Thessaloniki: Antiquity, Byzantine culture and Ano Poli

Thessaloniki reveals its history on many different levels: the historic centre reflects more than 2,000 years as a crossroads of different cultures and boasts numerous cultural attractions. The museums focus on ancient and Byzantine heritage, while architecture, alleyways and a viewpoint shape a walk through Ano Poli. The Bit Bazaar adds antique trading and evening dining to these impressions.

Ancient and Byzantine collections

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki features the open-air exhibition “Field - House - Garden - Grave” in its courtyard, displaying antiquities from Thessaloniki’s heyday in the 2nd to 4th centuries AD. The Derveni Papyrus, considered the oldest surviving book in Europe, is also on display there.

The Museum of Byzantine Culture has eleven galleries in its permanent exhibition. They explore everyday life, worship, burial customs, architecture, art, and trade and business. The authentic exhibits come mainly from Thessaloniki, as well as from Macedonia. Alongside art, they offer a look at everyday, religious and economic life.

Exploring the city’s history on foot

The White Tower was built in its present form in the 15th century as part of the modernisation of Thessaloniki’s fortifications, replacing an older Byzantine tower. In Ano Poli, a walk passes houses and villas in the Macedonian architectural style, cobbled lanes, traditional cafés and tavernas. It ends at an elevated viewpoint overlooking the sunset. Vlatadon Monastery is also on the route and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Bit Bazaar: arcades, antiques and nightlife

The Bit Bazaar is a central square in Thessaloniki with seven arcades and antique dealers. In the evening, it is home to tavernas, mezedopoleia and bars. The culinary flavours of the historic centre are shaped by influences from the East, France and the Balkans. Here, the square and arcades, antique trading and dining experiences all sit side by side.

Cultural interests as a guide to choosing a holiday rental

For a walk featuring architecture and views, Ano Poli offers a different focus; the Bit Bazaar combines antique trading with evening dining. Consider which of these experiences you want to shape your stay before choosing accommodation.

Central Macedonia: another regional perspective

In the broader destination of Central Macedonia, Aigai tells a different historical story: it was the royal metropolis of the Macedonians and the centre of their ancient kingdom. The Polycentric Museum of Aigai brings together the central museum building and the archaeological site as a whole. This includes the palace, the ancient theatre, the cemetery of Aigai with the royal burial cluster of the Temenids, the royal tombs with their display of treasures, and the post-Byzantine Church of Saint Demetrios in Palatitsia. The Archaeological Park of the Necropolis of Aigai and the royal burial cluster of the tumulus tombs covers 540 acres and includes 530 visible burial mounds.

Also in the broader destination of Central Macedonia, at least 300 bird species have been observed in the wetland of Lake Kerkini, including 50 species on the Red List of Birds of Greece. Species counts may be updated by the relevant authorities.

Discover more destinations

Thérmi, Stavrós, Peraía, Panórama, Asproválta, Analipsi, Epanomi, Vrasna, Peristerona, Apollonia, Vasilika, Sindos, Agios Athanasios, Thessaloniki, Neapoli, Kalamaria, Pentalofos, Polichni, Chalkidona, Ano Stavros, Stavroupoli, Agios Pavlos, Oreokastro, Tagarades, Nea Michaniona, Rentina, Ambelokipi, Trilofos, Diavata, Chrysavgi, Loutra Volvis, Nea Kerasia, Thermaikos, Agia Triada, Lagyna, Perivolaki, Angelochori, Agios Antonios.

For the broader travel overview: Central Macedonia.