Things to See and Do in Thessaloniki
By Tully Luxury Travel | 08-01-2024 |
The experts at Tully Luxury Travel know that Northern Greece is right on trend when it comes to a luxury cruise to Greece in the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. In fact, the roster of incredible luxury vacations to Greece can include any number of stops on this northern stretch of unexplored Greece – and we say that lightly, as ancient civilizations here date back millennia.
Thessaloniki tourist attractions run the gamut, but a few mainstay sites always make the Thessaloniki travel guides.
The White Tower is by far Thessaloniki's most famous landmark. Built in the 15th century, it was used as a fortification, garrison and prison. Today, it’s a museum dedicated to the city’s history – with the most amazing view of the gulf waiting for those who reach the top. Be sure to walk through the nearby Arch of Galerius. Its reliefs depict battle scenes that lend insight into Roman art and history.
The Neoclassical Aristotelous Square is the heart and soul of the city, a bustling hub of activity, filled with cafés, restaurants and shops. The evening is especially fun, with locals and tourists coming together to relax and socialize.
The sensation that is the Rotunda of Galerius, built in 306 AD, was originally a mausoleum for Emperor Galerius. It became first a church, then a mosque, and is now a museum filled with story-telling mosaics. And at the nearby Byzantine Church of Saint Demetrius, which has been rebuilt over many centuries, visitors get a glimpse of early Christian relics.
Visit the city’s numerous museums
The Museum of Byzantine Culture houses an extensive collection of Byzantine artifacts – this particular era had a big impact on the city. The exhibits include religious icons and mosaics, plus everyday items, lending a comprehensive look at Byzantine culture. Truly, this is one of the most noteworthy museums of its kind in Greece.
Take a tour of the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art to balance your gallery-going with a dash of modern art, with paintings, sculptures, installations and new-media art works by Greek and international artists. And the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki outlines the impact of the Holocaust on the Jewish community here.
The areas around the city are full of archaeological sites that are connected to Alexander the Great. The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki houses artifacts from the Macedonian period and provides context to the legacy of Alexander and his era.
Leave time for a day trip or two
Once you’ve spent quality time on the Thessaloniki waterfront, a trip out of town is a good way to get the full picture of the region.
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and the legendary home of the Greek gods. This is a national park, with many hiking trails and ancient sites to explore. Your list of Thessaloniki places to visit should also include Vergina, the ancient city that houses the royal tombs of the Macedonian kings, including the father of Alexander the Great. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site very much worth seeing.
Whatever the agenda, the Tully Travel Designers have you covered with itineraries across Greece, including a glorious stay in Thessaloniki. Get in touch today to start exploring this fascinating part of the world.