Discover our locals' 95 hidden gems in Thessaloniki

Πάμε. Discover Thessaloniki’s hidden gems with Spotted by Locals! From local tavernas to secret historical sites, our Spotters share the city's best-kept secrets. Experience Thessaloniki through the eyes of true locals.

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✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Thessaloniki

Check out our latest hidden gems in Thessaloniki

Things to do in Thessaloniki

Tile Heart

Cutest street art

This "Tile Heart" in Thessaloniki is a heart made of tiny tiles on the seafront! The unique street art is one of the reasons I love my city so much...

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Martina

Papaioannou

Jun 8, 2025

Bey Hamam

Art in a hamam

"Bey Hamam" in Thessaloniki used to be a functioning bathhouse until 1968; in 2010 it was turned into a cultural space. It feels like a parallel universe!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Martina

Papaioannou

Jun 8, 2025

Bombolo

Gelato and waffles

"Bombolo" Thessaloniki makes amazing gelato & waffles. My favorite combination is a waffle with liquid white chocolate and scoops of pistachio & coconut!

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Snacks

by

Giannis

Sykomanis

Jun 8, 2025

Core

Unique designs

"Core" in Thessaloniki is amazing, because James' Enox's collection of t-shirts, jewelry etc. is just flawless. If you're also into graphic design, this...

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Shopping

by

Martina

Papaioannou

Jun 5, 2025

Paradosiako

The best pie in Thessaloniki!

I have tried many pies in many spots, not exclusively in Thessaloniki, but those that I have really fallen in love with are the pies of “Paradosiako”! That Greek word means “Traditional”.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Thanasis (or Athanasios)

Koukopoulos

Jun 1, 2025

St. Nikolaos Orfanos Church

A paradise on earth

A must-see gem of Thessaloniki is a tiny church in Ano Poli (Upper City) district, hidden behind an enclosure. Its name is Agios Nikolaos Orfanos (St. Nicholas of the Orphans).

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Thanasis (or Athanasios)

Koukopoulos

Jun 1, 2025

Byzantine Bath

A unique monument

The building dates back to ca. 1200 and it was in function until 1940! During the Ottoman period, it was known as Koule Hamam. It was constructed in a period during which the tradition of public baths was revived after the Late Antiquity.

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Art & culture

by

Thanasis (or Athanasios)

Koukopoulos

Jun 1, 2025

St. Athanasios Church

A part of my life

It’s one of the most historic churches in Thessaloniki, but unfortunately, not even my fellow citizens are aware of that, let alone visitors of the city

002-building
Art & culture

by

Thanasis (or Athanasios)

Koukopoulos

Jun 1, 2025

Nea Diagonios

A paradise of meat

In the eastern part of Thessaloniki, you can find the “paradise of meat”, the restaurant “Nea Diagonios” (literally, “New Diagonal”). Although the area is not touristy, it is worth visiting (don’t worry, there is a menu in English too).

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Restaurants

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Thanasis (or Athanasios)

Koukopoulos

Jun 1, 2025

Katselis

The most delicious bougatsa

The best place to have a traditional breakfast, which hotels usually don’t offer, is “Katselis”! There are two branches; one near the train station and one in the city's eastern part.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Thanasis (or Athanasios)

Koukopoulos

Jun 1, 2025

Holy Apostles Church

Another taste of Byzantium

One of my favorite Byzantine monuments in Thessaloniki is the church of the Holy Apostles. What makes it unique is the combination of gorgeous frescoes and mosaics; even though the latter, only fragments are preserved!

002-building
Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Thanasis (or Athanasios)

Koukopoulos

Jun 1, 2025

Museum of Illusions

Nothing is as it seems

Over 40 different interactive exhibits are waiting for you to experience incredible tricks, take awesome photos and discover the secrets and phenomena behind them!

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Art & culture
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Shopping

by

Thanasis (or Athanasios)

Koukopoulos

Jun 1, 2025

Heading to Thessaloniki?

95 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to Thessaloniki?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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