If the White Tower is the symbol of Thessaloniki, Aristotelous Square and the Nea Paralia promenade are its living room. The square was shaped after the fire of 1917 by the town planner Ernest Hebrard, who made it the central axis of the new city, and it opens onto the sea at one end, framed by arcaded buildings that mix European and Byzantine ideas. Cafes fill it all day, and events are held there throughout the year. From the foot of the square the waterfront runs along Megalou Alexandrou Avenue from the White Tower to the Concert Hall. Along the way you find the equestrian statue of Alexander the Great, the 13-metre Umbrellas sculpture by George Zongolopoulos, twelve themed gardens, a cycle path of about 3 km and views across the Thermaic Gulf towards Mount Olympus. It costs nothing, takes as long as you like and shows how the city lives, so it belongs on every itinerary.
How it works
Both places are public and free, and there is no ticket or fixed opening time. Aristotelous Square is lively from morning coffee to late evening, and the promenade is busy at all hours, especially at weekends, with joggers and cyclists in the morning and families and couples in the evening. Some of the gardens along the water have cafes, playgrounds and sports courts, and the events calendar changes through the year, so check the city tourism site if you want a concert or festival.
What to expect
Begin at the top of the square and walk down towards the sea, then turn right and follow the promenade to the White Tower. Keep going if you like, past the statue of Alexander the Great and the Umbrellas sculpture, which is one of the most photographed monuments in the city, and on towards the Concert Hall, whose second building by Arata Isozaki houses a museum of musical instruments. Allow time for a coffee stop, because the promenade is a place for slow walking and for people watching.
Making the most of it
Go at sunset, when the sky over the Thermaic Gulf and Mount Olympus is at its best, and in warm months wear a hat in the middle of the day, since shade is limited. Locals have a drink or a freddo espresso by the sea in the morning and a long dinner late in the evening, so follow the rhythm. In rain, the arcades around the square give shelter, and the museums are close by.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided stroll from a grand square down to the sea and along a promenade of gardens and sculpture.
Best time
Morning for coffee and joggers, or sunset for the best light over the gulf.
How long
One to two hours, longer if you stop for coffee or dinner.
Tips
Walk the promenade towards the White Tower, and bring a layer for the sea breeze.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Everyone, especially on a first day or a free afternoon.
- Families
- Open space, gardens and playgrounds make it easy with children.
- Couples
- A sunset walk along the water followed by dinner.
- Pair with
- The White Tower, a market food tour and a bike ride.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
What is Aristotelous Square?+
It is the main public square of the city, laid out by Ernest Hebrard after the fire of 1917. It opens onto the sea and is lined with cafes and arcaded buildings.
How long is the Nea Paralia promenade?+
It runs along Megalou Alexandrou Avenue from the White Tower to the Concert Hall, with a cycle path of about 3 km alongside.
What are the highlights along the water?+
The statue of Alexander the Great, the Umbrellas sculpture, twelve themed gardens and the Concert Hall are the main stops.
Is there anything to pay?+
No, the square and the promenade are free. You only pay for coffee, food or any event with a ticket.
When is the best time to go?+
Sunset is the favourite time, with views over the gulf and Mount Olympus, and mornings are good for a quieter walk.
