
Two days ın Thessalonıkı, Greece
Thessaloniki is a city that will fascinate you not only with its historical richness but also with its unique atmosphere. While walking these streets, you will not only discover iconic buildings such as the White Tower and Agios Dimitrios Church, but you will also have the chance to immerse yourself in the city's culinary culture. In the two days you will spend in Thessaloniki, you can have an unforgettable experience with delicious flavours while feeling the ancient texture. The energy, flavours and history of the city will allow you to spend this short time to the fullest.
Day 1: Morning
Start the day with a trip to the archaeological site of Vergina, once the ancient capital of Macedonia. Here you will find numerous burial mounds, some dating back to the 11th century BC. The tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, is also located here.
Day 1: Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Church of Agios Dimitrios and its crypt, famous for its seventh-century mosaics. Afterwards, visit the Roman Forum. Finish the day at the White Tower, home to a museum detailing the history of Thessaloniki.
Day 1: Overnight
As night falls and temperatures start to drop, it is a good idea to explore the city on a bike tour. Tours often stop at important monuments such as the Alexander the Great Monument and the Alexander the Great Garden.
Day 2: Morning
Spend your second morning exploring the culinary culture of Thessaloniki. You can visit the Kapani and Modiano markets. You can also choose to join a food tour to overcome the language barrier.
Day 2: Afternoon
Take your culinary skills to the next level by taking a cookery class. By learning the basics of Greek cuisine, you will have the chance to create and taste traditional dishes. You can take your favourite recipes with you to try at home.
Day 2: Overnight
When night falls, head to the Ladadika District for dinner and drinks. This neighbourhood is famous for its cobbled streets and lively bars and taverna-style restaurants, many of which serve Greek-style mezes. After dinner, you can dance the night away in a nearby bar.
This plan will help you make the most of your two days in Thessaloniki.
Other Recommendations
White Tower
We begin our tour at the iconic White Tower, which dates back to the 15th century. Now a museum, the tower tells the story of Thessaloniki from ancient times to the present: the city’s diverse personalities and cultures, its history as a trade hub, its artistic and intellectual scene, and its rich gastronomic traditions.
Galerius Complex
A short walk brings you to a group of monuments from the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. Caesar Galerius Valerius Maximianus chose Thessaloniki as the center of the eastern Roman Empire. Today, individual remnants of this once-vast complex remain, including the Arch of Galerius, built to commemorate a victorious campaign against the Persians, the Octagon, the Apsidal Hall, and the most striking structure—the Rotunda, a UNESCO-protected monument. The Rotunda has served as a place of worship for pagans, Christians, and Muslims throughout history.
Hagia Sophia Church
Dating back to the 8th century, Hagia Sophia is one of the oldest churches in Thessaloniki. It is also one of the many monuments in the city included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Bey Hammam
Located near Aristotelous Square, this was Thessaloniki’s first Ottoman bathhouse. The building is considered one of the most intricate examples of Ottoman architecture in the city and is now used for cultural events.
Roman Forum
Right next to it, you will find the Roman Forum, which was the heart of public and political life in Thessaloniki during the Roman era. Among the ruins, you can see two Roman baths (one excavated) and a small theater.
Church of Saint Demetrios
Another UNESCO-protected monument, the Church of Saint Demetrios is famous for its crypt, where the relics of Thessaloniki’s patron saint, Saint Demetrios, are kept. Saint Demetrios was a Roman soldier and an early Christian follower. Legend has it that after his death, his body was thrown into the well of the church, which was secretly used as a meeting place for Christians.
Kyprion Agonistou Administrative Complex
Excavations between apartment blocks in a residential area have revealed a Hellenistic-era site, believed to date back to the 3rd century BC.
Upper Town (Ano Poli)
We end our tour in Ano Poli (Upper Town), a place where you could easily spend most of your day… Thessaloniki’s maze-like old city. The number of historic sites here is endless, including the Byzantine Bath (one of the best-preserved Byzantine-era baths), Hosios David Church (Latomos Monastery), and Vlatadon Monastery, all of which are UNESCO-protected.
However, special attention should be given to the city’s fortresses—the Heptapyrgion (Yedi Kule) and Trigonion Tower. As you admire these Byzantine castles, you will be captivated by the breathtaking views of the city, the Thermaic Gulf, and, if you’re lucky, Mount Olympus.
🏡 Accommodation: I have listed my recommendations on www.thesmallhotels.com . I chose the Daios Luxury Living Hotel with a spectacular sea view.
That's all in 2 days…
See you in my other articles...😌.