With its rich history and its wonderful location right on the Aegean Sea, the city of Thessaloniki, Greece has something to offer almost every sort of traveler. Stunning historical landmarks and churches can be found at every turn, telling the story of the city's history from Roman times to the present day, and there's no shortage of fascinating museums full of ancient Byzantine treasures and Macedonian artifacts. The city boasts a vibrant modern culture as well, and after a day of exploring, visitors can stroll down the winding streets of the Ladadika district and enjoy a meal and a drink at one of its many excellent taverns.
White Tower
Perhaps the most easily recognizable landmark in the city, the White Tower is a six-story structure that dates back to the 15th century.
Ladadika
If you're looking to enjoy traditional Greek food in a lively atmosphere, the Ladadika district is the place to go. The area was formerly one of the city's most important olive oil markets, but it's now a popular gathering place that often stays busy until dawn.
Ataturk Museum
The birthplace of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, the Ataturk Museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in 20th-century history.
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
One of the largest and most important museums in the country, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki showcases an impressive collection of artifacts dating as far back as the 7th century B.C.
Museum of Byzantine Culture
Thessaloniki is well known for its Byzantine character, and the Museum of Byzantine Culture is an excellent place to learn about the customs, art, and architecture of this fascinating period in history.
Olympic Museum of Thessaloniki
Formerly known as the Athletic Museum of Thessaloniki, the Olympic Museum of Thessaloniki was given its current name after being officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 2008.
Church of Agia Sofia
Modeled after a church in Istanbul that shares its name, the Church of Agia Sofia is a beautiful building that has served as both a church and a mosque since it was constructed in the 8th century.
Temple of Osios David
Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the Temple of Osios David was built in the 5th century and is now one of Thessaloniki's best kept secrets.
Folk Art and Ethnological Museum of Macedonia and Thrace
Established in 1973, the Folk Art and Ethnological Museum of Macedonia and Thrace is a fascinating museum housed inside a historic building known as the Old Government House.
Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki
Founded to represent and honor the city's rich Jewish heritage, the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki presents an excellent array of exhibits that tell the story of the city's Jewish residents between the 16th century and the end of World War II.
Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the old city, the Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos is a 14th-century Byzantine structure that was originally part of a monastery.
Ano Poli and The Heptapyrgion
Even if you only have a day or two in Thessaloniki, Ano Poli and The Heptapyrgion are sights that simply can't be missed.
Vlatadon Monastery
Located in the charming neighborhood of Ano Poli, the Vlatadon Monastery is the only monastery in the city that has never stopped operating since it was built during Byzantine times.
Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
Constructed to celebrate the Roman victory against the Persians in the early 4th century, the Arch of Galerius, also known as the Kamara, is easily one of city's most recognizable landmarks.
The Rotunda
Also known as Agios Georgios, The Rotunda is another 4th-century Roman monument that was originally part of the same palatial complex as the Arch of Galerius.
Roman Forum
Discovered during archaeological excavations in the 1960s, the Roman Forum was the heart of the city's public and political life during Ancient Roman times.
Church of Agios Demetrios
Built in the 5th century and dedicated to the city's patron saint, the Church of Agios Demetrios is a stunning temple with a large underground crypt that houses the body of the Roman soldier Demetrios, who was killed on the site by the orders of Emperor Galerius.
Church of the Acheiropoietos
Widely believed to be one of the country's oldest surviving Christian temples, the Church of the Acheiropoietos dates back to approximately 452 A.D. Acheiropoietos translates as 'not made by human hand', which refers to the belief that the icon of the Virgin Mary that used to be kept in the church was created by divine hands rather than human ones.
Bey Hamam
Conveniently located on the busy Egnatia Street, Bey Hamam is a large Turkish bath complex known in English as the Baths of Paradise.
Alaca Imaret
Although not as well-known as many of the other tourist attractions in Thessaloniki, Alaca Imaret is one of the city's most beautiful hidden gems.
Thessaloniki Waterfront
A trip to Thessaloniki wouldn't be complete without spending some time by the sea, and the Thessaloniki Waterfront is a spectacular place to do so.
Molyvos
Another of the city's top restaurants, Molyvos is an eclectic mezze bar known for its friendly service and its delicious Middle Eastern-influenced cuisine.