Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos - a group of white umbrellas hanging from a roof
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Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos

4.7
·16k reviews·Thessaloniki, Greece

Iconic waterfront sculpture of stainless steel umbrellas by George Zongolopoulos, symbolizing protection and art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Golden hour

Magical light and illuminated umbrellas

CrowdMedium
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Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos - a group of white umbrellas hanging from a roof

Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos

Best Time

Golden hour

Magical light and illuminated umbrellas

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic waterfront sculpture of stainless steel umbrellas by George Zongolopoulos, symbolizing protection and art.

4.7
(16k reviews)

"A beautiful and unique landmark by the sea, great for photos, especially at sunset."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Great for pictures, especially at sunset when the lights come on!

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

The boardwalk is long; wear comfy shoes for a pleasant stroll.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 15,598 reviews

Type

Sculpture

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Umbrellas

The Iconic Umbrellas

Thessaloniki Waterfront

A striking 13-meter-high sculpture of stainless steel umbrellas on slender poles, symbolizing protection and artistic innovation.

Sunset Spectacle

Sunset Spectacle

Thessaloniki Waterfront

Witness the umbrellas illuminate against a pink sky during sunset, creating an unforgettable and picturesque sight.

Nighttime Illumination

Nighttime Illumination

Thessaloniki Waterfront

Experience a different ambiance as the umbrellas light up at night, offering a fantastic and atmospheric view.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for the Umbrellas

Visit during golden hour for stunning sunset views when the umbrellas light up, creating a magical contrast with the sky. Early mornings offer a quieter experience before crowds gather.

Waterfront Stroll Essential

The Umbrellas are part of a beautiful waterfront promenade. Wear comfortable shoes for a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, which extends quite a bit, offering various perspectives of the sculpture.

Best Times

When
Golden hour
Why
Magical light and illuminated umbrellas
Crowd
Medium
When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Atmospheric illumination
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This umbrella is AWESOME!!!!
@thekristinekoehnking
70.3K likes • 10.5M views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Great for pictures, especially at sunset when the lights come on! Instagram+1

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

The boardwalk is long; wear comfy shoes for a pleasant stroll. Reddit

Discover the magic of “The Umbrellas Sculpture” in Thessaloniki—a striking 13-meter-high landmark created by renowned Greek sculptor George Zongolopoulos in 1997. Perched along the vibrant waterfront, its stainless steel umbrellas not only offer a whimsical play of light and shadow but also symbolize protection and artistic innovation, making it one of the city’s most photographed spots. Experien...
superioroneskg
29 likes • 778 views
This place needs more hype ☂️☔ Did you know there is an umbrella mural with the backdrop of Aegean sea? Save the location📍Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos 🇬🇷 💡Pro tip 〰️ Sunset is the best time to visit when the light of umbrellas are turned on & shows an amazing contrast with pink sky making this an unforgettable sight. . . . . . . #greece🇬🇷 #greece #tripadvisor #travelinspiration #wonderful_plac...
samintravels
43 likes • 1.8K views

💡 See it by Day & Night

Offers a different, fantastic experience after dark. Reddit

🌊 Waterfront Views

Enjoy the beautiful sea backdrop and walk along the extended boardwalk. Reddit

The Umbrellas of Thessaloniki during sunset looks like a dream came true! 😍🇬🇷 via @chris_kap.21 💙🤍 💡 “The Umbrellas” was made by Greek sculptor Giorgios Zongolopoulos in 1997 when Thessaloniki was the European Capital of Culture. Each umbrella is about 42 feet tall and slightly tilted. It’s considered as a tourist attraction spot plus taking pictures there is priceless! 🤩 Have you taken a photo ...
greece.explores
252 likes • 6.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Great for pictures, especially at sunset when the lights come on! Instagram+1

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

The boardwalk is long; wear comfy shoes for a pleasant stroll. Reddit

💡 See it by Day & Night

Offers a different, fantastic experience after dark. Reddit

🌊 Waterfront Views

Enjoy the beautiful sea backdrop and walk along the extended boardwalk. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(16k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about The Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos, calling it a beautiful and unique landmark perfect for photos, especially at sunset when it lights up. The minimalist design and waterfront location are highly praised, offering a serene yet visually striking experience day or night.

"A beautiful and unique landmark by the sea. The installation is very impressive and a great spot for photos, especially at sunset. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Thessaloniki."

Kostadin Ruskov

"The Umbrellas of Zongolopoulos is a famous public art installation by Greek sculptor George Zongolopoulos. Created in the 1990s, this elegant and minimalist sculpture features tall, slender poles topped with open umbrellas, often arranged in groups. The work symbolizes shelter, protection, and the poetic relationship between everyday objects and the environment. Installed in various locations across Greece and internationally, the Umbrellas have become iconic for their graceful simplicity and ability to transform public spaces into places of reflection and beauty."

Ali Bahram

"First time I went at night, it was fantastic a whole different experience at night the lights the atmosphere will worth the visit.."

ren tsampiras

What People Like

Unique and beautiful landmark
Great photo opportunities
Stunning sunset views

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Umbrellas are located on the Thessaloniki waterfront, easily accessible by foot from the city center. Many visitors enjoy walking along the promenade to reach the sculpture. Public transport options are also available, with buses frequently stopping near the waterfront area. Instagram

While street parking can be challenging in the area, there are several paid parking lots within a short walking distance of the waterfront. Consider using a ride-sharing service for convenience. Instagram

Absolutely! The walk along the Thessaloniki waterfront to reach The Umbrellas is a popular and pleasant activity, offering scenic views along the way. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, The Umbrellas are a public art installation on the waterfront and are free to visit and admire at any time. Instagram

The sculpture is accessible 24/7 as it is an outdoor public installation. However, the best experience is often during daylight hours or at sunset when it's illuminated. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset, also known as golden hour, is highly recommended. The light creates a beautiful contrast with the pink sky, and the umbrellas are illuminated, making for stunning photos. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, the sculpture is illuminated at night, offering a completely different and atmospheric experience for photography. Reddit

Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the umbrellas against the sea and sky. Wide-angle shots can showcase the entire installation, while close-ups highlight the details. Instagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The Umbrellas are situated along the Thessaloniki waterfront, which is perfect for a leisurely walk, enjoying sea views, and exploring the promenade. Reddit

Yes, it's a visually engaging and open space that children can enjoy. The waterfront promenade is also great for a family stroll. TikTok

Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour, especially if they are timing their visit for sunset or enjoying a walk along the waterfront. Reddit

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