Aristotelous Square

Aristotelous Square featuring a square or plaza, general coastal views and a coastal town
Photo by Giorgos Tzitzis
Photo by Vicki Samborski


Visit Thessaloniki’s main square, a busy gathering place for locals and the site of major events throughout the year.

Aristotelous Square is the beating heart of Thessaloniki. Lined with shops, restaurants, bars and hotels, it’s the perfect place to get a feeling for the pace of life in this city. Stretching down to the waterfront, the square opens up to reveal beautiful views of the Thermaikos Gulf. As one of the city’s centre’s only open outdoor spaces, this square is frequently chosen as the site for large public events, from Christmas markets to political speeches. 

Development of the square began after a fire destroyed a significant portion of the city. French architect Ernest Hébrard redesigned the damaged city centre in 1918, but most of the construction was delayed until the 1950s. Although the square doesn’t quite live up to the grand design Hébrard proposed, it did become the civic centre that he had envisioned. 

As you wander around the square, check out the Electra Palace Hotel, considered to be one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. Towering over the square, this landmark hotel dates back to the early 1970s and was designed to reflect the city’s historic Byzantine architectural style. 

Browse the shops lining the square and stop by one of the bakeries to try a trigona panoramatos. This sweet cream-filled pastry is said to have originated in Thessaloniki.  

On Mitropoleos Avenue, look out for the city’s famous Olympion Theatre. Built in the 1920s, this theatre hosts the annual Thessaloniki International Film Festival. 

The holiday season is one of the best times of year to visit the square, when it hosts the city’s Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities. As part of a Greek Christmas tradition, an enormous metal structure in the shape of a ship is illuminated in the square every December. Throughout the rest of the year, numerous other concerts, fairs and other cultural events also take place in the square. 

Aristotelous Square is located in the heart of the city. It can be accessed via many of the city’s major bus lines. 

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Things to do near Aristotelous Square

Aristotelous Square in Thessaloniki offers a vibrant atmosphere with activities such as enjoying local art and witnessing stunning sunsets. This bustling hub invites visitors to explore its charming cafés, shops, and restaurants, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city's rich culture. Take a leisurely stroll along the square, soak in the lively surroundings, and indulge in the delights that this iconic location has to offer.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Aristotelous Square, visit Modiano Market and Kapani Market, both only 161m away, offering local delights and city vibes. If you're up for a drive, One Salonica Outlet Mall, located 1.6km away, features a range of entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

At Toumba Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of local sports events. The Thessaloniki Yacht Club offers a luxurious retreat with stunning views and upscale amenities. For ultimate relaxation, visit Apollonia Spa, where rejuvenating treatments provide a serene escape from the bustling city.

Adventure

Waterland, a thrilling waterpark located 14.5km from Aristotelous Square, offers a fantastic mix of entertainment and adventure. Enjoy exhilarating slides, wave pools, and a relaxing family atmosphere, making it an ideal day out for both thrill-seekers and families alike.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Aristotelous Square is vibrant and inviting. You can enjoy a performance at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, located 4.8km away, or immerse yourself in the cultural ambiance at NTNG - Lazaristes Monastery, 3.2km away. The NTNG - Theatre of the Society for Macedonian Studies offers an intimate experience just 1.1km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Aristotelous Square

Aristotelous Square in Thessaloniki offers a vibrant blend of culture and history, with notable attractions such as charming churches, bustling streets, and engaging museums. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy a leisurely stroll, or partake in various sports activities. The square serves as a perfect starting point for exploring the rich heritage and lively atmosphere of this beautiful city in Central Macedonia.

  • Tsimiski Street: A vibrant hub of activity, Tsimiski Street offers an electric atmosphere filled with shops, cafes, and eateries. It's the perfect place to experience the bustling city life of Thessaloniki while indulging in local delicacies and shopping for unique souvenirs.
  • Church of Saint Demetrius: This stunning church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, revered for its exquisite Byzantine architecture and rich history. Visitors can immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance and admire the intricate mosaics that tell the tales of Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of the city.
  • Roman Forum of Thessaloniki: Step back in time at this ancient site, where you can explore the ruins that once served as the city's marketplace. The Forum is a remarkable glimpse into Thessaloniki’s Roman past, showcasing impressive columns and historic remnants.

Best time to go to Aristotelous Square

The best time to visit Aristotelous Square is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April57.2°F (14.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May66.6°F (19.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July80.6°F (27.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August80.8°F (27.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
September72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Aristotelous Square

To save money on your visit to Aristotelous Square, consider travelling during the low season from January to March, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly hotels and consider eco-certified options. For public transport, take advantage of the local buses or simply explore the area on foot to enjoy the square and its surroundings without spending much.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Aristotelous Square are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Aristotelous Square is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Aristotelous Square is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Aristotelous Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences with ease. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel reservation at Aristotelous Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.