Thessaloniki is the capital of the Macedonia region and the second largest city in Greece after Athens. For this reason, it has the reputation of being the second capital of the country. You can easily get a good taste of the city even within 48 hours. Since it is our hometown, we know all the best photo spots. The special architecture of the city center combines perfectly with the mesmerizing views of the Thermaikos Gulf, creating a unique setting. In this article, you will find the most Instagrammable spots in Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Things to know before visiting Thessaloniki
If you are looking for beautiful yet interesting places in Greece, Thessaloniki should be at the top of your list. Since it is a big city, it has lots of things to do and places to explore. It can also be a good starting point for your trip to the northern part of the country. You can easily visit the towns of Serres, Kavala, Kastoria, or Edessa as day trips. It has a wide range of hotels and Airbnb’s for all budgets. Due to its long history, it has many museums, monuments, and historical sites that are worth a visit. Thessaloniki is known for its vibrant life with cozy cafés, restaurants, and taverns (Greek restaurants). Its nightlife is also interesting, with many options from bars, cinemas, and theaters to nightclubs.
How to get to Thessaloniki?
Getting to Thessaloniki is easy. You can fly from Athens or other major Greek cities and islands. Alternatively, you can get there by train, bus (called “KTEL”), or by car. Aegean Airlines, Skyexpress, and Ryanair are the airlines that fly regularly from Athens to Thessaloniki, and vice versa.
How to get around Thessaloniki?
Nowadays, getting around Thessaloniki is easy. You can use the public buses or the new metro. There are also many taxis or Uber, which are both quite affordable. If you are in Paralia (the coastline of Thessaloniki), you can rent a bike and admire the fascinating ocean views! In case you plan to stay longer and want to properly explore the city, we highly recommend renting a car. It is also a budget-friendly option. You will have the opportunity to visit the amazing nearby places, such as Halkidiki.
The best time to visit Thessaloniki
Since Thessaloniki is located in the northern part of Greece, it generally has a mild climate. So, it has mild temperatures all year round with many sunny days even in winter. The best time to visit is spring or fall, when the temperatures are not too high and you can easily get around. Summer is also a good choice. However, you should expect high temperatures.
Most Instagrammable spots in Thessaloniki – Greece
1-Filikis Eterias Street
This street is considered the best Instagrammable spot in Thessaloniki. It is undoubtedly our favorite spot in the city. Its special feature is that it has the White Tower as a backdrop, framed by a beautiful old street with charming cafés at the end. This narrow alleyway offers a different perspective of Thessaloniki’s landmark.
2-The White Tower
The White Tower (“Lefkos Pirgos” in Greek) is the landmark of Thessaloniki. It is also one of the most photographed spots, since it is the main tourist attraction. There is an indoor museum, and on the top floor, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views. The surrounding area makes the White Tower even more special and photogenic. The best time to capture it is early in the morning, when the light is soft and there are no people around to spoil the photos. If you visit it during the day, it will probably be overpacked.
3-The Umbrellas by Zongopoulos
The Umbrellas is another amazing spot to visit in Thessaloniki. A few meters from the White Tower, you will find yourself in front of this beautiful artwork, designed by the Greek sculptor George Zongolopoulos. It is one of the most popular places, since it is located in the heart of the city center. It looks even more impressive at night when it lights up. So, if you want to take beautiful shots without crowds, we suggest that you get there as early as possible, ideally before 9 am.
4-Nea Paralia
Nea Paralia (or Promenade) is the renewed seaside of Thessaloniki. It is the perfect place for walking and jogging while listening to street musicians. You will also find many benches to relax and enjoy the wonderful sea views. It is one of the most vibrant spots where the locals enjoy their city. You will have the opportunity to see the White Tower, the statue of Alexander the Great, the Umbrellas, and the Music Hall. The best time to visit it is the sunset, when the pastel colors of the sky reflect on the sea. Although it is a magical time of the day, it is almost impossible not to be crowded.
Visiting the famous nearby region of Halkidiki
Thessaloniki is close to the ultimate summer destination in Greece, called “Halkidiki”. You can easily spend 3-4 days in Thessaloniki, and the rest of your time you can go to Halkidiki. It consists of 3 unique peninsulas. Each one of them has something special to offer. There are daily public buses connecting Thessaloniki with every point of Halkidiki. The best way to explore and fully enjoy Halkidiki is undoubtedly by car. However, if you are short on time, we advise you to book organized tours.
Final Thoughts
You cannot visit Thessaloniki without falling in love with its lively ambiance, stunning long coastline, and charming center. Give yourself enough time to stroll around and explore it properly. You will find many photogenic spots, especially in the city center. However, we highly recommend that you add Halkidiki to your itinerary. Its dreamy beaches and picturesque villages are truly worth a visit.
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