What are the best things to do in Thessaloníki?
Top picks in Thessaloníki include Palace of Galerius, Church of the Acheiropoietos, Latomou Monastery. See the full list and itinerary on this Thessaloníki travel guide.
Photo: Berthold Werner · CC BY-SA 3.0
Why visit Thessaloníki
Travel guide for Thessaloníki, Greece — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Thessaloníki is a stop in Greece, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 1 days. If time is short, prioritise Palace of Galerius, Church of the Acheiropoietos, Latomou Monastery instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 70–160 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Experiences
Things to do in Thessaloníki
1
Palace of Galerius
2
Church of the Acheiropoietos
3
Latomou Monastery
Plan your trip
Thessaloníki itinerary (1 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Palace of Galerius
- Visit Church of the Acheiropoietos
- Visit Latomou Monastery
- Eat at Chatzis
Budget
Thessaloníki trip cost
Budget
USD 30–55
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 70–160
per person / day
Luxury
USD 185–305+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Thessaloníki, Greece. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Thessaloníki
Estimated total (USD)
$2,390
≈ $1,195 per person · $341 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $115/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Thessaloníki mid-range ground costs (budget 30–55 · mid 70–160 · luxury 185–305+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Chatzis
It is famous for its collection of Greek Asia Minor sweets (politika glyka) originating from Constantinople.
Terkenlis
It is famous for its variety of "tsoureki", a sweet bread much like challah or brioche but containing spices too, covered and filled with se
Elenidis
It is considered the expert in "trigona" (triangles made of thin phyllo dough layers and filled with cream).
Choureál
Very popular for its profiterole
Evi Evan
A nice small place near the ancient market of Thessaloniki. Very cozy and nicely decorated. The personnel are very friendly and helpful and
Verges Lagies
Reminiscent of old taverns from the 80s with very helpful staff and respect for the customer. Really nice charcoal grill food. Small bistro
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
The Tourist Hotel
- $
Rex Hotel
Cheap hotel opposite the train station towards the centre. Only a 5-min walk from train station. Not great, but adequate.
- $
Hotel Acropoli
Close to the train station. Clean but shabby rooms, most with a balcony.
- $
Alexandria Hotel
Bang in the centre of Egnatia Str., with easy bus connections. Friendly staff. Price includes private bathroom, A/C, WiFi, fridge and TV. Sn
Hotel Pefka
Shopping
- Ianos bookshop
- Modiano Market
- Kapani Market
Nightlife
- Mylos Club
Museums & culture
- Palace of Galerius
- Church of the Acheiropoietos
In pictures
Thessaloníki gallery
Photos: Berthold Werner, fabiolah, Ymblanter, Ribouldingue, Andrew Zorin — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Thessaloníki travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Thessaloníki?
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds.
How many days do I need in Thessaloníki?
Plan at least 1 days in Thessaloníki for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Thessaloníki?
Popular stays in Thessaloníki include The Tourist Hotel, Rex Hotel, Hotel Acropoli. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Thessaloníki cost?
On the ground in Thessaloníki (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 30–55 per person per day, mid-range about 70–160, and luxury about 185–305+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Thessaloníki, Greece. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
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