24 hours in Thessaloniki

24 hours in Thessaloniki

So you've got one in Thessaloniki to get a taste of the city? No problem! Even though it will charm you that you'll definitely want to come back soon, it is possible to see a lot within a short amount of time.

The city is fairly compact, so you can get around relatively easy.

Whether it is checking the traditional seaside walk, visiting famous museums or experiencing the local nightlife, there is a lot to do in Greece's second-biggest city, even when visiting just for a day

Paying a visit to Thessaloniki?

Book your apartment and check out all the Tours and Activities you can experience in Thessaloniki!

Morning

An ideal itinerary will normally start in Aristotelous Square, the city's landmark square, where it's possible to breathe in the fascinating vibe of the city. Surrounded by bars, restaurants and shops, this waterfront square is the beating heart of Thessaloniki. Treat yourself with a hearty breakfast and start your day! Head east along the seafront - where the wide boulevard is a joy to walk in - to the White Tower, Thessaloniki's most famous landmark The inside of the tower hosts an exhibition about the history of the city. It is spread over 6 levels and on the top level you can enjoy a great 360 degrees view over the city and the harbour front. From there, you can hop on one of the wooden tour boats that sail along Thermaikos gulf, where you can enjoy a different view to the city. There are several boat companies along the main waterfront and the boats depart regularly throughout the day from next to the White Tower- a sunset cruise is particularly romantic.

Don't miss the nearby Umbrella sculpture, and keep walking along the waterfront as far as the statue of Alexander the Great, or head to the Archeological Museum . Also close by is the Museum of Byzantine Culture which contains several important artefacts from this era and is a must for those with a strong interest in history.

Lunch

Head back along the promenade to First Pier, where you can enjoy a fabulous lunch and a few cocktails at the super trendy Kitchen Bar restaurant on the marina, before exploring the neighbouring Photography Museum . Other lunch options include the funky Be* Bar on Komninon Street for New York-London-Greek fusion dishes plus some truly divine cocktails, or popular Olympion Café-Bar in Aristotelous Square. Finish off with a coffee at the stylishly minimalist Local Espresso Bar on Paleon Patron Germanou Street, and find dessert at nearby bakery Choureal (try the profiteroles),or at the incredible Sugarangel on Lassani Street.

Afternoon

Thessaloniki is famous for its shopping areas. The main shopping streets are Tsimiski St. and Mitropoleos St. as well as all the streets crossing them. .You'll find beautiful boutiques and glossy designer stores along Proxenou Koromila, plus plenty of cute independent shops and cafes along the pedestrian side streets around this area, as well as over in Ladadika district on the other side of Aristotelous Square.
And if clothes and accessories are not the only things you have planned on buying, then a visit to Modiano and Kapani Arcades is recommended! It's a good opportunity if you wish to get a glimpse of the town's past. Apart from the shopping spree though, you can also enjoy a coffee break or a meal in the traditional tavernas here.

After Dark

For dinner, visit the historic Ladadika District for traditional taverns like those along the pedestrian Karipi Street, a favourite with locals, as well as more trendy modern bars like Kouziva, which is on a pretty plaza with a gorgeous central fountain.
On weekends, the whole of the city centre becomes one huge party, with music and crowds spilling out of bars and merging into one, and street parties popping up in small plazas or on corners. With an 80,000-strong student community, more bars and cafés per capita than any other European city, and a year-round night-life scene that doesn't depend on tourism, Thessaloniki is a great place to party no matter what your style. Nikis Avenue, the city's main seaside boulevard, is full of cafés , bars and clubs, while the elegant Kalapothaki Street is known for it's high-end restaurants and cocktail bars. Thessaloniki's younger crowds flock to Valaoritou neighbourhood, where you'll find music scenes to suit any taste, or to Bit Bazaar, a noisy and friendly locale popular with the college community, which is crammed full of tiny, traditional taverns serving up local wine and mezedes (small dishes of delicacies).