What to See, Eat, and Do on a Perfect Day in Thessaloniki: A Complete Guide

If you are on a visit to Greece, there is no way that you should miss Thessaloniki—the city where ancient history and modern culture meet. The city has a history way back to 315 B.C., and the interesting part is that it is named after the sister of Alexander the Great.  
 
Definitely, you can spend a perfect day in Thessaloniki, as there is so much to do here. I mean, the food is delicious, the coastal vibe is amazing, and the best part was sightseeing. In this guide, we will explore what you can do in Thessaloniki in 24 hours and why this place is perfect for your trip. If you are going from the United Kingdom don't forget to book cheap airport parking deals by Ezy Book. Ezy Book offers airport parking and meet and greet services at all major airports in the Uk, so don't forget to get Airport Parking Gatwick.

1- The Best Time to Go 

It's amazing to say that there is no bad time to visit this city. I have been there several times and I would suggest you visit Thessaloniki during the spring season, or you can also try the Autumn season. In this period, the weather is mild.  
 
The best part is that you can enjoy a crowd-free place, which is an ideal condition for exploring museums and enjoying the local life.  
 

2- Start your day with White Tower 

You can start your day by visiting an iconic building of the town, which is none other than the “White Tower”. It was built by the Ottoman Empire during the 15th century.  
 
The building has a dark history; it was once called the Red Building due to its use as a prison and site of execution. Later, it was whitewashed in the late 19th century, and honestly, this one is one of my favorite sites. Nowadays, there is a museum inside the building where you can get ample knowledge of historical events in Thessaloniki.  

3- Roman Agora 

Now, here is the time to explore an ancient public square that dates back to the Roman Imperial period. It is such a fascinating walk through this square, once you realize that it is the place where citizens of past times used to gather to discuss politics and legal matters. 
There is a small theater and an underground museum in this square. Nowadays, we can say that the Roman Agora is one of the major archaeological attractions in Thessaloniki.  
 

4- Visit Thessaloniki Churches 

Do you know that Thessaloniki is famous as the Byzantine Capital of Greece? For that reason, its churches have some historical significance. There are lots of churches, and some of them are UNESCO World Heritage sites.  
 
Meanwhile, it is much easier for you to see them by walking; otherwise, you need a good amount of time if you start visiting them one by one. It's totally up to you if you have time, then go ahead. Here I will discuss only two famous churches in this city.  
 

1- Church of Hagia Sophia 

It was built in the 8th century, inspired by the famous Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. It is so beautiful, you will see a large central dome. Over time, it was a place of worship through various historical phases; it was once a mosque during Ottoman rule. As of today, it is an active church and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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2- Church of St. Demetrious 

 
Let's enter one of the most significant Christian monuments in Greece. It's none other than the Church of St. Demetrious. It was built in the 4th century in memory of a Christian soldier who was imprisoned and later died at this place during the rule of Emperor Galerius. The architecture of the church is amazing, and now its underground space is open for visitors. As of today, it is used as a place of worship and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.  

5- Atatürk Museum 

It's time to visit the birthplace of a leader who is the founder of modern Turkey. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born there in 1870, and at first glance, I found the building quite interesting. It is a well-preserved three-story Ottoman-style building. The Turkish embassy is right there, close to the building. An Ottoman-style building truly depicts the connection to a pivotal era in both Greek and Turkish history.  

6- Kapani Market 

How can you miss one of the vibrant markets in Thessaloniki? It is situated in the heart of the historic center. You will explore many things there. Like those buildings, the aroma, and the people. Don’t miss the Greek coffee there. 
Try to reach there as early as possible if you want to avoid the crowd. It is usually closed on Sundays. 
 
Conclusion 
 
Thessaloniki is the perfect place to visit if you love the traditions, history, and modern culture of Greece. There are very few cities in the world that have gone through various changes over the centuries, and this city is one of them. Here you can enjoy the coastal view, delicious food, and those amazing buildings built throughout the centuries.