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Thessaloniki’s upper-town streets and coastline seen from above
Thessaloniki · Weekend plan

A first weekend in Thessaloniki: markets, Roman sights and Ano Poli

Use Saturday for the centre and waterfront, then give the upper town a separate Sunday outing. The plan leaves room for a meal and one substantial museum instead of packing every historical period into the same morning.

01

Saturday morning: food first

Begin with Kapani and Modiano while you still have time to browse and make a small purchase. For a more structured morning, choose a hosted food tour instead of duplicating its stops immediately afterwards. If you prefer a focused tasting, book Olicatessen and leave space for the session. Make your lunch choice from an actual current menu, rather than expecting market samples to replace a meal.

Mobile data for your trip. Check what your current plan includes for roaming. If you need another option for maps, messages and booking details, compare NXTL eSIM coverage and rates. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, and check coverage for every stop. Download important maps and confirmations for offline use too.

For a hosted introduction, consider the open-market food tour with tastings. The three-hour listing includes an English-speaking host, Greek coffee and tastings; a lunch after the tour and tips are separate. Confirm dietary needs with the operator and use the meeting point in your booking, currently Tsimiski 12.

02

Saturday afternoon: a compact Roman route

Walk from the Rotunda towards Kamara and Navarinou Square after your meal. Choose the Rotunda interior if it is open and you want to see the mosaics; otherwise the exterior and arch still form a useful street route. Allow a rest before heading to the White Tower and a short waterfront stretch. There is no need to add a second large museum this afternoon.

03

Sunday morning: upper-town views

Reach the Trigonion Tower area by a verified bus or taxi, then follow the walls towards Anna Palaiologina Gate. Use the official Ano Poli route for a modest downhill walk, with Vlatadon as an optional religious-site visit after checking access. In heat or wet conditions, shorten the lanes and return by transport rather than insisting on a full walk back.

04

Sunday afternoon: choose one historical interior

The Museum of Byzantine Culture gives the afternoon a subject that complements both the Roman route and the hill streets. Check its own opening and admission before setting off. If you prefer the White Tower exhibition, use that instead and retain a shorter seafront walk. Neither interior should be treated as included in an unrelated food or walking-tour booking.

05

Arrival and packing that fit the plan

The airport publishes 1X daytime and 1N night bus connections into the city; check the current stop and timetable for your accommodation. Do not assume the airport is a metro station. Bring grippy walking shoes for Ano Poli, a small day bag for the markets and a removable layer for the seafront. Put the longest exposed walk outside the hottest summer period.

Check before you go

Opening arrangements and visitor rules can change. Check the official information before your trip.

Things to do in Thessaloniki

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