10:00

Aristotelous Square

Start from the grand square overlooking the gulf and walk along the arcades, taking in the perspective rising toward the city. Spend about 45 minutes in the area and the surrounding pedestrian streets; the visit is free.

The morning is quieter and offers pleasant light for photos.

11:15

Modiano Market

Step into the covered market to browse local produce, spices, cheeses, and small food stalls. Allow 45–60 minutes; for a snack or tasting, budget around €5–12.

The opening hours of individual shops may vary, especially on Sundays.

12:30

Kapani Market

Just a few minutes away on foot, Kapani Market retains a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere: take in the fish stalls, olives, fruit, and regional specialties. A stroll takes about 45 minutes; a simple lunch nearby may cost €10–18.

Leave some space in your luggage if you plan to buy packaged products.

15:00

Walk through the central shopping streets

Walk to the streets between Egnatia and the waterfront, alternating between shops, cafés, and glimpses of everyday life. It’s a flexible break of about an hour, with no entrance fee; a drink usually costs €3–6.

The center can largely be explored on foot, but watch out for traffic on the main roads.

18:00

Ladadika

End in the historic district, among restored buildings, alleyways, and tavernas. Before dinner, take about an hour for a walk; for a dinner of shared dishes and drinks, budget around €20–35 per person.

Booking ahead is useful on weekends and during the summer months.

09:30

White Tower of Thessaloniki

Visit the city’s landmark and head up to the upper floors for a view over the gulf and the rooftops of the center. Allow about 60–90 minutes; admission is ticketed and may vary, typically €6–10.

Check opening hours and admission prices in advance, as they can change by season or for special exhibitions.

11:15

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

Set aside at least an hour and a half for the collections on ancient Macedonia, from funerary finds to everyday objects. The museum is about a 15-minute walk from the White Tower; expect an indicative ticket price of €6–12.

Check the weekly closing days before planning your visit.

13:15

Museum of Byzantine Culture

Continue to the nearby museum to trace the evolution of the Byzantine city through mosaics, icons, and liturgical objects. A well-paced visit takes about 90 minutes; the ticket may cost around €6–12.

Audio guides and temporary exhibitions may come with extra charges.

15:15

Lunch break in the museum district

Choose a tavern or café between the museum complex and the seafront; plan about an hour for an unhurried meal. A simple lunch costs on average €12–20 per person, drinks excluded or included depending on the venue.

The area is served by city buses, but the next stretch is also pleasant on foot.

17:00

Nea Paralia

Walk along the waterfront among gardens, piers and art installations, choosing how far to go depending on your energy. The stretch can be done in 60–90 minutes and is free; stop for sunset if the weather is favorable.

In summer, bring water and sun protection: there is not continuous shade along the route.

09:30

Rotunda

Visit the monument, originally built in Roman times and later transformed into a religious building, observing the circular structure and the surviving mosaics. Allow around 45–60 minutes; admission, if applicable, is roughly in the €2–6 range.

Opening hours may vary during religious services or maintenance work.

10:45

Arch of Galerius

Reach the arch on foot in a few minutes and admire the reliefs that tell the story of Emperor Galerius's campaigns. The exterior visit is free and takes about 30 minutes, and can be paired with nearby Navarinou Square.

The area is urban and busy: cross at the crosswalks and watch out for bicycles.

12:00

Lunch break at Navarinou

Stop at the places around the square for a souvlaki, a daily special or a light lunch. Budget €10–18 per person and about an hour before continuing north.

At lunch, informal options are plentiful, but table availability varies.

14:00

Church of Saint Demetrius

Visit the basilica dedicated to Thessaloniki’s patron saint, taking time to admire the floor plan, columns, and crypt. Allow 60–75 minutes; entry to the church is generally free, while donations and special visits may be optional.

It is an active place of worship: dress respectfully and check for any services.

16:00

Roman Forum of Thessaloniki

Explore the remains of the forum, theater, and Roman public spaces, useful for understanding the city’s ancient layout. Plan for about an hour and an approximate ticket price of €4–8; the underground museum may take additional time.

The site is exposed to the sun: bring water, especially in the warmer months.

09:00

Climb to Ano Poli

Reach the upper town by bus or taxi and start your visit at a leisurely pace: some streets are steep and cobbled. Urban transport costs approximately €0,60–1,00 per ride, while a taxi from the center may vary depending on traffic and distance.

Wear shoes with good grip and save your energy for the descents.

10:00

Church of Hosios David

Step inside the small Byzantine church, known for its apse mosaic and intimate atmosphere. The visit takes about 30–45 minutes and is generally free; as it is a religious building, access may be restricted at certain times.

Check the posted opening hours on site, as they may be limited.

11:15

Vlatadon Monastery

Continue to the monastery to visit the church and enjoy the panoramic viewpoints over the city center and the sea. Allow about 45 minutes; admission is usually free, but it is important to respect the quiet of the monastic community.

From Hosios David, continue on foot, with some uphill stretches.

13:00

Lunch in Ano Poli

Choose a neighborhood taverna to sample traditional dishes and rest before the walls. A full meal costs around €15–25 per person and takes about 75 minutes.

The most popular places can fill up on weekends.

15:00

Heptapyrgion and Trigonion Tower

Spend the afternoon at the fortress and along the scenic walkways, then head to Trigonion Tower for a sweeping view over the gulf. Allow about two hours in total; the outdoor areas are free, while any areas open to visitors may have specific fees or opening hours.

Check the accessibility of the interior spaces and do not go beyond the marked areas.

10:00

Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki

Visit the museum to learn about the history of the Jewish community and its presence in the city before and after the Holocaust. Allow about 60–90 minutes; admission is approximately €5–10.

Check the days and opening hours in advance, as they may differ from those of state museums.

11:45

Walk to the port

Reach the western waterfront on foot by following the streets of the city center and pausing to take in the buildings and traces of its commercial history. The walk takes about 15–20 minutes; it’s free and perfect for a photo break.

If it rains, you can shorten the walk and take a city bus.

12:15

MOMus-Museum of Photography Thessaloniki

Spend about an hour exploring the photography exhibitions in the port area, with displays that change throughout the year. Tickets are typically €4–8, though exhibitions and prices may vary.

Check online for the current exhibition and any weekly closure.

14:00

Lunch in the port area

Choose a place on the harbor or head back toward the city center for a meal and a break. Allow €12–22 per person and about an hour; prices depend on the location and type of restaurant.

For a cheaper option, move a few blocks away from the waterfront.

16:00

Museum of Illusions Thessaloniki

Finish with an interactive experience among optical installations and settings designed for fun photos. The visit usually lasts 45–60 minutes, and tickets can cost around €10–15.

It’s advisable to check availability and book ahead, especially on weekends.

09:30

Transfer to Peraia

Reach the coast by bus, taxi, or car; public connections may require a change and vary by season. Allow roughly 45–75 minutes from the center and budget €2–5 for public transport, or a variable taxi fare.

Check the route and departure stop on the day itself, especially on public holidays.

10:45

Peraia Beach

Spend the morning on the waterfront and beach, alternating between swimming, strolling, and coffee with a view of Thessaloniki’s skyline. Beach access is free; sun loungers and umbrellas, when available, may be charged or tied to a purchase.

Sea and service conditions change throughout the year.

13:00

Lunch in Peraia

Choose a waterfront taverna for fish, meze, or Greek dishes; lunch takes about an hour and a half. Expect roughly €18–35 per person, with variations depending on the catch and drinks.

Ask for the fish price by weight before ordering.

15:00

Neoi Epivates Beach

Continue to Neoi Epivates by bus or with a coastal walk, checking in advance the exact distance from where you are. Stop for a swim or a granita: the beach is freely accessible, while beach services may cost extra.

Bring water and sunscreen if you choose to cover the stretch on foot.

17:30

Agia Triada Beach

Reach Agia Triada by bus or taxi for a quieter stop and a walk along the shore before heading back. Allow about 90 minutes there; access is free and a drink on the beach costs roughly €3–8.

Plan your return with a buffer: bus frequency and timetables can be reduced in the evening.

09:00

Transfer to Epanomi

To explore the lagoon and coast flexibly, consider a rental car or a prearranged taxi: public transport connections to the more remote spots are less convenient. Plan your return before you set off and factor in variable transport costs, around €20–60 for vehicles and local transfers.

Bring water, a hat, and shoes suited to dirt paths; services are not available everywhere.

10:30

Epanomi Lagoon

Observe the wetland from accessible spots and avoid approaching nests or disturbing the birds. The stop can last about an hour; access to the natural area is generally free.

Stay on designated paths and leave no litter: the ecosystem is fragile.

12:00

Potamos Beach

Spend the middle of the day at the beach, alternating between swimming and relaxing. Access is free, but facilities, umbrellas, and refreshment stands may be seasonal; budget €5–15 for snacks or rentals, if available.

Check wind and sea conditions and do not rely on services out of season.

14:00

Lunch break and seaside stop

Have lunch with what you brought from Thessaloniki or choose an open local place in the area, keeping in mind that options may be limited outside summer. A simple meal costs around €12–25 per person.

In high season, book ahead or bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to move away from the beach.

16:00

Epanomi Shipwreck

Reach the wreck from the coast only via safe access points and permitted paths; the scenery is striking, but the seabed, currents, and terrain can be treacherous. The panoramic visit is free and takes about an hour, without getting close to the wreck or entering the water in unfavorable conditions.

Do not drive across protected dunes and do not try to reach the wreck by swimming.