48 Hours in Thessaloniki: The Best Things To Do (2026 Guide)

THESSALONIKI | Most visitors to Greece tend to stick to Athens and the Greek Islands. These are great places to visit and explore, but for a Greek holiday that offers something different, Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki, is well worth checking out.

Located in the country’s north, Thessaloniki is a vibrant student town renowned for its history, art and culture scene, and incredible food. There are plenty of things to do in Thessaloniki, and this guide will help you make the most of your time there.

Founded in 315 BC, the city was once one of the most important hubs in the world, sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It has formed part of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, and all of that layered history is apparent as you walk through the streets, surrounded by diverse architecture and historic ruins.

Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best things to do in Thessaloniki, whether you are planning a short city break or a deeper cultural getaway.

At-A-Glance: Top Thessaloniki Highlights

Admire A Church

Thessaloniki is home to many churches, several of which date back to the Byzantine era and are UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites. Walk through any of them, and you’ll get a sense of just how old this city is, and its important place in history. Here are three of the main ones that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Thessaloniki.

The Church of Agia Sofia (Holy Wisdom) was built in the 3rd century AD, and the current structure dates back to the 7th century AD. Modelled off Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, the church is a Byzantine marvel. It was the central cathedral of the city from 1205 until 1430, when the Ottomans converted it into a mosque. In 1912, it once again became a church, and today, many of its frescoes, icons, and mosaics have been painstakingly restored.

For a good example of a late Byzantine-era church, check out the Church of Agios Panteleimon. The building dates back to the late 13th century AD, but was unfortunately significantly damaged in the city’s 1978 earthquakes. Thankfully, restoration work has meant that the church is able to be visited. You can also see the base of the minaret that dates back to when the church was converted to a mosque during the Ottoman era.

Another church worth visiting is the Church of Agios Dimitrios (Saint Demetrius). It’s a relatively modern church, built in 1948 in the style of its predecessor which was destroyed in the city’s great fire of 1918. The first church on this site was built in 418 AD, and some frescoes from the 7th and 8th centuries AD remain.

Discover Greek Wine

Greece is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, with evidence suggesting wine production as far back as 6,500 years ago. The country is home to over 200 grape varieties, and Northern Greece is one of the country’s main wine-growing regions.

Several excellent wineries can be toured just a short drive from Thessaloniki, and there are plenty of wine bars, restaurants, and cafes that showcase the best of the region. Xinomavro is the predominant grape variety of the region, and is a wonderful wine, similar in profile to Nebbiolo.

One of my favourite producers in the region is Thymiopoulos. Their Young Vine Xinomavro is a great introduction to Greek wine. A few great spots for Greek wine in the city are Father Coffee & Vinyl, Monmarti Wine Bar, and Chilai Wine Bar.

Drive To Some Of Greece’s Most Important Classical Buildings

Located about an hour’s drive east of Thessaloniki is the town of Vergina. It’s the site of what was once called Aegai (Aegae), the original capital of ancient Macedonia. It’s home to two of Greece’s most significant classical buildings — the Tomb of Philip II and the Palace of Aegai. You can find out more about the area and individual sites in my article, The Historic Archaeological Site of Aigai (Vergina).

There are also a few wineries out here, many of which can be visited alongside the historic sites by organising a guided tour or a private driver.

Enjoy The Region’s Delicious Cuisine

Thessaloniki’s role as a crossroads of civilisation is reflected in its cuisine. The food of the region has influences that can be traced back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, as well as the long period that it was part of the Ottoman Empire.

Greek, Turkish, Sephardic Jewish, and wider Balkan influences, amongst others, have all had a part to play in making the cuisine of Thessaloniki what it is today. The result is a wonderful culinary culture that shares much with its neighbours, but remains entirely unique.

To find out more about the regional delicacies that you can enjoy in Thessaloniki, check out my article, What To Eat In Northern Greece. For tips on restaurants, cafes, bars, and other places to eat, take a look at my Thessaloniki Food Guide: Best Places To Eat & Drink.

Experience The City’s Ancient Roman & Byzantine History

Thessaloniki was the second-largest and wealthiest city in the Byzantine Empire from the late 400s AD through to its transfer to Venetian control in 1423. It was an important strategic, large, and diverse city, and many structures from the era remain to this day.

Along with the historic churches discussed earlier, you’ll find remnants of the ancient city walls, monasteries, baths, and other ruins.

The Rotunda was built by Roman Emperor Galerius around 306 AD. It was meant to be the emperor’s mausoleum, but instead became a Christian church before being converted by the Ottomans into a mosque, and later back to a church. Today it functions as both a church and museum, preserving visible elements of all its historical roles. To stand inside and stare up at the impressive dome is something special.

The nearby Palace of Galerius and Arch of Galerius, built around the same time as the Rotunda, are also well worth visiting, as are the Roman Forum of Thessaloniki and Ancient Agora Square.

Explore Historic Ladadika

Centrally located, Ladadika is a vibrant historic Thessaloniki neighbourhood that has served many purposes over the years. Originally one of the city’s most important marketplaces, it was home to merchants from across the world trading olive oil, spices, grains, and more.

In the early to mid-20th century, Ladadika operated as the city’s red-light district, with many of the shophouses used as brothels. The area steadily declined after World War II before undergoing gentrification in the 1980s. Thankfully, the original buildings were protected and restored, and the streets pedestrianised. Today, Ladadika is a bustling nightlife hub, with old shophouses housing bars, nightclubs, cafes, and pubs.

Go To A Museum

Thessaloniki has fantastic museums dedicated to the region’s history and culture. A great starting point is the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, one of Greece’s most important cultural institutions, featuring ancient Greek artefacts dating from prehistory to the 4th century AD.

For a deep dive into the Byzantine era, visit the Museum of Byzantine Culture, which houses over 3,000 artefacts covering early-Christian and post-Byzantine art and history.

The city’s historic White Tower also operates as a museum across several levels, offering exhibits on Thessaloniki’s history and residents as you make your way to the rooftop.

If you’re into contemporary art, MOMus (Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts) has four locations around Thessaloniki, including the MOMus Museum of Contemporary Art.

For sports fans, the IOC-recognised Thessaloniki Olympic Museum is a must-visit, housing over 10,000 items detailing the history of the Games from antiquity to the modern era.

Seek Out Street Art

You’ll find vibrant street art throughout Thessaloniki, concentrated mostly in the centre of town. While much of it is produced by local artists, international muralists have also contributed pieces ranging from whimsical works and cultural identity expressions to bold political statements. Check out my Thessaloniki Street Art Guide for photos and locations of the city’s best street art.

Stroll Along The Waterfront

A compact city, Thessaloniki is exceptionally walkable. The waterfront section extending from Ladadika to the White Tower has long been vibrant and lined with bars, cafes, and restaurants. In 2013, a major 3.5km promenade extension opened toward the port, transforming a previously run-down industrial stretch into a lively walkway featuring open green spaces, cycle paths, and street vendors. It’s a wonderful place to stroll and while away an hour or two.

Visit A Fresh Produce Market

Thessaloniki is home to several historic fresh produce markets showcasing the fantastic agricultural output of Northern Greece. Dating back to the 15th century, the centrally located Kapani Market is the city’s oldest, offering an array of vegetables, fruits, spices, olives, fish, meat, and sweets.

Just across from Kapani Market is Vatikioti Market, which offers a similar traditional experience. Be sure to also visit Modiano Market; built in the 1920s in the style of a Parisian covered market and fully restored, it houses high-end produce vendors, artisan food stalls, tavernas, and bars.

Walk Up The White Tower

Built by the Ottomans in the 15th century to replace an earlier Byzantine structure, the 34-metre (111ft) White Tower is Thessaloniki’s defining landmark. It served as a prison and place of execution during Ottoman rule and now functions as a city museum. Climbing through the exhibits lets you experience the building’s layered history before reaching the rooftop, where you are treated to spectacular panoramic views across the city, the waterfront, and all the way out to Mount Olympus.

Planning a trip to the capital as well? Check out my guide to 48 Hours In Athens for top tips on sights, culture, and where to eat.