Thessaloniki Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece)

Many areas of Thessaloniki are packed with character and interesting tourist attractions, and that is particularly so around the Plateia Aristotelous (Aristotelous Square), which stretches from the waterfront avenue of Nikis to the Panayia Halkeion Church. The upper town of Thessaloniki is also rather appealing to tourists, with historical attractions such as cobblestone alleys, traditional houses and a rather beautiful Byzantine citadel.

Close to the Posidonion Sports Centre and on the eastern side of the city, the Thessaloniki Concert Hall is almost always playing host to some kind of event and offers a little culture, and something quite different to the beaches. Other noteworthy tourist attractions line the waterfront itself and come in the form of restaurants, cafes and shops, which enjoy an impressive seafront backdrop and provide a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

Waterfront / Nikis Avenue

The city's waterfront has long been one of its main attractions, with Nikis Avenue being a particularly famous promenade here, stretching along the waterfront and heading in an east-west direction, between the port and the White Tower (Lefkos Pyrgos). Nikis Avenue is lined with an enormous selection of eateries and bars, and is close to the city's main square of Plateia Eleftherias, which is near to the port itself.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Aristotelous Square (Plateia Aristotelous)

Aristotelous Square is very much where much of the city's action is based and appears rather like a bottle in its shape, as opposed to an actual square. Surrounded by grand buildings and former mansions, many of which now operate as hotels and shops, Aristotelous Square is located alongside a spreading park, which can be found on its northern boundary. Aristotelous Square has become a very popular meeting place and is also to be found next to Egnatia and the old market.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Concert Hall

Address: 25th Martiou and Paralia, Thessaloniki, GR-54646, Greece, GR
Tel: +30 2310 895 800
The Concert Hall regularly stages many classical music concerts, string quartets, piano recitals, and other events, usually of a musical nature. Each year in September, the Concert Hall is where the city's annual Trade Fair takes place, which always draws huge crowds of literally thousands.
Open hours: daily, hours vary according to performance
Admission: charge, discounts available

Upper Town (Ano Poli)

The city centre is bounded on its northern side by a sloping hill, and it is here that you will find the Upper Town area, which is known locally by the Greeks as the 'Ano Poli'. A particularly enchanting part of Thessaloniki, the Upper Town contains many of the city's most historical sights and its winding streets are filled with many picture-postcard wooden houses. Of particular interest to tourists are Ano Poli's old religious structures, with include the Church of Osios David, the Vlatades Monastery and also the St. Nikolaos Orphanos Church, the latter of which was founded in the early part of the 14th century and boasts an especially elaborately decorated interior.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free