The bustling port city of Thessaloniki serves up excellent city tours that get straight to its historical heart. Bus hop-on hop-off routes offer good value, stopping at must-sees like the iconic White Tower – perfect for first-timers who want the big picture. I love the Byzantine Museum tour, which cleverly pairs museum visits with city walks, bringing 2,000 years of history to life.
For a real taste of the city, the comprehensive half-day tours hit all the right spots: ancient ruins, the charming Ano Poli (Upper Town), and authentic Greek food stops. Private walking tours prove especially rewarding, with guides who know their stuff leading visitors to gems like the stunning Church of St. Demetrios.
Let’s look at my favorite Thessaloniki tours, ranked from best value to most memorable…
Key Points
- The City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers a 75-minute tour with unlimited access for 24 hours, covering key attractions like the Church of St. Demetrios and Archeological Museum.
- The Byzantine Museum E-Ticket & Audio City Tour provides entry to the Museum of Byzantine Culture and a self-guided audio tour, accessible via a downloadable app.
- The City Tour and Archaeological Museum offers a comprehensive six-hour exploration of Thessaloniki, including visits to Ano Poli, Agios Dimitrios Church, and the Kapani Market.
- The Thessaloniki City Tour and Archaeological Museum is a seven-hour tour that highlights the city’s cultural and archaeological significance, featuring landmarks like the White Tower and Byzantine walls.
- The City Highlights Private Walking Tour is a customizable two-hour tour that takes visitors to the White Tower, the Alexander the Great statue, and the Church of St. Demetrios.
City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Typically, the City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour provides visitors with an efficient and comprehensive way to explore the city’s top attractions.
With a 75-minute tour duration and unlimited access for 24 hours, travelers can hop on and off as they please to visit the Church of St. Demetrios, Makedonia Palace Hotel, and Archeological Museum.
The tour operates year-round, with double-decker buses running every 30-60 minutes and providing multilingual audio commentary.
Tickets start at €16 per person and can be redeemed at the White Tower or directly with the bus driver.
While the tour generally receives positive reviews, some travelers have reported issues with overcrowding and infrequent bus service.
Read our full review: City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Review
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Thessaloniki: Byzantine Museum E-Ticket & Audio City Tour
For visitors to Thessaloniki, the Thessaloniki: Byzantine Museum E-Ticket & Audio City Tour provides an immersive experience to explore the city’s rich Byzantine heritage and explore its top landmarks at one’s own pace.
Priced from €16 per person, the non-refundable ticket grants access to the Museum of Byzantine Culture along with a self-guided audio city tour. Guests can download the tour’s app and audio content beforehand to avoid roaming charges.
Highlights include the tomb of Eustorgios, wall mosaic from Acheiropeitos church, and the marble icon of the Virgin.
The tour is wheelchair-accessible and designed based on in-depth research for an informative experience.
Read our full review: Thessaloniki: Byzantine Museum E-Ticket & Audio City Tour Review
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From Thessaloniki: City Tour and Archaelogical Museum
This six-hour city tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of Thessaloniki’s rich cultural heritage and archaeological marvels. Priced from $42.27 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Highlights include visits to Ano Poli, Agios Dimitrios Church, the Archaeological Museum, and the city center. Travelers can choose from five pickup and drop-off locations around Thessaloniki.
The tour includes a guided visit to the acclaimed Archaeological Museum, where visitors can explore the city’s Paleochristian and Byzantine history.
Travelers can also savor local cuisine during a visit to the historic Kapani Market, one of Thessaloniki’s UNESCO-recognized culinary hubs.
Read our full review: From Thessaloniki: City Tour and Archaelogical Museum Review
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Thessaloniki City Tour and Archaeological Museum
Thessaloniki’s rich cultural heritage and archaeological marvels come to life on this comprehensive seven-hour city tour. Priced at $49.67 per person, the tour offers free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Highlights include visiting landmarks like the White Tower, Galerius Arc, and Rotonda, as well as exploring the impressive Byzantine walls of Ano Poli.
Guests will also learn about the Roman period through the Monument of Rotunda and Arch of Galerius. The tour ends at the White Tower and the statue of Alexander the Great.
Led by a live English-speaking guide, this experience provides historical insights and allows visitors to discover Thessaloniki’s traditional architecture and cultural heritage.
Read our full review: Thessaloniki City Tour and Archaeological Museum Review
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Thessaloniki: City Highlights Private Walking Tour
Explore Thessaloniki’s captivating history and architectural marvels on this private walking tour. Lasting 2 hours, the tour costs $36.99 per person with a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll visit key landmarks like the White Tower, Alexander the Great statue, and the Church of St. Demetrios. The tour is customizable based on your preferences, and the guide can provide recommendations for additional activities.
The meeting point is at the front of the Electra Palace Hotel, and the tour is wheelchair accessible. While food and drinks aren’t included, the guide can assist with booking tickets for attractions.
With a 5/5 rating from past guests, this tour offers an immersive experience of Thessaloniki’s highlights.
Read our full review: Thessaloniki: City Highlights Private Walking Tour Review
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Thessaloniki: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
For a rundown of Thessaloniki’s top sights, the city’s Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour offers an excellent option. Priced at $16.91 per person, the tour provides 1-day unlimited access to the route, with the flexibility to hop on and off as desired.
Riders can enjoy panoramic views from the open-top deck while listening to multilingual audio commentary. The tour covers key landmarks like the Church of Agios Dimitrios, White Tower, Ano Poli, and the Port.
With 8 convenient stops, the tour is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Plus, an optional Meteora Monasteries day tour is available for those seeking a deeper exploration of the region.
Read our full review: Thessaloniki: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Review
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Group Tour of Thessaloniki City and Archaeological Museum
Visitors seeking a comprehensive introduction to Thessaloniki’s rich history and cultural heritage can opt for a guided group tour of the city’s top sights, culminating in a visit to the acclaimed Archaeological Museum.
This immersive 2-3 hour experience covers iconic landmarks like the White Tower, Rotunda, and Arch of Galerius, providing insights into the city’s Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman legacies.
The tour then delves into Thessaloniki’s storied past at the Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts dating back to the Prehistoric, Classical, and Hellenistic periods.
With knowledgeable guides and a leisurely pace, this tour offers an ideal way for first-time visitors to discover the essence of this captivating Greek city.
Read our full review: Group Tour of Thessaloniki City and Archaeological Museum Review
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The Sum Up
Thessaloniki offers a range of city tours to suit different interests and budgets. Visitors can choose from hop-on hop-off bus tours, guided walking tours, and private tours that include the city’s top sights like the Byzantine Museum and Archaeological Museum. These tours provide a rundown of Thessaloniki’s rich history and cultural heritage, making it easy for travelers to explore the city’s highlights efficiently.