• White Tower – The city’s symbol and an excellent viewpoint for waterfront panoramas.
• Rotunda & Arch of Galerius – Roman landmarks located in the heart of the city.
• Ano Poli (Upper Town) – A traditional district with narrow streets, old houses, and beautiful views over the bay.
• Aristotelous Square – One of Greece’s most iconic squares, perfect for walks and café hopping.
• Museum of Byzantine Culture – One of the city’s most acclaimed museums, dedicated to Byzantine heritage.

• Church of St. Demetrios – An important landmark for the local community, with impressive architecture.
• Ladadika – A vibrant district full of restaurants, bars, and traditional tavernas, especially lively in the evenings.
• Thessaloniki Waterfront – A long promenade ideal for walking or cycling by the sea.
• Modiano Market & traditional bazaars – Great places to discover local products, street food, and authentic atmosphere.
• Day trips to Mount Olympus or Halkidiki – Popular options for those wanting to explore beyond the city.

Local events and festivals

Thessaloniki has one of the most vibrant cultural scenes in Greece, with established festivals and events that attract visitors from around the world. No matter the season, the city always has something interesting to offer.

• Thessaloniki International Film Festival – One of the most important film festivals in Southeast Europe, held every November.
• Dimitria Festival – A long-standing cultural event featuring theatre performances, dance, exhibitions, and concerts.
• Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) – A major economic and cultural exhibition with events and activities for the general public.
• Reworks Festival – A popular electronic and contemporary music festival, especially loved by young audiences.
• Thessaloniki Book Fair – An annual event with book launches, exhibitions, and meetings with authors.
• Christmas festivities on the waterfront – Holiday markets, lights, and festive concerts during the winter months.

How to get from the airport to your accommodation

“Makedonia” International Airport (SKG) is located about 15 km from Thessaloniki’s city center and is well connected to the main urban and tourist areas.

• Bus (lines 01X / 01N) – A direct connection between the airport and the city center, with stops at key locations such as Aristotelous Square and the central train station. This is the most affordable option.
• Taxi – Available outside the terminal, with fixed fares to the city center depending on the time of day (day/night rates).
• Ridesharing – Services like Beat work well in Thessaloniki and can be booked quickly through the app.
• Private transfer – A convenient choice, especially if your accommodation is outside the city or if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage.
• Car rental – Recommended for those wanting to explore nearby areas such as Halkidiki or Mount Olympus; all major rental companies operate inside the airport.