Thessaloniki: 2 Days of Food, History and Fun

Explore the beauty of Thessaloniki without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Thessaloniki, Greece offers a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank. A visit to the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and the White Tower are must-sees for history buffs. Affordable accommodations and delicious street food also make Thessaloniki a budget-friendly destination.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Delve into the Food Scene

  • Check into affordable Le Palace Hotel, centrally located near the buzzing Aristotelous Square
  • Start the day with a traditional Greek breakfast at Ergon House, a deli/cafe with a wide range of delicious dishes
  • Visit the colorful Modiano Market for a taste of local flavor, where shops offer treats like olives, spices, cheeses and sweets
  • Pop into tiny Katogi Averof wine bar next door for a glass of Greek vino
  • Stop for lunch at the quirky and charming Kitchen Bar, with a fun atmosphere and yummy specialties
  • Take a guided culinary tour in the afternoon with Culinary Backstreets, and sample some of the city's tastiest bites
  • Stroll along the seafront promenade and enjoy a sunset, finishing the day with a classic Greek dinner at traditional taverna Apouzou.
Day 2

Historical Highlights of Thessaloniki

  • Begin with a hearty breakfast at popular and historic Terkenlis, famous for their mouth-watering savory and sweet pastries
  • Visit the famous high concentration of Byzantine churches of the city, such as the exquisite Agios Dimitrios or the unique Rotunda
  • Explore the impressive Archaeological Museum with ancient finds dating back to prehistoric times
  • Stroll through the vibrant Ladadika neighborhood, with its cobblestone paths, colorful buildings and modern-art galleries
  • Visit the city's most famous attraction, the White Tower, with exhibitions on the history and culture of Greece and Thessaloniki
  • Enjoy a late lunch at the vegetarian-friendly Smile Cafe, with tasty, freshly-made dishes in a cozy atmosphere on Egnatia street.
  • Thessaloniki offers an eclectic mix of history, culture and gastronomy; with this itinerary, you'll immerse yourself in all three and fall in love with this coastal city on a budget.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Thessaloniki, Greece by plane is to fly to Thessaloniki International Airport "Makedonia". The airport is located about 15km southeast of the city center and is served by major airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, and Lufthansa.

Car

The best way to get to Thessaloniki, Greece by car is to drive from Athens or other major cities in Greece. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours and the main highway that connects Athens to Thessaloniki is the A1 (E75) highway.

Train

There are several train stations in Thessaloniki, but the best way to get there by train is to take the Main Line from Athens or other major cities in Greece. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours and the train stops at Thessaloniki Train Station, which is located in the city center.

Boat

There is no direct way to get to Thessaloniki, Greece by boat as the city is not located near the coast. However, it is possible to take a ferry from nearby cities such as Kavala or Volos to nearby islands such as Skiathos and then take a connecting flight or bus to Thessaloniki.

Bus

The best way to get to Thessaloniki, Greece by bus is to take a bus from Athens or other major cities in Greece. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours and the bus stops at Thessaloniki Bus Station, which is located in the city center.

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