Thessaloniki Cruise Port Guide

The short answer

Thessaloniki is docked in the city, and you can walk to the centre in about 15 minutes. The waterfront, White Tower, Rotunda and the great Archaeological Museum make a full, easy day on your own. Most state sites cost €8–10.

Getting ashoreShip docks

Distance to townAbout a 15-minute walk along the waterfront to the centre (What's In Port). The White Tower is further east along the same promenade.

Gateway forWhite Tower, Rotunda, Arch of Galerius, Archaeological Museum, Upper Town (Ano Poli), Vergina and Pella by tour

Walk to City centre (Aristotelous Square) and White Tower15 minutes to the centre; more to the White Tower · Free

On the chart

Where Thessaloniki lies

Antique-style chart of Greek Isles & Eastern Med with ports marked

Thessaloniki Istanbul Athens Argostoli Bodrum Chania Corfu Heraklion Itea Izmir Katakolon Kos Kuşadası Limassol Milos Mykonos Nafplio Patmos Rhodes Santorini Sarandë Syros Volos Zakynthos

Where your ship docks

Ships dock in the main port on the west side of the city centre, next to the Ladadika district.

Shuttle. No shuttle confirmed. The walk is short.

From the gangway

Getting to the sights

The way	Time	Cost
Walk to City centre (Aristotelous Square) and White Tower	15 minutes to the centre; more to the White Tower	Free
Taxi or city bus to Upper Town (Ano Poli)	Unverified	Unverified

Walk to City centre (Aristotelous Square) and White Tower

Time 15 minutes to the centre; more to the White TowerCost Free

Exit the terminal and turn right along the waterfront (What's In Port).
Follow the promenade east to Aristotelous Square and on to the White Tower.

Flat and pleasant.

Taxi or city bus to Upper Town (Ano Poli)

Time UnverifiedCost Unverified

Take a taxi up; walk down through the old lanes.
City buses are run by OASTH (oasth.gr).

The climb on foot is steep.

Worth the trip

What to see

White Tower

The city's symbol, with a museum and views from the top.

How: Walk east along the waterfront.
Time: 1 hour
Tickets: €8 full / €4 reduced. 08:00–21:00 May–Oct; 08:30–15:30 Nov–Apr (Hellenic Heritage).

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

Macedonian gold and finds from the era of Alexander the Great.

How: A few blocks inland from the White Tower.
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Tickets: €10 full / €5 reduced. 09:00–17:00; closed Tuesdays Nov–Mar (Hellenic Heritage).

Rotunda

Roman building from about 300 AD, later a church and mosque; UNESCO site.

How: Walk inland; the Arch of Galerius is next to it.
Time: 30 minutes
Tickets: €10 full / €5 reduced. 08:00–20:00 Apr–Sep; closed Tuesdays (Hellenic Heritage).

Arch of Galerius

Carved Roman triumphal arch.

How: Beside the Rotunda.
Time: 15 minutes
Tickets: Free (street)

Church of Agios Dimitrios

The city's patron saint's great basilica.

How: Walk north of Aristotelous Square.
Time: 30 minutes
Tickets: Free (Wikivoyage)

Upper Town (Ano Poli) and walls

Old lanes and views over the bay.

How: Taxi up, walk down.
Time: 1.5 hours
Tickets: Free

A day ashore

Your day, hour by hour

Planned for a typical call. Check your ship's all-aboard time and be back an hour early. The ship will not wait.

Walk from the ship along the waterfront to Aristotelous Square (15 minutes).
Continue to the White Tower; climb it when it opens.
Archaeological Museum, a few blocks inland (1.5–2 hours).
Walk to the Rotunda and Arch of Galerius.
Lunch near the Ladadika district by the port.
Optional: taxi to the Upper Town and walk down.
Back on board 45 minutes before all-aboard.

Wise counsel

What goes wrong, and how to avoid it

Beware

Big city traffic.
Many state sites close Tuesdays in winter.
Shorter winter hours (08:30–15:30) at the White Tower.

Do this

Wear comfortable shoes: the sights are spread out.
Try a bougatsa (cream pastry), a city speciality.

Practical matters

Fees, money and access

Rules & fees

Greek cruise passenger fee (per person, per port call, since 21 July 2025): this port pays the standard rate of €5 (1 Jun–30 Sep), €3 (Apr–May and Oct), €1 (Nov–Mar). Only Santorini and Mykonos pay the higher €20/€12/€4. Your cruise line usually adds it to your bill (Keep Talking Greece, 21 Jul 2025).