Visit ThessalonikiCity Guide · Greece
Floodlit football stadium atmosphere — Thessaloniki match night

Thessaloniki clubs & stadiums

Three historic clubs shape the city's sporting soul: PAOK, Aris and Iraklis. Football stadiums, basketball arenas, ticket links and how to get there — for fans visiting from abroad.

· Always confirm fixtures and ticket rules on official club sites

  • PAOK · Toumba
  • Aris · Harilaou
  • Iraklis · since 1908
  • Gov.gr Wallet for football
Before kick-off

What visiting fans need to know

  • Tickets — buy online from the club or more.com when sales open. Big games sell out.
  • Gov.gr Wallet — Greek football stadium entry normally needs a digital ticket in the official wallet app (tickets.gov.gr). Install and test it before match day.
  • Derbies — PAOK–Aris nights are intense. Stick to official gates, avoid away-end colours in home sections, and follow steward instructions.
  • Transit — metro + OASTH buses cover most venues; taxis are easy after full-time. See Getting Around.
The big three

PAOK, Aris & Iraklis

Football and basketball homes, history in brief, maps and official ticket URLs.

PAOK

Black & white · Founded 1926 · Strongest modern football brand in the city

Born from Constantinopolitan refugees, PAOK (Panthessalonikeios Athlitikos Omilos Konstantinoupoliton) is Thessaloniki's most followed football club today — Super League, European nights and a passionate Toumba crowd.

Football — Toumba Stadium

  • Venue: Toumba Stadium (Toumba / Mikras Asias area)
  • Capacity: ~28,700
  • Coords: 40.614° N, 22.972° E
  • Get there: OASTH buses toward Toumba; taxi ~10–15 min from White Tower. Arrive early on match days.
PAOK FC official Tickets & news Google Maps

Basketball — PAOK Sports Arena

  • Venue: PAOK Sports Arena, Pylaia
  • Get there: East of the centre toward Pylaia — bus or taxi; check club directions for tip-off.
PAOK BC Basketball tickets Google Maps

Aris

Yellow & black · Founded 1914 · God of War emblem

Aris Thessaloniki is one of Greece's classic multi-sport clubs. Football at Harilaou (Kleanthis Vikelidis) and basketball at the iconic Nick Galis Hall — a must for basketball history fans.

Football — Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium

  • Venue: Kleanthis Vikelidis (Harilaou), Alkminis 69
  • Capacity: ~22,800
  • Coords: 40.600° N, 22.970° E
  • Get there: Southeast of the centre (Harilaou). OASTH lines toward Harilaou / stadium; taxi from downtown ~15 min.
Aris FC official Tickets (more.com) Google Maps

Basketball — Nick Galis Hall

  • Venue: Alexandreio Melathron / Nick Galis Hall, Grigoriou Lambraki 2 (HELEXPO)
  • Capacity: ~5,100 permanent seats
  • Get there: City centre — walk from White Tower (~10–15 min) or metro Panepistimio; buses on Egnatia (e.g. 2, 7, 10).
Aris BC Google Maps

Iraklis

Blue & white · Founded 1908 · “The Elder” of Thessaloniki sport

Iraklis (Heracles) is the city's oldest major multi-sport club — deep roots in football, basketball and athletics culture. A quieter but historic matchday for visitors who want local atmosphere beyond the PAOK–Aris rivalry.

Football — Kaftanzoglio Stadium

  • Venue: Kaftanzoglio Stadium (municipal athletics/football ground near the university / 3rd of September)
  • Get there: Northeast of the centre; metro toward university area + short walk/bus, or taxi ~10–15 min.
Iraklis FC Google Maps

Basketball — Ivanofeio Sports Arena

  • Venue: Ivanofeio Sports Arena (near Aristotle University)
  • Get there: University district — bus lines toward campus / Ivanofeio; easy taxi from downtown hotels.
Iraklis BC Google Maps
Tickets

Where to book

ClubFootball ticketsBasketball tickets
PAOK paokfc.gr (match announcements) paokbc.gr/tickets
Aris arisfc.com.gr · more.com arisbasketball.com
Iraklis iraklis-fc.com iraklis-bc.gr

Prices change by competition (league, cup, Europe). Away fans may need separate allocations — never buy from street touts outside the ground.

Club emblems are trademarks of PAOK, Aris and Iraklis respectively. Used here only to identify the clubs for visiting fans — not affiliated with or endorsed by the clubs.

FAQ

Fans' questions

How do tourists buy tickets for PAOK or Aris matches?

Buy online via the club website or more.com when sales open. Football stadium entry in Greece usually requires the Gov.gr Wallet app with your digital ticket — set it up before match day.

Where is Toumba Stadium and how do I get there?

Toumba Stadium is in the Toumba district east of the centre. OASTH buses serve the area; a taxi from the White Tower is typically 10–15 minutes. Arrive early on match days.

Is Nick Galis Hall easy to reach for Aris basketball?

Yes — Nick Galis Hall (Alexandreio Melathron) sits by the HELEXPO fairgrounds near Panepistimio metro and several Egnatia bus lines. It is one of the easiest arenas for visitors staying downtown.

Can visitors attend Iraklis matches in Thessaloniki?

Yes. Iraklis is the city's oldest major club (1908). Football is often at Kaftanzoglio Stadium; basketball at Ivanofeio Sports Arena near the university. Check the official club site for kick-off times and tickets.

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