How to Spend a Weekend in Thessaloniki, Greece
Whether you know it as Thessaloniki, Salonika, Salonicco, the second-largest city in Greece is an ideal location for a weekend getaway any time of year.
Regardless of variations, this is a northern Greek gem that does not get nearly enough attention when it comes to destinations in Greece, and you’ll get to explore quite a bit in just a weekend in Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki is a pretty compact city, so most of the things you’ll want to do will be in easy walking distance:
- Taking advantage of walking the central pedestrian area and markets
- Checking out ancient ruins peeking through all over town
- Strolling the waterfront
- Riding a boat
- Exploring culture and history at local museums
- Savoring bites as you take in the vibrant culinary scene
Plus, there are cheap, easy flights from many other cities in Europe (I spent a weekend in Thessaloniki when I lived in Milan).
Anyone could happily spend a weekend here at any time of year.
Thessaloniki would be easy to do as a solo trip, but I recommend going with a travel buddy or two to maximize the different dishes you can try at the Greek feasts you’ll enjoy at restaurants around town.
When I visited, it just so happened that a friend and I were looking to go somewhere on the weekend of Valentine’s Day. Then a third good friend wanted to join as well – so we started referring to it as our Galentine’s weekend in Thessaloniki, of course. (In case you’re as clueless as I was, Galentine’s Day started as a fake TV holiday and now is a real thing women celebrate on February 13th.)
Whether you’re single or coupled – and our trio was a mix of both – it was a fun excuse to have a weekend away.
Although, really, Thessaloniki is so wonderful you don’t need an excuse. Just go!
Things to See and Do in Thessaloniki
On the Waterfront
White Tower
This is the most iconic building in town, and the one you’ll see most often in connection with the city.
It is a cylindrical building on the waterfront that has been previously used as both a fortress and a prison, and now houses a museum and lookout point on the roof.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Tickets details are HERE and are at a reduced rate during the off-season, from November to March.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you’ll be visiting other museums in town, there is a combined ticket available for admission to several different spots.
Boat Rides
Technically, it’s not a “boat tour,” it’s a “floating bar.” Which means that admission is free, but you must by a drink while you’re on board (alcoholic or otherwise).
The boat trip around the harbor will last from 30 minutes to 1 hour, and is well worth it for the fun of being on the water and the great city views you’ll see along the way.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Boats leave from the shore just outside the White Tower.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Boats will not go if the weather conditions are bad, so if a boat ride is a priority, check the forecast and plan accordingly.
Walk the Shore
It may not sound like an activity, but the waterfront is lovely!
See “The Umbrellas” by Giorgios Zoggolopoulos
After the White Tower, this sculpture is probably the second most recognizable part of Thessaloniki. Be sure to stroll and see it for yourself:
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Stare up at the Monument of Alexander the Great
The monument is suitably impressive and larger than life to commemorate the local boy who spread Greek influence to far away lands over 2,000 years ago.
Befriend Locals
Everyone is pretty friendly around Thessaloniki. Especially when they think you’re a professional photographer and decide to pose for you!
Around Town
Roman Forum
Like many ruins across Europe, this spot was discovered just decades ago by accident, but is impressive in its scale and how well the stone structures have stood the test of time.
You can appreciate the site just strolling by, but if you’d like to explore more, there is a museum on site as well.
Plateia Aristotelous & The Main Pedestrian Area
Aristotelous Square is one of the more modern areas of the city, and is especially impressive as viewed from the water on a boat ride.
Continuing on from the square is the main pedestrian area, popular with locals, tourists, and street vendors galore. It’s a very scenic part of town overlooking the water.
Modiano Market
There is mixed information online about whether this area is closed temporarily or permanently, but whether it is this historical market or another market in town, it’s a great opportunity to experience the bustle of the market, taste local goodies, and see the various meat, fish, and produce on offer.
The Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki
Through the late 1800s, over 50% of Thessaloniki was Jewish, which is an overwhelming percentage for any city. Thessaloniki’s Jewish population dwindled after the devastating fire of 1917, although it still made up approximately 20% of the city’s population until World War II, when almost all of Thessaloniki’s Jews died in the Holocaust.
The museum gives a window into what Jewish life in the city was like at its peak and a history of the people since then.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! The museum is closed from early afternoon on Friday and all day on Saturday in observance of the Jewish Sabbath. If you only have a weekend in Thessaloniki, the museum will only be open on Sunday from 10am-2pm (and does have more hours if you visit during the week).
Arch of Galerius
Dating to the Roman Emperor Galerius in the 4th century, there are intricate battle scenes carved into every angle of the stone.
Hagios Giorgios/Rotunda
Nearby and dating from the same time period as the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda is a beautiful building of stone and art worth visiting.
Church/Crypt of Hagios Demetrios
Dedicated to Saint Demetrios, patron saint of Thessaloniki, this is a UNESCO heritage site famous for its mosaics.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Use the stairs next to the altar to descend to the crypt.
Church of Panagia Chalkeon
While young compared to other churches in the city at just around 1,000 years old, there is some beautiful artwork inside and palm trees beautifully surrounding the outside of the church.
Church of Hagia Sofia
Not to be confused with the one in Istanbul, this church is distinctive with its yellow outside, and definitely one of the most crowded – and impressive – churches we saw during our weekend in Thessaloniki.
Monastery of St. Theodora
While this wasn’t on our radar before visiting, we wandered into this central spot and were mesmerized by the intricate decorations and bright colors.
Chasing Views
You’ll get some great views on the waterfront, both from the top of the White Tower and while out on the water on a boat ride.
For the opposite perspective, hike to the upper part of the city (yes, this means uphill!).
Things to see on your way:
Church of Agioi Anagyroi Eptapyrgiou
A beautiful church that is definitely built in a different style than many of the churches in the city center, and features lovely artwork and color.
Heptapyrgion Fortress/Eptapyrgio Castle
With many names all meaning “fortress of seven towers,” this fortress/castle actually boasts ten towers, overlooking the complex and the city below.
It’s still undergoing renovations (and it shows!) but it is worth the uphill trek to reach this spot.
Other Museums to Check Out
We spent more of our time exploring on foot outside, but would have enjoyed checking out these spots if we had more time (or if it had been rainy):
The Archaeological Museum
Museum of Byzantine Culture
Museum of Photography
Where to Eat in Thessaloniki
Let’s be real, one of the main reasons to visit Greece is for the food!
From fresh feta to seafood to sizzling concoctions served tableside, we savored it all as we ate our way through the city.
Our best bites:
Agioli
Right on the promenade overlooking the water, we were able to enjoy the outdoor seating, even though it was February when we visited.
Portions are piled high with some of the delicious seafood specialties Greece and the Mediterranean is known for.
Bazagiazi
Located by Modiani Market (see above), this restaurant was low-key but serving up delicious dishes and oozing with Greek hospitality.
Going for dinner felt like an experience, and it’s obvious why locals flock here for meals.
Mpougátsa
One of the most famous shops that makes the traditional sweet “mpougátsa” of Thessaloniki, this crunchy and somewhat sweet pastry is worth seeking out on your visit.
Mia Feta
This was definitely our most memorable meal of the trip. There is a large communal table in the middle of this shop and restaurant.
From the cheese assortment to other savory baked dishes, each bite here was incredible and the staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating.
The cheese selection is vast and varied, so don’t be shy about ordering a feast!
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! You can find their menu in English on their Facebook page HERE.
Negroponte
Serving up small plates that change daily, seating spills out onto the street giving you more opportunity to score a table and enjoy the delicious cuisine.
We sampled a lot of things from the grill, enjoying the feast of dishes that came out one after another our first night in town.
It was quite the welcome to the local food scene!
Where to Drink in Thessaloniki
From coffee to wine to random concoctions from street vendors, there are plenty of local Greek beverages to sample during your stay.
Greek coffee anywhere!
The coffee options around Thessaloniki are seemingly endless, and you’ll want to taste your way through the myriad of excellent options.
Particularly popular with the locals is the Greek frappe, with iced coffee and usually also milky foam on top. You’ll spot Thessaloniki locals drinking frappe regardless of the weather.
PortoGalo
Part restaurant, part wine bar, part wine shop, this centrally located gem has plenty of options for how to enjoy it.
We ended up here for dessert and wine at the end of the night, and were surprised at their vast variety of both Portuguese and international selections to enjoy – including, of course, lots of port dessert wines.
Ristretto | espresso wine bar
The space is beautiful and I had no idea during our visit that it was actually connected to a hotel.
Although espresso is part of its name, for us it was where we enjoyed some delicious wine our first night in Thessaloniki.
(More) Tips for Visiting
The biggest thing to know for coming to Thessaloniki is to bring your walking shoes!
Once you’re in town, it really is the best way to get around and get the flavor of this historic city.
When you first arrive, which will likely be by airplane, there are plenty of cheap and convenient options to reach the city center.
A taxi will take about a half hour and cost approximately €20. There is also a public bus, the 01X (or 01N at night) that runs frequently and costs approximately €2 per person for around a 45-minute ride, which is how we entered the city.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you plan to take the bus, be sure to identify the stop ahead of time that is closest to your accommodation (in English and Greek!) and have it marked in your phone so you can follow along on GPS as well and disembark at the right spot – we missed our stop and had to backtrack on foot in the rain to reach our hotel!
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Get all of your bus questions answered on the English version of the local public transportation site HERE.
As a bustling city, the dining scene in Thessaloniki gets quite crowded on Friday and Saturday nights.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If there is one restaurant at the top of your list, be sure to reserve in advance.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Otherwise, be prepared that you may have to stop at a few places before finding a restaurant with available seating.
Overall, it was a friendly and easy city to visit, and can be very enjoyable even without extensive planning ahead of time.
Where to Stay in Thessaloniki
Even if you don’t plan much about how you’ll spend your time or which restaurants you’ll seek out for meals, you’ll want to arrange a place to sleep ahead of time!
All of the options listed below are quite reasonably priced and very centrally located.
If you visit in a trio or larger group, many of the options have triple rooms or larger suites or family rooms. If you visit solo, many of the options offer single rooms for a discounted price.
Listed in order of approximate price per night, here are my top hotel picks:
Hotel Esperia – Budget Option
(Single/Double/Triple Rooms) This is by far the most budget option on the list, and where we stayed in a budget triple.
It is a bit further from the center than the other options, but offers a great view over the ancient Agora and Roman Forum ruins, and is a great bargain.
Check for prices & availability HERE.
The Caravan Bed & Breakfast – Most Highly Rated
(Double/Triple/Family Rooms) A few blocks closer to the center and the waterfront than Hotel Esperia above, guests rave about its charm and the excellent breakfast that is included in the room price.
This is the most highly rated option listed here, on multiple booking sites.
Check for prices & availability HERE.
The Modernist Hotel – Most Central
(Double/Suite/Family Rooms) Located right off the bustling pedestrian area, guests loved being close to food and shopping, and found the hotel itself to be quiet since it is off one of the side streets.
This is definitely the most centrally located of the options listed here, and quite reasonably priced for what you get.
Check for prices & availability HERE.
Bahar Boutique Hotel – Closest to Best Restaurants
(Single/Double/Executive Rooms) Not quite as central as The Modernist Hotel, however this spot is closest to the part of town with some of the best restaurant options.
Room prices include their excellent breakfast, this is a location with luxury mixed with charm.
Check for prices & availability HERE.
Wherever you stay, you’ll really be using it as a jumping off point for all of your exploring around the city!
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Thessaloniki has enough to see and do that you won’t be bored, but is compact enough to comfortably explore by foot over the course of a weekend.
For us, Thessaloniki was great as a Galentine’s weekend destination, since it was warmer than Milan and other parts of Europe in mid-February.
While I don’t usually travel for Valentine’s Day, it can be a fun excuse for a trip.
READ MORE: Visiting Verona – A Romantic Getaway for Valentine’s Day
And really, a weekend in Thessaloniki is a great trip to plan – especially last-minute – since there are so many cheap flight options from around Europe.
Do you travel for Valentine’s Day weekend? What makes an ideal weekend getaway for you? How do you decide which cities to visit when you travel to a new country?
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