Discover 434 tours and activities in Thessaloniki
These Thessaloniki tours are a popular choice when it comes to discovering the old town sights. You'll be exploring the cobblestone streets on foot, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Both small group and private experiences are available.
This is a fun way to learn more about local culture and check out the key landmarks with a knowledgeable local guide. You'll see several UNESCO World Heritage monuments that date to Roman and Byzantine times. Highlights include the iconic White Tower, the Ancient Agora and the Roman Forum.
Churches can also be covered on the itinerary – the Crypt of Saint Dimitrios is one of the city's top archaeological sites. Many tours provide you with a specialist historian guide to give greater insight into the city's heritage.
Some excursions are themed, with food tours being a fun diversion from the standard sightseeing trips. You'll get to visit the markets of Kapani and Modiano, as well as restaurants and grocery stores. At each venue, you'll try traditional delicacies like cheese, pastries and coffee.
Thessaloniki is well placed for a bit of ocean exploration, thanks to its enviable position on Greece's northern coastline. During these relaxing Thessaloniki tours, you'll discover wild islands and dramatic landscapes, as well as a few local secret spots along the way.
Some voyages take you into the Singitic Gulf while others whisk you off around the peninsula of Mount Athos. Whichever trip you choose, you'll enjoy seeing a unique side of Thessaloniki that's only visible from the water.
Mount Athos is one of the most popular locations admired during a sailing cruise from Thessaloniki. There are lots of noteworthy monasteries in this region as the area has strong significance for the Orthodox religion. You'll stop at several locations along the coast for photos and take a tour of the ancient city of Ouranoupoli too.
The Chalkidiki Blue Lagoon is another popular destination – it's hidden away in the Singitic Gulf. Here, you'll find some of the region's prettiest beaches and bluest waters. It's the perfect place for swimming and sunbathing.
Thessaloniki is ideally positioned for day trips into the surrounding countryside in northern Greece. If you're in town for a few nights, why not consider exploring a little further afield?
Meteora is the obvious choice. This ancient mountain sanctuary has both religious and geological significance, with unrivaled views across the valley. There were once more than 20 monasteries perched on top of the rocky cliffs, home to monks seeking solitude and safety.
These famous monasteries have been here since the 14th century. Today, just six remain – some of which you can visit on a guided tour. It's a steep climb up to the top of the pinnacles, but the architecture, ancient relics and religious art are worth the effort.
Otherworldly Meteora is a place that has to be seen to be believed. It offers fairy tale scenery, with hiking trails taking you deeper into the landscape for epic panoramas and ancient discoveries. After your visit, enjoy lunch in a traditional Greek taverna before returning to Thessaloniki.
Mount Olympus has long been a central icon of Greek mythology and has the lofty accolade of being Greece's tallest peak. This area became the country's first national park in 1938 and is now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Home to everything from ancient gods to a wealth of wildlife, Mount Olympus is a must on any trip from Thessaloniki. Nature and archaeology stand side by side on the sweeping slopes, and this is a great spot for hiking and canyoning.
The flora and fauna here are unique to the area and are best encountered during a walk in the hills. There are several trails of varying difficulty to enjoy, some of which take in ancient settlements too. Book a private tour for a tailored itinerary.
Many of these Thessaloniki tours to Mount Olympus stop at the Archaeological Park of Dion on the way. Situated at the foot of the mountain, the museum and ruin complex reveal much about the ancient Greek civilization. It's one of the biggest such attractions in the region.
Walk in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Philip II at Vergina, which is also known as the ancient site of Aigai. This was the first kingdom of Macedonia and the birthplace of Alexander himself. If you want to know what time travel feels like, this is a great way to experience it!
The highlight of the trip is the museum and archaeological complex at Pella. Here, you'll admire the splendid mosaics that have survived through the centuries and see artifacts from daily life back in the day.
Meanwhile, in modern Vergina, don't miss the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai. In the museum, you'll find a golden urn that holds the remains of King Philip II of Macedon, which was discovered here during excavation work. Other artifacts including the golden wreath worn by Philip on his funeral pyre are also on display.
Finish up with a traditional Greek lunch in a local restaurant before heading back to Thessaloniki after an epic day out.
Marvel at the wonder of nature as you take a dip in the thermal pools at Pozar. This is a coveted destination on several Thessaloniki tours and the perfect way to unwind after all the sightseeing you'll have been doing.
These natural springs are heated by geothermal forces, so even in winter, they're lovely and warm. The water is said to have healing properties, curing conditions like arthritis, rheumatism and various skin ailments. Even if you're fit and healthy, you're sure to come away with an invigorated sense of well-being.
Lunch is served in a pretty village restaurant, where you'll get to try some local dishes. Follow up your feast with some souvenir shopping in the local market before continuing your adventure.
Your final stop of the day is Edessa, which was the original capital of the ancient Macedon kingdom. Here, you can visit the open-air water museum where the city's industrial heritage is on display. You'll also swing by the Edessa waterfalls, which are the largest in the Balkan region.
Known as the cultural capital of Greece, Thessaloniki is a popular vacation destination on the country's northern coast. This bustling port city is the second-largest settlement in Greece, with a wealth of attractions, restaurants and hotels to enjoy.
Boasting Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman origins, ancient Thessaloniki has plenty of archaeological sites and museums that reveal its extensive history. Despite this, the city feels a lot younger than many of its counterparts around Greece. This is because most of the old town was devastated during the Great Fire of 1917 and subsequently rebuilt in a more contemporary European style.
The culture here has a vibrancy all of its own, and many of Greece's top artists, musicians and writers hail from Thessaloniki. There are several cultural events held here in town, including the Thessaloniki Film Festival and the International Trade Fair. This is a historic city that looks firmly to the future.
Thessaloniki welcomes travelers from across the world and has an international airport for convenient access. You can also reach the city by train from Athens if you're enjoying a longer tour around Greece. Plan to spend several days in Thessaloniki to explore the city and enjoy day trips to nearby destinations like Vergina.
Thessaloniki is a big place, so it can be difficult to decide where to stay. There are several neighborhoods to choose from, each with a range of hotels to suit all budgets. If it's your first time in Thessaloniki, consider a base in the city center, where historic sights rub shoulders with modern restaurants and boutique stores.
Want to be in the heart of the nightlife action? Then opt for a hotel in Ladadika. This charming district has a lively tavern and bar scene, as well as plenty of sidewalk cafés where you can enjoy coffee in the sun.
The best way to travel around sprawling Thessaloniki is on the public buses if you want to cover a fair distance. To explore the historic city center you can simply wander around on foot or take a taxi if you prefer. Meanwhile, the Thessaloniki hop-on hop-off bus tours are a fun way to see the sights and figure out the layout of the city.
There are ATMs in the city, but they're few and far between. So, it's a good idea to exchange your money into Euros at the airport on arrival. Cards are usually accepted at upscale restaurants, stores and hotels.
There are several Thessaloniki tours available to show you the delights of the city. Booking a walking tour in the historic center on your first day is a great way to learn more about Thessaloniki. You'll also get insider tips from your guide to help plan the rest of your visit.
If you're into ancient sites, then don't miss the White Tower, which is considered a symbol of the city. Once used as a prison during Ottoman times, the tower is now home to a museum and some of the best views in Thessaloniki. You can also visit the Ancient Agora and the Galerius Palace to complete your history fix.
A popular pastime in Thessaloniki is strolling along the waterfront promenade. There are plenty of restaurants and bars along this stretch of the city as well as themed gardens and of course boats. Come here in the evening to soak up the buzzing Greek vibe and do a bit of people-watching.
When you've explored all the city has to offer, Thessaloniki makes a great base for day trips or even overnight forays. Popular destinations include the wonderous geological landscapes and monasteries at Meteora, and hiking adventures at Mount Olympus.