Our highlights of the trip:
- Food heaven: Thessaloniki’s blend of West and East will have you rethinking Greek food – from mezedes in Ladadika to creative dining spots like +Trofi and Extravaganza.
- Art on every corner: The city’s alive with street art, and the MOMus museum is a must-visit for cutting-edge contemporary work.
- Byzantine markets: These markets are buzzing with energy and packed with everything from local goods to fresh produce – the city’s pulse in full swing.
Trip summary:
Thessaloniki’s majestic waterfront promenade stretches for five kilometers along the Thermaic Gulf, where locals gather for their evening volta (stroll) beneath palm trees and neoclassical buildings. While Athens gets all the tourist attention, Greece’s co-capital has quietly become the country’s cultural powerhouse, hosting one of Europe’s oldest film festivals and filling its streets with galleries, vintage cinemas, and photo exhibitions.
Start in Ano Poli, the old upper town, where you can wander through tiny streets lined with stone houses that somehow survived the city’s massive 1917 fire. The Byzantine walls up here give you the best views of the city meeting the sea. Walking down, you’ll hit some of the city’s greatest hits – the massive Roman arch of Galerius, the perfectly round Rotunda (which has been everything from a Roman temple to a mosque to a church), and the White Tower, which stands sentinel by the sea. The striking Umbrellas sculpture nearby has become a modern symbol of the city, especially magical at sunset.
The city’s food scene is a thrilling mix of old and new. The Modiano and Kapani markets are where locals still do their daily shopping, with vendors calling out their offerings of fresh seafood, local cheeses, and fragrant herbs. But Thessaloniki has also become Greece’s gourmet capital, with innovative chefs transforming traditional Macedonian recipes into contemporary masterpieces. Duck into traditional ouzeris for meze platters, then discover game-changing restaurants where young chefs are earning international recognition for their creative takes on northern Greek cuisine. The city’s fine dining spots – hidden in renovated mansions and waterfront venues – rival anything you’ll find in Athens or Europe’s top food cities. From slow-cooked classics in cozy tavernas to ambitious tasting menus paired with wines from nearby vineyards, the food scene here punches way above its weight. The city even gave the world frappé (Greece’s famous iced coffee), and you’ll find them everywhere, perfect for people-watching in buzzing squares. While two days gives you enough time to see the main sights, the real joy is just wandering around, exploring both the traditional and cutting-edge food scene, and soaking up the laid-back vibe of Greece’s most exciting culinary destination.
Our insider tips:
- Don’t miss the Rotunda! While the White Tower is great for panoramic city views, the interior exhibitions can be a bit underwhelming. Instead, visit the Rotunda, where ancient frescoes adorn a soaring 30-meter dome, creating one of the most breathtaking Roman spaces you’ll find anywhere in Europe.
- Take a taxi to Ano Poli: The climb up to Thessaloniki’s upper town (Ano Poli) can be quite steep, so grab a taxi to save your energy. Then wind your way back down to the city center on foot, stopping at cozy spots like Mourgas, where daily specials are based on whatever looks good at the morning market.
- Visit Thessaloniki’s metro for a glimpse of history: While the metro system is still expanding and not yet crucial for most first-time visitors, it’s worth popping into a station to see something unique: the archaeological discoveries displays!
Hotel highlight:
Stay at ON Residence, a luxurious waterfront hotel with timeless charm. Once the epicenter of Thessaloniki’s high society, this historic landmark has been reimagined as a five-star retreat offering modern comfort and stunning views of the Thermaic Gulf. Just steps away from the city’s bustling streets and cultural hotspots, ON Residence is the perfect base to explore the city. The hotel’s recently revived Olympos Naoussa restaurant, a local legend, serves refined Greek cuisine and is a destination in its own right.
We can secure the following perks for clients:
- Early check-in / late check-out options subject to availability
- Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
- $50 – $100 credit per room per stay to be spent on extras such as F&B or Spa
- Daily Continental breakfast for two people
Dates:
For a tranquil winter escape, visit between December and February, just after the International Film Festival crowds depart in November. With mild temperatures and few tourists around, it’s an ideal time to enjoy the city at a slower pace.
Price:
$384 for a couple for a weekend, excluding flights