Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, with more than 1.5 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area. It serves as the administrative and governmental center of Northern Greece and a key hub for the Balkans, hosting the country’s second largest port and essential infrastructure for trade and transport to and from other Balkan countries.
Life in Thessaloniki feels like stepping through history—from Ancient Greek and Hellenistic times to the Roman era, through the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, and into the modern age. Over 2,300 years of history are present in the same place at the same time.
Thessaloniki is one of the liveliest cities in Greece, home to a large student population and a vibrant day and nightlife. Renowned for its tavernas serving a wide variety of delicacies, its seaside cafés, and its nightlife, Thessaloniki is truly a city that never sleeps.
Getting Around
Public Transport
Thessaloniki offers an easy and fast way to get around. No point in the city is more than 30 minutes from the center using public transportation.
The best way to explore the historic center is to stroll through UNESCO monuments, traditional markets, tavernas, and the waterfront promenade with its stunning sunset—everything is within walking distance.
Buses and taxis are the primary means of transportation, though bicycles have grown in popularity in recent years.
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Buses: The Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization (O.A.S.TH.), the second largest in Greece, connects the entire city via a dense bus network. Tickets are available at O.A.S.TH. ticket booths, kiosks (approximately 1,200 across the city), or ticket machines on board.
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Regular ticket: €0.90
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Student ticket: €0.45
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Free service for people with disabilities.
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A great option for visitors is the “No. 50 Cultural Route”, which departs from the White Tower and passes through key monuments, historical buildings, and old neighborhoods—telling the story of Thessaloniki over time.
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The route includes visual and audio commentary, in Greek and English.
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Ticket prices: €2 regular, €1 student.
Full information on routes, real-time bus tracking, travel times, and best itineraries is available on the O.A.S.TH. website.
More info [here].
You can also download the mobile app via Google Play or the App Store.
Discover Thessaloniki by Bike
Exploring the city becomes even more enjoyable through its marked bike lane network! The city’s bike-sharing system, I-BIKE, operated by THESSBIKE, offers 8 stations and a fleet of 200 bicycles, including tandems, four-seaters, e-bikes, and accessible vehicles for people with disabilities.
More info [here].
In the city center, you’ll also find the City-Bikes.gr store, where you can rent a bike, book a tour, or repair your own.
Another rental service is BikeIT, based at the New Waterfront of Thessaloniki, offering a wide range of bicycle types.
More info [here].
Things to Do in Thessaloniki
History & Culture
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Learn about the city’s story at the White Tower
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Take a trip into the past at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
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Walk around and under the Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
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Stroll through Aristotelous Square
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Discover the city’s iconic churches
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Visit the Museum of Byzantine Culture
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Learn about the Sephardic Jewish heritage at the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki
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Explore the dark history of Thessaloniki’s Eptapyrgio Fortress
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Visit Thessaloniki’s Museum of Fine Arts
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Explore science and technology at NOESIS – Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum
Leisure & Entertainment
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Spend your day exploring local food markets (Kapani, Modiano)
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Enjoy a gastronomic tour of top eateries (Ladadika, Bit Bazaar)
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Experience Greek music at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall
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Catch a theatrical performance at Moni Lazariston
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Plan a movie night at one of the open-air cinemas
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Get the best panoramic view of the city and sea from the Trigoniou Tower
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Take an iconic photo at the Zongolopoulos Umbrellas
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Explore Thessaloniki’s bar and club scene in areas like:
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Ladadika
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Rotonda
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Valaoritou
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Nikis Avenue
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Kalamaria
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