & traditional Greek cuisine in a rustic-chic outpost dispensing wine & cocktails.
Website 17
Charoupi
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (4,793 reviews)
Simple, warm eatery offering traditional Cretan & Greek plates alongside local wines.
Website 18
Pites tis Polis
Turkish Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (2,713 reviews)
Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Thessaloniki
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
Get outside 25
Garden of Remembrance
Park · ★ 4.5 (4,755 reviews)
Water garden with turtles & koi in lily ponds on a bay-side boardwalk known for sunset views.
26
Περιβαλλοντικό Πάρκο Θέρμης - Πανοράματος
Park · ★ 4.7 (1,764 reviews)
Website 27
Elaiorema
City Park · ★ 4.4 (2,287 reviews)
Dog-friendly park with trails for hikers & cyclists, plus a basketball court & exercise equipment.
Website 28
Neoi Epivates beach
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.3 (2,601 reviews)
29
Pasha’s Gardens
Garden · ★ 4.4 (1,808 reviews)
Quirky park with mysterious, half-ruined stone structures dating to the early 20th century.
Website After dark 30
Dentro sto Bar
Bar · ★ 4.5 (5,779 reviews)
Website 31
Pulp
Bar · ★ 4.7 (2,578 reviews)
Website 32
THE PUB THESSALONIKI
Irish Pub · ★ 4.7 (2,037 reviews)
Website 33
The Garden Bar
Brunch Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (2,635 reviews)
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