48 Hours in Thessaloniki, Greece
How to Spend 48 Hours in Thessaloniki
Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Thessaloniki might not have the glitz and glamour of Mykonos or the white-washed walls of Santorini, but I’m here to tell you why this charming Greek city should be on your next Greece itinerary.
The city has a distinct feel in comparison to the bustle of Athens or the liveliness of the islands. It’s got a relaxed vibe, but has an undeniable energy both in the day and in the evening.
Because of its location and connections through Europe, it’s easy to tack a couple nights in Thessaloniki to a larger trip through Greece, or as a quick weekend getaway in Europe. Its centrality and decent public transit make getting around Thessaloniki a breeze, which also makes it a great budget or solo destination.
The relatively low cost of living in Thessaloniki also make the city attractive for budget and student travelers. Thessaloniki is home to some of Greece’s best Universities, which make the city an incredible destination for young people.
So you’ve decided to visit the wonderful city of Thessaloniki, but only have the weekend to explore. Never fear! Here is how to spend 48 Hours in Thessaloniki.
Day 1
Morning
Grab a coffee.
The Greeks are known for their coffee, and after that cheap bumpy Wizz-Air flight that you took to get here, you most definitely need some. So roll out of bed, put on your walking shoes for the day, and head to your nearest Greek cafe for a pick-me up and some breakfast . I’d recommend Estrella for brunch. While you’re there you can catch a glimpse of Agia Sophia Church — one of Thessaloniki’s famous landmarks.
Venture to Thessaloniki’s Trigonion Tower
Trigonion (Chain) Tower. Remember how I told you to put on those walking shoes? Well here you’re going to use them! You can decide to walk Thessaloniki’s winding streets up to the Trigonion Tower for an amazing view of the city and the nearby landscapes. As you explore around the tower, you’ll also stumble upon some souvenir shops and little cafes to explore.
Afternoon
Shop for Olive & Cheese at the Kapani Market
Of course no trip to Greece is complete without stocking up on feta cheese and olives. If you are looking to delight your senses and stock up on the greek essentials, check out the Kapani market near the city center. They’ve got meats, cheeses, bread, olives, and honey plus plenty of little souvenirs to take home with you.
Evening
Dinner at the Waterfront
This was one of my favorite experiences during my time in Thessaloniki–watching the sunset over the ocean while enjoying a delicious dinner with wine with some friends. All along the waterside, you’ll find plenty of restaurants that cater to the dinner scene, particularly specializing in fish and seafood dishes. Be sure to get there early, or make a reservation in advance because they fill up.
Experience the nightlife
Thessaloniki is one of Greece’s best university cities, and not without good reason! Given the city’s lively tourist and student crowd, there are plenty of great bars and clubs in the Ladadika and Waterfront areas. After dark, the streets really come to life as these bars open up and people and music pour into the streets. If you enjoy a night out, Thessaloniki is the perfect place to party it up without breaking the bank.
Day 2
Morning
Check out the museums.
Okay, we know Greece is old. Like really old. And where do they keep all of that really old stuff that’s still hanging around? That’s right, the museums! Thessaloniki has a bunch of amazing museums to explore from wide-ranging subjects and periods of history.
One thing that’s really special about Thessaloniki is that it is also the capital of the Macedonia region. Thessaloniki and the rest of the region faced terrible hardships during the war in the Balkans, and the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle really pays reverence to that history. Thessaloniki has an amazing variety of museums, so you’re sure to find something that aligns with your interests.
Here are just a few of Thessaloniki’s most famous museums to choose from:
- Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki
- Museum of Byzantine Culture
- War Museum of Thessaloniki
- Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki
- Museum of the Macedonian Struggle
- Thessaloniki Museum of Photography
- Thessaloniki Olympic Museum
- The Folk and Ethnographical Museum
Afternoon
Visit the White Tower
One of Thessaloniki’s most famous sites, the white tower serves not only as a significant landmark of the city, but also a glimpse into Thessaloniki’s past. Erected in the 15th Century, the tower has had a varied history under Thessaloniki’s ever-changing leadership. Most famously, it served as a jail and execution site under Ottoman rule.
Nowadays, you can climb into the tower and visit the tower’s museums as well as an observation deck that showcases a surreal 360 view of the city and the harbor. It’s a quick and easy way to get situated in Thessaloniki’s history and location.
Venture to Ladadika.
After paying homage to the old, it’s time to get a feel for the new. Remember how I mentioned that Thessaloniki is a great place for young people? Yeah, Ladadika is where you’ll find a bunch of them.
Here you’ll find some really cool coffee spots, interesting stores, and plenty of coffee-shop patrons clad in trendy black outfits artfully smoking cigarettes perched out on city sidewalks. Even if you’re not into the coffeeshops, it’s still a cool neighborhood to walk around and get a feel for. In addition to the trendy coffeshops lining the street, this neighborhood is home to plenty of cute stores and restaurants.
Evening
Hit the Downtown & Taste some Greek Treats
As you wander through the downtown, you’ll find plenty of bakeries with some classic greek treats. From savory spinach Spanikopitas to honey soaked baklava, you can find some amazing greek treats to round out your second afternoon spent in Thessaloniki. The downtown center is home to a bunch of shops and eateries, and it’s a great place to take in the feel of the city.
And there you have it – how to spend 48 hours in Thessaloniki, Greece! Of course, feel free to mix and match your favorite activities, seek out new experiences, and create your own 48 hour itinerary for the city. Have any good recs to share? Leave me a comment below!
Happy Travels!