Discover how to spend a perfect day in Thessaloniki! From squares to cultural landmarks and delicious food, this guide will help you explore Thessaloniki and spend an unforgettable day there.

Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful coastline. If you are planning a one-day trip to this fascinating city, here are a few key locations and activities you should not miss!

We will suggest a few routes and sequences for sightseeing, and of course, you can adjust them to your needs, desires, and fitness level.

1. Aristotle Square (Aristotelous)

Your day in Thessaloniki can start at the most famous square in the city, Aristotle Square. Surrounded by magnificent buildings, cafes, and shops, this square is the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee. To complement your coffee with a panoramic view of the sea and the city, we suggest you have it at the top of the Electra Palace Hotel, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the sea and the city. Don’t forget to take a few photos with the beautiful sea view :)

2. White Tower

The tower is located at the “corner” of the bay and cannot be missed. Although today it is a meeting place and a landmark in the modern city, this monument represents a painful memory of the Turkish occupation. Built by the Ottomans in the 15th century, on the site of an older Byzantine fortification, it was used for torture and imprisonment of people! It was long known as the Red Tower because of the blood that flowed down the walls after executions, and it received the name White Tower at the end of the 19th century when, at the request of the sultan, the prisoner Nathan Guiledi painted the tower in exchange for his freedom.

Today, this tower is no longer painted white and serves as a museum about the history of the city that you can visit. The entrance fee is 8 euros. For details about this museum and its exhibits, as well as opening hours, read more in our article White Tower of Thessaloniki - From Former Prison to Current Museum.

In the immediate vicinity of the tower there is also a great monument to Alexander the Great. The monument is of impressive size and is a meeting place for the people of Thessaloniki, but also a place for taking photos as a souvenir from this city.

3. Church of Saint Sophia (Hagia Sophia)

A ten-minute walk from the White Tower, towards the city center, you can stroll down Tsimiski Street and head towards the Church of Saint Sophia. This beautiful church from the 8th century was built on the remains of a basilica from, probably, the 5th century AD and has been the spiritual center of the city for centuries. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
If you are a fan of history and architecture, we recommend visiting it, and for more details about the long history of the church, read in our Guide: Church of Saint Sophia in Thessaloniki: historical guide through the spiritual center and UNESCO monument. Some frescoes and mosaics date back to the earliest period of the church, making it an exceptional opportunity to get acquainted with early Christian and Byzantine style.

4. Rotunda and Kamara - a leap into distant history

A leisurely walk from the church, on Egnatia Street, awaits you Galerius’ Arch and the Rotunda.
Galerius’ Arch in Thessaloniki, also known as Kamara, was erected in the early 4th century in honor of the victory of the Roman Emperor Galerius over the Persians. This monumental building served as a ceremonial gateway connecting Galerius’ palace with his mausoleum (Rotunda). The reliefs on the arch depict famous battles and scenes from the emperor’s life, making it one of the most significant monuments of ancient architecture in Thessaloniki. Today, it is another point of rendezvous for the people of Thessaloniki, so you will always see a large number of people, both tourists and locals.
The Rotunda in Thessaloniki is a monumental building from the 4th century, originally built as Galerius’ mausoleum or a pagan temple. Later converted into a Christian church, and then a mosque during the Ottoman period, retaining traces of all these cultures. Today, it is a museum and one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Thessaloniki, known for its impressive dome and mosaics from early Christianity.

5. Ladadika

Located in the area behind Aristotle Square, towards the port, very close to the sea. Ladadika is the bohemian quarter of the city. Writers, painters, and all rebels spent most of their time there and gave this district a “spirit” that still accompanies it today.
This charming area is known for its lively restaurants and bars, as well as beautiful, colorful buildings. It is full of restaurants with a good selection of food, making it a perfect place to enjoy the local atmosphere and perhaps have lunch. In more details, read in our article here: Ladadika: Discover the Bohemian Quarter of Thessaloniki You Can’t Miss
Whichever tavern you visit in Ladadika, you won’t go wrong.

For more gastronomic recommendations, check out:
Where to try cakes and ice cream in Thessaloniki - the best pastry shops
Where is the best gyros in Thessaloniki

6. Tsimiski Street

When you are tired of cultural landmarks, it’s time for a little shopping! Tsimiski Street is known for its numerous shops and boutiques. A favorite shopping destination where throughout its length, on both sides, you have a large number of stores of internationally renowned brands such as Zara, Mango, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Benetton, Artisti Italiani, Massimo Dutti, as well as smaller boutiques and shops of Greek brands, as well as sports equipment stores. Tsimiski also houses Attica, a large Greek department store with a large number of small shops with a central checkout.
Read more about shopping in Thessaloniki in our guide Stores and shopping malls in Thessaloniki.

7. Walk along the coast - Nea Paralia

After enjoying shopping, you can take a walk along the coast - Nea Paralia. This promenade, a walkway, is the most favorite place to relax by the sea. It is very well and modernly arranged and offers plenty of amenities. We recommend renting a family four-wheel bike and touring the entire coast. Along the coast, be sure to stop at the famous Umbrellas for a photo shoot. The promenade also offers playgrounds for children, themed gardens, galleries, and the sea will certainly make this walk magical and unforgettable.
Read all about the amenities in Nea Paralia in our Guide in the article Promenade in Thessaloniki.

8. Dinner at a local tavern

At the end of the day, be sure to visit one of the local taverns. Enjoy authentic Greek specialties such as moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood. Don’t forget to try the local wines as well.
Check out our food and sweets recommendations to try in Thessaloniki:
Five restaurants not to miss in Thessaloniki
Best Greek dishes you shouldn’t miss trying

Conclusion

A one-day trip to Thessaloniki offers you the opportunity to explore the rich history, delicious food, and vibrant culture of this wonderful city. With every step, you will discover something new and interesting.

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