How to Spend 1 Day in Thessaloniki

With its pleasant warm climate and abundance of ancient archaeological sites, the seaside city of Thessaloniki is a great place to spend a day. Follow this itinerary to make the most of your time in town.

Morning: Ancient History in Vergina

Like much of Greece, Thessaloniki is full of well-preserved ruins dating back to Ancient Greece. Not far from Thessalonoki sits Vergina, where Aigai, the ancient capital of Macedonia once stood. It’s one of the most important historic sites in the area and home to burial mounds that date back to 11th century BC and include the Tomb of Alexander the Great's father. Beat the heat by opting for a morning visit, and go with a guide or as part of a tour to discover information that’s crucial to understanding the ancient site.

Afternoon: Urban Highlights

Head back to Thessaloniki for lunch before dedicating your afternoon to the city's top attractions. While the city is navigable on foot, you can cover more sights in less time on a sightseeing tour, which typically cover the Church and Crypt of Agios Dimitrios, with its seventh-century mosaics, ancient crypt, and a museum full of archaeological finds, and the two-terraced Roman Forum, which features a museum showcasing excavations in the area. From here, make your way to the city’s most recognizable structure, the White Tower, also home to a museum. 

Night: Dinner and Drinks in the Ladadika District

In the evening, head to the historic Ladadika District, formerly known for its olive oil production and, later, for its brothels. Today, it's more of a nightlife hotspot so you'll find bars, nightclubs, and restaurants spread across cobbled streets. For a quintessentially Greek experience, opt for a meal accompanied by a live folk music performances. After dinner, drop by a local bar on your own or join a guide on a nightlife tour, where you'll visit some of the best places to drink, dance, and check out live music performances.