Sight guide · Thessaloniki · Greece
Visiting White Tower
The cylindrical Ottoman tower on the waterfront, built in the 15th century and once used as a prison, is the symbol of the city.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: CeeGee, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
White Tower is a landmark in White Tower and the eastern seafront, Thessaloniki. Allow 1 hour; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Landmark
- Area
- White Tower and the eastern seafront
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- views, history and kids
- Best months
- June–August
About White Tower
The cylindrical Ottoman tower on the waterfront, built in the 15th century and once used as a prison, is the symbol of the city. Inside, six floors of displays tell the history of Thessaloniki, and the rooftop gives a 360-degree view of the seafront, the port and, on clear days, Mount Olympus across the gulf.
Tip: Climb it late in the afternoon for the light over the gulf, then walk the promenade towards the Umbrellas for sunset.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: White Tower and the eastern seafront, promenade gardens, museums and sea-view apartments east of the White Tower.
Best time to visit White Tower
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- July: 32°C (90°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- August: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- June: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-July the sun sets at about 20:58 local time (calculated for Thessaloniki).
When to visit Thessaloniki has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Thessaloniki itinerary visits White Tower on day 1, together with Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Museum of Byzantine Culture and Arch of Galerius (Kamara).
- No. 1 of the 17 sights in our Thessaloniki things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Thessaloniki.
- A family favourite in Thessaloniki with kids.
Near White Tower
Also in White Tower and the eastern seafront, so you can walk between them:
- Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki — 2 hours, low cost
- Museum of Byzantine Culture — 1.5–2 hours, low cost
- Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas — 1–2 hours, free
If you like White Tower
- Aristotelous Square — City Centre (Aristotelous Square), 30 minutes
- Ano Poli, Heptapyrgion and the city walls — Ano Poli, Half a day
- Vlatadon Monastery — Ano Poli, 30 minutes
Staying near White Tower
Stay in White Tower and the eastern seafront ($$$) to walk here: promenade gardens, museums and sea-view apartments east of the White Tower. All areas to stay in Thessaloniki.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at White Tower?
Plan 1 hour. With Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki nearby, it fits a half-day in White Tower and the eastern seafront.
+Is White Tower free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit White Tower?
June–August, the quietest of the good months. Climb it late in the afternoon for the light over the gulf, then walk the promenade towards the Umbrellas for sunset.
+Do I need to book White Tower in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is White Tower good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki works well with children thanks to the flat, car-free seafront with playgrounds and bike lanes, the White Tower's rooftop, and day trips to Mount Olympus and Chalkidiki beaches.