Rotunda
A 306 AD Roman colossus — mausoleum, church, mosque, now monument — with glittering early-Christian mosaics high in the dome. Daily 08:30–15:30 (closed Tue), €6.
The full story
Things to Do in Thessaloniki
Rome, Byzantium and the Ottoman world stacked in one walkable grid by the sea — here are the sights that matter, with the hours and prices to plan around.
- White Tower €6
- Archaeological Museum €10
- 15 UNESCO monuments
- Waterfront: free, forever
The symbol
The White Tower (Λευκός Πύργος)
Detailed visitor guide: White Tower hours, tickets & tips.
Once the seaward corner of the city walls — and in darker centuries a notorious prison — the White Tower is now Thessaloniki's meeting point, sunset backdrop and museum in one. Climb the spiral ramp through six floors telling the city's story, and step onto the roof for the definitive 360° view over the gulf.
- Hours: daily · Apr–Oct 08:00–20:00 · Nov–Mar 08:30–15:30 (last entry 20 min before closing).
- Tickets: €6 (reduced €3 in winter period); under-25 EU citizens free.
- Tip: go first thing or golden hour; midday queues in July–August. No lift — ground-floor virtual tour available.
Official info: archaeologicalmuseums.gr
Landmarks
The essential circuit
Everything below is inside a 30-minute walking radius. For the Roman story in depth, continue to Ancient Ruins.
Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
The city's favourite meeting spot, carved with the emperor's Persian victories in 305 AD. Best light: early evening.
Roman quarter guide
Aristotelous Square
Hébrard's grand 1918 vision: cinematic arcades opening to the sea. Cafés with the city's best people-watching, and the statue of Aristotle with a lucky shiny toe.
Agios Dimitrios & crypt
The five-aisled basilica of the city's patron saint, rebuilt after 1917 with its 7th-century mosaics saved. Below: the Roman bath crypt where Demetrius was martyred. Free entry.
Agia Sofia & the church trail
The 8th-century "little Hagia Sophia", plus Panagia Chalkeon, Osios David's stunning 5th-c. mosaic, frescoed Nikolaos Orfanos and Vlatadon monastery — 15 monuments on the UNESCO list, most free.
Ano Poli, walls & Eptapyrgio
The upper town's Byzantine walls end at the Trigonion Tower — the sunset spot — and the Heptapyrgion fortress-prison above. Bus 22/23 up, wander down.
Old town guide
Museums
Two world-class museums, five minutes apart
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Macedonia's treasury: the Derveni Krater, the Gold of Macedon burial treasures, the Derveni Papyrus (Europe's oldest readable "book") and superb Roman sculpture.
- Hours: daily 09:00–17:00 (winter: closed Tue); open to 22:00 the first Thursday of the month, May–Sep.
- Tickets: €10 (reduced €5). amth.gr
Museum of Byzantine Culture
Right next door and arguably the world's best museum of its kind — icons, mosaics, everyday Byzantium, beautifully told. Award-winning café too.
- Hours: summer daily 08:00–20:00; winter 08:30–15:30, closed Tue.
- Tickets: €8 (reduced €4).
MOMus family
Five museums under one brand: Contemporary (Moni Lazariston), Modern — the Costakis Russian avant-garde collection, Photography (Port Warehouse A), Experimental arts, and the Alex Mylona in Athens. Port pier ones pair well with a waterfront walk.
Jewish Museum
The moving story of "Madre de Israel" — for 450 years one of the world's great Sephardic cities. Agiou Mina 11; closed Saturdays.
NOESIS Science Center
Planetarium, giant-screen cinema and hands-on tech museum — the rainy-day family card, 20 minutes east by car/bus.
Free & forever
The waterfront ritual
From the port to the Concert Hall, 4.5 km of uninterrupted seafront is Thessaloniki's living room. The old promenade (Palia Paralia) passes the White Tower; the award-winning Nea Paralia continues through twelve themed gardens to the Umbrellas, the statue of Alexander, and rows of sunset benches.
- Join the volta (evening stroll) any day at golden hour.
- Cycle lane end-to-end; e-scooters and bikes everywhere.
- Board a karavaki at the White Tower pier for a €10 gulf crossing.
- Look back at the city from the water — the classic photo.
Keep exploring
Deeper dives
Ancient Ruins
A dedicated guide to Roman and Byzantine Thessaloniki — plus Vergina, Pella and Dion.
Go deeper
FAQ
Common questions
What are the must-see attractions in Thessaloniki?
The White Tower, UNESCO Byzantine churches, Rotunda, Archaeological Museum, Ano Poli walls and the waterfront promenade — all within a 30-minute walk.
How much does the White Tower cost?
€6 standard entry (reduced €3 in winter); under-25 EU citizens free. See the White Tower guide for hours.
Is Thessaloniki walkable for sightseeing?
Yes — the flat centre from the port to the White Tower is very walkable. Only Ano Poli is steep; take bus 22 or 23.