About Thessaloniki

About Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a metropolitan city of the Balkans with over 23 centuries of rich history! In 2014, the Financial Times’ FDI magazine declared Thessaloniki to be the best European city of the future in terms of human resources and lifestyle.

There are many stories to tell regarding Thessaloniki, starting from the moment of its foundation at 315 B.C. The city was named after Thessaloniki, the sister of Alexander the Great and daughter of Phillip II, King of Macedonia. Due to its prominent geographical location, Thessaloniki developed rapidly, as one of the most important ports and commercial centers in the Balkan peninsula.

Thessaloniki has a great history of 23 centuries continuing city life with interesting stories about different civilizations, eras, and religions. Walking around the city you come across monuments from the ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Jewish time. Similar to the past history, modern Thessaloniki is an attractive multicultural city! In 2014, the Financial Times’ FDI magazine declared Thessaloniki to be the best European city of the future in terms of human resources and lifestyle.

Modern Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki’s legendary past and its unique mix of cultures shape a lively present. A strong student community and teams of young creatives keep the city spirit fresh. New ideas are visible all around, which is perhaps unsurprising given that the city is part of the European Union’s ‚Innovation Zone‘ and a centre for major international institutions.

The Port of Thessaloniki is one of the largest Greek seaports and one of the largest ports in the Aegean Sea basin. Today the port is not an only a trade centre and passenger terminal but an active part of the city. Combined with the restored historic area of Ladadika nearby and the redevelopment of the new waterfront featuring the modern symbol of the city – the “flying umbrellas” sculpture, Thessaloniki’s waterfront is one of the most popular parts of the city!

Things to do

Thessaloniki is known as the  capital of taste in Greece, as eastern and western cultures mix in traditional Greek dishes, ideally enjoyed at a local taverna, while  gourmet cuisine is also on offer in sumptuous city centre restaurants. No matter where you are in Thessaloniki and what time of day it is, there are a multitude of choices to explore

Local cuisine

Search out small local tavernas while wandering around the picturesque side streets of Athonos square and Ladadika, in the city centre, or while admiring the monuments of Ano Poli, and order ouzo and meze to savour a fully authentic local experience. Do not miss out on local “gyros” or the famous “souvlaki” (succulent meat slow-roasted and sliced from the spit or skewered and grilled). You will find them on sale at every turn!

Wine routes

The wine roads are a series of suggested routes that give you the chance to experience the production process of local wines, taste them and meet their creators! Take one of the eight organized routes that cross central and northern Greece, stop at the suggested vineyards, enjoy a glass of wine and admire the majestic natural scenery. A voyage of discovery for the taste buds that should not be missed.

Museums

A history written by so many cultures creates a present that could compared to an orchestra –  many sounds complement one another, offering a fascinating melodic experience, worth discovering for yourself. More than 30 museums are available for you to explore, including the Archaeological Museum, Museum of Byzantine Culture, State Museum of Contemporary Art, the White Tower Museum, Ataturk Museum,  and the Jewish Museum.

Transport and travel

Thessaloniki is easily accessible by plane, particularly from Northern and Eastern Europe and Asia. For those travelling from Balkan countries, Thessaloniki is just a 2-3 hours drive from all Balkan capital cities.

An extensive network of local buses connects the airport with destinations across the city.

Thessaloniki Waterways connects the different waterfront locations.

We recommend the official travel guide of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki.travel for useful information on travel, what’s on, things to do, etc.