Athens vs Thessaloniki – Which One to Visit?
We have to be honest. We live in Athens so we are a bit biased. Thus, we believe you should visit Athens first. Then go to Thessaloniki, Greece’s 2nd largest and prettiest city.
Athens has the one and only Acropolis. You have to see it to believe it. The city’s museums are amongst the best in Europe, and its parks are gorgeous.
Thessaloniki is all about old markets, churches, and atmospheric streets. It’s absolutely authentic and receives far less tourists.
Quick Comparison
Both cities lie over the Mediterranean and enjoy a lot of sunshine throughout the year. However, Athens is a bit hotter, in particular during fall and winter.
With a population of 4 million people, Athens is approximately 3 times bigger than Thessaloniki. The capital is cosmopolitan and hectic, while Thessaloniki feels more intimate.
We believe the food is equally good in both cities. Bars too. Athens excels in classical ancient remains, while Thessaloniki is Byzantium central. The capital is pricier. Both are safe.
If You Have to Choose
Go to Athens if this will be your first time in Greece. You have to see the best first. Choose Athens if you are into archaeology and museums.
Go to Thessaloniki if you like byzantine churches, a more relaxed vibe, old markets, and want to escape the crowds. Also, if you are budget conscious.
Athens is better connected to the islands. Thus, go to Athens if you plan on island hoping. We like the beaches close to Athens better than the ones near Thessaloniki.
Athens
Athens needs no introduction. You’ve probably seen pictures of it all your life. The city’s historic core is straight out of a postcard.
You can walk for hours about ancient ruins smelling the flowers and orange trees. Green hills tower above the city. Thus, the incredible views.
The city has modern neighborhoods and attractions too. There are superb tavernas, bars and restaurants. Take the metro to Pireus, hop on a boat, and explore the rest of Greece.
Main Sights
We begin with the Acropolis perched on top of a hill in the center. The Agora and other extraordinary archaeological remains surround it. The area is pedestrian.
All types of restaurants, bars, and taverns dot Monastiraki, Psiri, and Gazi, within walking distance to the Acropolis. Athens’ nightlife happens here.
The upscale neighborhood of Kolonaki is next to Syntagma square. The country’s parliament and urban parks are next. The Stavros Niarchos Center is a contemporary masterpiece next to the coast.
Museums
We love the Benaki Museum, a former mansion of a wealthy art collector. Visiting the National Gallery is a must. The massive museum exhibits Greek and European art from the 15th Century to today.
Evidently, you can’t skip the National Archaeological Museum. It’s collection of Greek archaeology and art will blow your mind. It’s the best in the country.
A visit to the Acropolis Museum is mandatory. The Tschumi designed building holds the biggest collection of artifacts from the Acropolis. The views from there are amazing.
Hotels
Our favorite hotel in Athens is the Electra Palace Hotel, in Plaka. The luxurious property has it all: 2 pools, a lovely garden, superb rooms, and outstanding views of the Acropolis.
Hotel Thissio is two blocks from our house. We believe it has the best views over the hills and the Acropolis in the entire city. No noise and impeccable service too.
To stay directly in the heart of Athens book a room at the hip 360 Degrees, on Monastiraki square. It offers super comfy rooms, a fabulous rooftop, and great views.
Markets
There’s a market on the streets of each neighborhood every week. Locals call it Laiki Agora. Ask in your hotel where’s the closest one and experience the real Athens while tasting fresh produce.
Varvakios Central Municipal Market is a couple of blocks from Monastiraki. Fish, vegetables, and nuts are sold here. There are restaurants too.
The olive market is in front. Cretan products and spices from all over the country are sold on Evripidou street, nearby.
Parks and Gardens
We love walking about Aeropagus Hill, directly in front of the Acropolis. Go there to see a killer sunset over the sea, and the most amazing views of the Acropolis and the city.
Philoppapo Park is next to Aeropagus and also in front of the Acropolis. Go all the way to the Pnyx Monument and see the entire city.
Regarding urban parks, walk about the National Garden, behind the parliament and go to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and to the Kalimarmaro Stadium, home of the first Olympic Games in 1896.
Beaches
In all honesty, Athens has decent urban beaches. You can’t compare them to the ones in Crete, Sifnos or Skopelos.
That said, they offer crystal blue waters next to the city. You can bike or take the tram to the beach, dip in the sea, chill and be back in no time.
However, spectacular Sounion is just 2 hours away. We go there with a public bus and spend the night. Nothing beats floating on the sea while staring at ancient Greek ruins.
Day Trips
Athens offers better day trips. Delfi and its famous oracle are only 100 miles (160 km) to the west. You can go on your own or take this tour.
If you have just one day and want to experience a Greek island, go to Aegina, the closest to Athens. Ferries depart from Piraeus and take no time.
For historic architecture, nature, and superb beaches go to Nafplio in the Peloponnese. Though you can go for the day, we strongly recommend spending at least one night.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki doesn’t get all of the attention it deserves. We are not complaining. That’s one of its draws. The city is very popular amongst Greeks but it still not overrun by tourists.
Though Thessaloniki excels at Byzantine churches, it has fantastic archaeological remains too. Walking about the city feels like traveling in time. You’ll see layer upon layer of history.
The locals are fantastic. Known around Greece for their hospitality and sense of humor, they will make you feel at home. Thessaloniki’s food is considered amongst the best in the country.
Main Sights
The city lies over the Mediterranean. Thus, walking along the coast is mandatory. Its epicenter is Aristoteles Square, in Ladadika by the coast. The remains of the Roman Forum are behind.
The 3rd Century Roman Rotonda and its mosaics are equally impressive. There are dozens of historic churches. Don’t miss the 5th Century Agios Dimitros and Panagia Acheiropoitos Churches, and the 8th Century Agia Sofia.
A splendid hill towers above the city. The views from the 14th Century fortress on its top will take your breath away.
Museums
We think there are two museums worth your time. The Archaeological Museum rivals the one in Athens. The oldest book in Europe is inside, as well as a fabulous collection of gold objects.
The Museum of Byzantine Culture is next door. Its massive collection goes from early Christendom to the 19th Century.
If you are a museum buff and want to enjoy Greek art, walk one block to the city’s Museum of Contemporary Art.
Hotels
The Electra Palace Hotel is the best hotel in Thessaloniki. It presides over the iconic Aristoteles Square in the center. It has 2 pools, one on the rooftop with epic views.
We stayed at the Mediterranean Palace Hotel next to the port and had a great time. The 5-star property has the best spa in the city. Book a sea view room with a balcony and you will never want to leave.
Our final recommendation goes to Gatto Perso. The 1926 mansion near the Roman Forum has rooms and apartments perfect for families. Great prices too!
Markets
We believe Thessaloniki’s markets are the best in Greece. These are lively, authentic, and fun. Though there are several, you should visit Kapani, Modiano, Athonos and Bezesteni.
The biggest is Kapani, near the Forum. It’s full of shops and great coffee houses. Modiano is behind. It specializes in fish.
The prettiest is Bezesteni. The 15th Century Ottoman Baths homes all types of shops. Athonos takes over a tiny square. It has shops and delicious restaurants.
Parks and Gardens
Though Thessaloniki doesn’t have many parks it has a splendid seaside boulevard. You can walk to the iconic 15th Century White Tower.
Alexander the Great garden is next. The park extends to the Umbrellas Sculpture that faces the sea. Pedion Areos park is behind. There are turtles!
Now, if you are into trekking, go up to Kara Tepe Hill. Continue to Seyh Su Natural Reserve for outstanding views of the city, the sea, and Mount Olympus.
Beaches
Unfortunately, there are no urban beaches in Thessaloniki. The closest beach is Perea, south from the Airport. It’s a long stretch of sand with calm waters.
You need to travel at least 2 hours to get to gorgeous beaches.
We go by public bus to Possidi. It’s the first of the 3 fingers south of Thessaloniki. The beach is absolutely beautiful. Do yourself a favor and spend at least one night there at the seafront Hotel Paraleo.
Day Trips
No wonder Zeus himself lives in Mount Olympus. Greece’s most famous mountain is pure beauty. It’s only 60 miles south of the city.
Edessa is famous for its Ottoman houses and waterfalls. Vergina is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The first capital of Macedonia is an archaeologist’s dream.
Going to Meteora might be a bit of an effort, but totally worth it. The monasteries on top of the huge rocks will take leave you speechless.
