The Best Walks To Take In Thessaloniki Greece

One of the most walkable cities in Greece, Thessaloniki is a great destination for every type of traveler. Whether you are visiting the city as a couple, a family or with a bunch of friends, you will see that Thessaloniki is perfect for active vacations. Here are the best walks to take in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Along the waterfront

Probably the most characteristic feature of Thessaloniki is its waterfront bordering the Thermaikos Gulf, which creates a unique atmosphere. The waterfront starts from the port, next to the Ladadika district, but you can stroll down from Aristotelous square and head to the shore, where the Nikis Avenue awaits. Take the time to enjoy the breathtaking view. Continue alongside the long street, lined with cafés and bars up until the iconic White Tower. The Nea Paralia is the renovated waterfront by the sea, which includes parks and green spaces and continues all the way to the Megaron Music Hall. Here’s a great place to have a break – do some people watching or read a book. Bikes are also available for rent if you wish to explore the seaside district of Kalamaria a little further down the way.

View from the top of the White Tower, Thessaloniki

Ano Poli and Eptapyrgio

Ladadika port

The recently renovated port of Thessaloniki is now home to several museums, including the Museum of Photography, the Cinema Museum and the State Museum of Contemporary Art. The dock is welcoming and has become a great relaxing place to take in the views over the waterfront and the city. Head west from Eleftherias Square and take the time to enjoy the picturesque district of Ladadika, which used to host oil stores, the port market and spice boutiques. Today, it is an entertaining destination with restaurants and bars. Continue towards Valaoritou district, also known as the Frankish Quarter, which has now become a major hub filled with cool bars and clubs.

Seih Sou forest

About 15 minutes from the city center lies the Seih Sou forest, also known as Kedrinos Dasos, in the Saint Paul district. This green oasis is ideal for morning or afternoon strolls away from the bustle of the city. Ideal for walks, bike rides and picnics, Seih Sou forest is crisscrossed by a network of paths and trails, allowing you to tune off and relax surrounded by nature. One of Thessaloniki’s best-kept secrets, it is a little bubble of oxygen that will please anyone looking for some escape.

The Roman Forum and Agios Dimitrios Church

Located next to Egnatia Avenue, one of the city’s main roads, Dikastirion Square is your starting point to explore this portion of the city. One of Thessaloniki’s most stunning churches is located there, Panagia Chalkeon, which was built in 1208 on the site of a temple of Hephaestus. Bey Hammam, an important vestige of the Ottoman occupation is located next door. Head north to find the Roman Forum, or Ancient Agora, which was built between 42 BC and 138 AD. This is undeniably one of the most significant archaeological sites in Thessaloniki. From there, you are within close distance to the church of Agios Dimitrios, dating back to 306 AD. Make sure to visit the crypt, which contains early Christian sculptures and artefacts. End your walk at Bit Bazaar, a small square known for its many antique shops and small taverns which attracts both the young and old.

Tsimiski Street

Don’t blame us, but a walk on Tsimiski Street definitely means you’ll stop at several stores. One of the most cosmopolitan streets, Tsimiski is lined with stores including souvenir boutiques, clothing shops, food stores and much more. The backstreets of Pavlou Mela and Iktinou hide several restaurants and bars and you should definitely walk all the way to Modiano and Kapani food markets before making your way down to Aristotelous Square.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.