View Mediterranean on the mapWith a more relaxed atmosphere than Athens, the seafront promenade and narrow-lane bars and tavernas define the city. Early Christian basilicas, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are scattered throughout the city, making it appealing to watch everyday life unfold among the ruins. The White Tower is within walking distance of the port.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki · Greece · 40.63, 22.93

Greece's second city and an old port town open to the northern Aegean Sea. Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman remains blend into the modern city, which is also a lively university town with many young people.

Port highlights

About 320,000 people in the city proper and about 1 million in the metropolitan area

Population

Mediterranean climate with some continental influence. Summers are hot and dry, while winters feel chilly even during the day, and some years bring strong morning cold. Most precipitation falls from autumn to spring, and summer is almost rainless.

Climate

Greek. English is widely understood, especially among younger people.

Language

Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted, but cash is convenient at small restaurants and markets.

Currency

May to June and September to October. These months avoid the midsummer heat and are ideal for outdoor dining and exploring ruins on foot.

Best time to visit

Local food

Bougatsa (cream-filled pie), souvlaki, mussel dishes, and spice-forward dishes of Asia Minor origin. The culture of pairing ouzo or tsipouro with small plates is well established.

Sights

White Tower and the seafront promenadeRotunda and the Arch of GaleriusWorld Heritage churches such as the Church of Agios DimitriosAno Poli (old town) and the Byzantine wallsArchaeological Museum and Modiano Market

Monthly average high / low temperatures

10°

1°Jan

11°

2°Feb

15°

5°Mar

19°

8°Apr

25°

13°May

30°

18°Jun

32°

21°Jul

32°

21°Aug

27°

16°Sep

22°

12°Oct

16°

7°Nov

11°

3°Dec

Unit: °C · Calculated from NOAA GHCN-Daily station observations · Period: 1991–2020 · Station: MAKEDONIA · about 13 km from port · Last checked: Oct 3, 2026 · A guide for choosing your travel month.

Local prices for travelers

Similar to Tokyo

Compared with Tokyo, Japan (median of items)94 (Tokyo = 100)

Compared with Tokyo, water is somewhat cheaper; coffee and beer cost about the same; meals and a Big Mac are much more expensive.

€0.50

Water 500 ml

€2.70

Coffee

€7.80

Inexpensive meal

€3.20

Local beer

€4.90

Big Mac

Prices in Thessaloniki. · Amounts in the recorded local currency. No currency conversion applied. · Last checked: Oct 2026 (partly estimated) · Sources: Shop and menu prices · The Economist, Big Mac Index (CC BY 4.0)