OTE Tower - worm's eye view of tower building under nimbus cloud
1 / 10

OTE Tower

4.6
·491k reviews·Thessaloniki, Greece

Landmark broadcasting tower offering a revolving restaurant with stunning 360-degree views over Thessaloniki.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset hours

Magical city light transition

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
OTE Tower - worm's eye view of tower building under nimbus cloud

OTE Tower

Best Time

Sunset hours

Magical city light transition

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Landmark broadcasting tower offering a revolving restaurant with stunning 360-degree views over Thessaloniki.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The rotating bar experience at OTE Tower offers a unique, ever-changing panorama of Thessaloniki."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Ahead for Sunset

Reservations are highly recommended for the Skyline Bar, especially around sunset for the best views.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

While not strenuous, you'll be standing and enjoying the views, so comfortable footwear is a good idea.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Skyline Bar Experience

Skyline Bar Experience

Top of OTE Tower

Enjoy drinks and light meals with a constantly changing panoramic view of Thessaloniki.

360-Degree City Views

360-Degree City Views

OTE Tower observation deck

Witness Thessaloniki from above, with unparalleled vistas from every direction.

Rotating Tower Motion

Rotating Tower Motion

Skyline Bar

Experience the unique sensation of the entire city unfolding around you as the bar slowly rotates.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Your Rotating View

Secure your spot at the Skyline Bar in advance, especially for sunset. The tower rotates, offering a unique 360-degree perspective of Thessaloniki. It's a popular spot for drinks and light meals.

Best Time for Panoramic Views

Visit during daylight hours for clear cityscapes or at sunset for a magical transition. The rotating bar ensures you see the entire city from every angle over a couple of hours.

Best Times

When
Sunset hours
Why
Magical city light transition
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, clearer views
Crowd
Low
When
Evening
Why
Sparkling city lights
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Our new ARENA is INSANE 🤯 @ote #basketball #dunk #insane #atlanta
@overtimemikey
125.9K likes • 771.1K views

🎯 Book Ahead for Sunset

Reservations are highly recommended for the Skyline Bar, especially around sunset for the best views. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

While not strenuous, you'll be standing and enjoying the views, so comfortable footwear is a good idea. Reddit

Y’all don’t understand how INSANEEE this place is lol 😭 #ote #hoopers #NBA
@ote
19.5K likes • 155.3K views
Skip the usual restaurant scene for this light meal at the Skyline Bar in the OTE Tower high above Thessaloniki. OTE Tower is a 76-metre-tall tower. The tower opened in 1966 and was renovated in 2005. The Skyline Bar is located at the top. Pair your light meal with music, drinks and rotating panoramic views. The venue operates year-round, offers coffee, signature drinks and a small selection of sm...
dc.worlddreams
0 likes • 2.2K views

📸 Capture the Rotation

The slow rotation offers unique photo opportunities; be patient and capture the changing scenery. Instagram

🍸 Enjoy a Drink with a View

The Skyline Bar is perfect for a cocktail or coffee while taking in the expansive city panorama. Instagram

Stepping stone duffy Live at @skyline_cafe_bar OTE Tower. #steppingstone #duffy #skyline #otetower #live #elenatitirla #unpluggedstudio🎛 #bestview #bestcoctails #christmasmood🎄 #singer
titi.helena.soprano
39 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead for Sunset

Reservations are highly recommended for the Skyline Bar, especially around sunset for the best views. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

While not strenuous, you'll be standing and enjoying the views, so comfortable footwear is a good idea. Reddit

📸 Capture the Rotation

The slow rotation offers unique photo opportunities; be patient and capture the changing scenery. Instagram

🍸 Enjoy a Drink with a View

The Skyline Bar is perfect for a cocktail or coffee while taking in the expansive city panorama. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the OTE Tower's Skyline Bar for its breathtaking 360-degree rotating views of Thessaloniki, making it a must-visit for sunset and city panoramas. While the food and drinks are considered standard for a bar with a view, the unique rotating experience and stunning vistas are consistently highlighted as the main attractions.

What People Like

Spectacular rotating views
Sunset city panoramas
Unique bar experience

What People Dislike

Standard bar food/drinks
Can be crowded at peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The OTE Tower is located within the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center. You can reach it by taxi, public bus, or a pleasant walk from the city center. Many visitors find it a convenient spot to access. Reddit

Yes, there is usually parking available at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center, though it might be paid. It's a good option if you're arriving by car. Reddit

Yes, it's a walkable distance, approximately 20-30 minutes depending on your pace. It's a nice way to see more of the city. Reddit

For a quick visit, a taxi or ride-sharing service is the most efficient way to get directly to the OTE Tower. TikTok

Several bus lines stop near the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center, making the OTE Tower accessible via public transport from various parts of the city. Check local bus routes for the most convenient option. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the OTE Tower itself might be free, but access to the Skyline Bar or observation areas typically requires a purchase of food or drinks. It's best to check their current policy. Instagram

The Skyline Bar operates year-round, but specific hours can vary. It's advisable to check the official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit. Instagram

While the tower structure itself might not have an entry fee, the experience at the Skyline Bar involves purchasing drinks or a light meal. Prices are comparable to other city bars. Instagram

Yes, booking a table at the Skyline Bar is highly recommended, especially for popular times like sunset, to ensure you get a good spot. Instagram

The rotating bar completes a full rotation in about 2 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy the views without a strict time limit on your visit. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset offers a dramatic cityscape, while daytime provides clear, detailed views. Early mornings can also be beautiful with softer light. Instagram

Absolutely! The OTE Tower offers fantastic panoramic photo opportunities of Thessaloniki and its surroundings. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid professional shoots without prior permission. Instagram

You can capture wide-angle shots of the city, the Thermaic Gulf, the port, and surrounding hills. The rotating nature allows for unique perspectives. Instagram

Drone photography is generally not permitted within or around the OTE Tower due to its broadcasting function and proximity to urban areas. Always check local regulations. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Skyline Bar offers light meals, snacks, and a variety of drinks. It's more about enjoying the view with refreshments than a full dining experience. Instagram

No, the OTE Tower primarily features the Skyline Bar, which serves light fare. For full-service dining, you'll need to explore other options in Thessaloniki. Instagram

You can expect a range of cocktails, wines, beers, coffees, and other beverages to complement your view. Instagram

Prices at the Skyline Bar are generally in line with city center bars and cafes, reflecting the premium location and view. Instagram

While not a formal restaurant, the Skyline Bar can be a memorable spot for a special occasion drink or light bite due to its unique rotating experience. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The OTE Tower offers a unique experience for families, especially the rotating bar. Kids are often fascinated by the slow movement and the changing views of the city. It's a great way to make learning about geography fun and engaging. The light meal options are suitable for younger palates, and the novelty of the rotating experience can keep children entertained. TikTok

Tip: Visit during daylight hours for clearer views that kids can easily identify. Consider bringing a small notebook for them to sketch what they see or play a 'spot the landmark' game. It’s a memorable outing that combines fun with a bit of education about Thessaloniki. TikTok

💑 Couples

The OTE Tower's Skyline Bar is an ideal spot for couples seeking a romantic experience. The rotating views, especially at sunset or after dark when the city lights sparkle, create a magical ambiance. Enjoying a drink together while the city unfolds around you is a unique and intimate way to spend time. Instagram

Recommendation: Book a table for sunset to witness the breathtaking transition from day to night. It’s a perfect setting for a special date night or a memorable anniversary celebration. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the OTE Tower is a goldmine of visual opportunities. The 360-degree panoramic views offer endless possibilities for capturing Thessaloniki's urban landscape, coastline, and surrounding hills. The rotating aspect allows for dynamic shots and unique perspectives that static viewpoints can't offer. Instagram

Best for: Capturing cityscapes at different times of day, including sunrise, sunset, and the glittering night view. Experiment with wide-angle lenses for sweeping panoramas and telephoto lenses for detailed shots of distant landmarks. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Rotating Experience

The most distinctive feature of the OTE Tower's Skyline Bar is its slow, continuous rotation. This unique mechanism allows visitors to experience a full 360-degree panorama of Thessaloniki over approximately two hours. As you sip your drink or enjoy a light meal, the cityscape gradually transforms, offering new perspectives and photo opportunities with every passing minute. It’s a truly immersive way to appreciate the city's layout, from the bustling port to the historic Ano Poli (Upper Town) and the Thermaic Gulf. Instagram

This rotating feature makes the OTE Tower a standout attraction, differentiating it from static observation decks. It’s an experience that engages all your senses, combining the visual spectacle of the city with the subtle motion and ambiance of the bar. Many visitors describe it as a mesmerizing and unforgettable part of their trip to Thessaloniki. Instagram

Pro-tip: If you want to experience the full rotation, plan to spend at least two hours at the bar. It’s also a fantastic spot for a romantic evening or a unique way to celebrate a special occasion. Instagram

Capturing Thessaloniki from Above

The OTE Tower provides an unparalleled vantage point for photography enthusiasts. From its height, you can capture sweeping vistas of Thessaloniki, including iconic landmarks like the White Tower, the port, and the sprawling urban landscape. The 360-degree views mean you can photograph the city from every conceivable angle, adapting your shots to the changing light throughout the day. Instagram

Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' – the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset – for the most dramatic and atmospheric photographs. The warm, soft light can illuminate the city beautifully, creating stunning silhouettes and highlighting architectural details. Sunset, in particular, offers a breathtaking transition as the city lights begin to twinkle below. Instagram

Don't forget to experiment with different focal lengths and compositions. Wide-angle lenses are perfect for capturing the expansive panoramas, while telephoto lenses can be used to isolate specific buildings or distant features. The slow rotation also offers unique opportunities for motion blur photography, adding a dynamic element to your shots. Instagram

Skyline Bar: More Than Just a View

While the panoramic views are undoubtedly the main draw, the Skyline Bar at the OTE Tower also offers a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying refreshments. It's a place to relax, socialize, and soak in the surroundings. The bar serves a selection of drinks, including cocktails, wines, and coffees, alongside light snacks and meals, making it a perfect spot for a casual outing or a pre-dinner aperitif. Instagram

Many visitors appreciate the combination of the stunning scenery with the quality of the beverages and light bites. It’s an ideal location for a leisurely afternoon break or an evening wind-down, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed environment. The music and ambiance contribute to the overall enjoyable experience, making it more than just a viewing platform. Instagram

Recommendation: Pair a classic cocktail with the ever-changing view for a truly memorable experience. It’s a great way to punctuate your sightseeing day in Thessaloniki. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2