10:00

Climb toward Ano Poli and a café in the neighborhood

Reach Ano Poli from the center by city bus or taxi; on foot, the climb usually takes 25–40 minutes, depending on your starting point. Treat yourself to a coffee and admire the traditional architecture before setting off on the route, budgeting around 3–6 € for a drink and a snack.

The streets are steep and, in places, cobbled: wear shoes with good grip.

11:00

Osios David

Visit this small Byzantine church, famous for its apse mosaic and frescoes, if they are accessible during opening hours. Allow 30–45 minutes; admission is often free, but it is advisable to respect services and the dress code required in places of worship.

Check the hours on site: opening may be limited.

12:00

Vlatadon Monastery

Continue on foot for about 10–15 minutes to the still-active monastery and visit the areas open to visitors. The complex offers a beautiful view over the city and the Thermaic Gulf; entry is generally free.

Keep a respectful tone and check for any restrictions during celebrations.

13:00

Lunch in Ano Poli

Stop at a tavern in the neighborhood to try mezedes, salads, and grilled dishes. For a simple lunch, budget roughly €12–22 per person, drinks excluded or included depending on the venue.

Traditional cuisine can take longer during peak hours: ask for the bill in advance if you have a scheduled visit.

14:30

Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos

Reach the church with a short walk through the narrow streets of Ano Poli and take your time admiring the frescoes, among the most interesting in the Byzantine city. The visit takes about 20–30 minutes; admission is often free, but hours may be reduced.

Check that it is open before detouring from your route.

15:30

Trigonion Tower and walk along the walls

Walk to the tower, one of the city’s most popular viewpoints in the upper town, and follow part of the walls to take in the scenery and the fortifications. The walk takes about 45–60 minutes and usually does not require a ticket for the outdoor sections.

In the afternoon the sun can be intense: bring water and sunscreen.

17:00

Heptapyrgion

End the day by visiting the fortress, also known as Yedi Kule, and its courtyards and bastions when accessible. Plan for about an hour; admission may be free or subject to varying fees and opening hours, so check the latest conditions before you go.

For the return to the city center, consider taking the bus or a taxi: the walk downhill is long and steep.

09:30

Aristotelous Square

Start at the main square and take your time walking through the arcades and the urban frontage that slopes down toward the sea. This is a free, self-guided stop; allow 30–45 minutes, including breakfast at a nearby café for about 5–10 €.

The square is a good reference point for getting around the city center on foot.

10:30

Roman Forum of Thessaloniki

Reach the archaeological site on foot in about 10–15 minutes and take in the remains of the Roman square, the public spaces, and the preserved structures. Plan for 45–75 minutes; the ticket, when required, can cost roughly 4–10 €.

Fees and access to the different areas may vary: check at the ticket office.

12:00

Church of Saint Demetrius

Continue on foot to the basilica dedicated to the patron saint of Thessaloniki and visit the nave, the chapels, and the crypt if accessible. Allow about an hour; entry to the church is usually free, while any exhibitions or museum areas may follow different rules.

Avoid visiting during religious services.

13:15

Lunch in the historic center

Choose a tavern or casual spot between the center and the market, reachable with a walk of about 10–15 minutes. A meal with a main course and a drink costs roughly 12–22 € per person.

To sample local specialties, ask for daily dishes and mezedes to share.

15:00

Rotunda

Reach the Rotunda on foot in about 15–20 minutes, or take a city bus if you prefer to avoid the uphill walk. Set aside 45–60 minutes for the building and its mosaics; admission may vary roughly between 4 and 10 €.

Visiting hours and ticket prices may change, especially on public holidays.

16:30

Walk to the White Tower

Head down to the waterfront and reach the tower with a walk of about 20–25 minutes. The interior visit, devoted to the history of the city, takes about an hour and may cost roughly 6–10 €; the exterior walk is free.

If you do not want to go inside, spend the time on the waterfront and the coastal gardens.

18:30

Ladadika and dinner

Reach Ladadika on foot through the city center, in about 20–25 minutes, or by taking a short bus ride. Stroll among the restored buildings and choose a taverna for dinner; budget roughly 18–35 € per person, depending on dishes and drinks.

The area is especially lively in the evening: booking ahead can be useful on weekends.

09:30

Breakfast and a walk in central Neapoli

Reach Neapoli from central Thessaloniki by city bus, checking in advance the most convenient line and stop for your accommodation. Set aside about an hour for a walk among the shopping streets and neighborhood cafés; breakfast is roughly 4–8 €.

Bus frequencies may vary on weekends: check local transit notices.

10:45

Markets and shops of Neapoli-Sykees

Explore the shopping streets and neighborhood businesses, stopping at small grocers and bakeries. This is a ticket-free stop and a good way to observe local life; for a sweet treat or a snack, budget 3–8 €.

Opening hours are not uniform, and some shops may close during midday hours.

12:00

Transfer to Moni Lazariston

Continue by bus or taxi to the Moni Lazariston complex in nearby Stavroupoli, on the western edge of the urban area. Allow about 20–35 minutes depending on traffic and connections; a city ticket costs approximately 0,60–1,00 €, while a taxi may cost around 8–16 €.

Check the updated route: the complex is not located in central Neapoli.

12:45

MOMus-Museum of Modern Art - Costakis Collection

Visit the Costakis Collection, dedicated mainly to the Russian avant-garde, inside the Moni Lazariston complex. Allow 1.5–2 hours; admission may cost approximately 4–10 €, with possible variations for temporary exhibitions or discounts.

Check closing days, opening hours, and current exhibitions before you go.

15:00

Late lunch around Stavroupoli

Stop at a taverna or casual eatery in the area before heading back toward Neapoli-Sykees. For a full lunch, budget around 12–22 € per person; if connections are infrequent, consider a taxi for the return trip.

Kitchen hours may be shorter than those of venues in the city center.

16:30

Return and break in the neighborhoods of Neapoli-Sykees

Head back by public transport and end the day with a quiet walk through the residential streets and a stop at a local café. Set aside 1–1.5 hours and about 3–7 € for a drink or dessert; the rest of the time can be used to get to the center or collect luggage.

For the last ride of the day, check the timetable for your specific connection.