Thessaloniki 1-day itinerary

Start at the White Tower (Lefkos Pyrgos, €4) — Thessaloniki's iconic landmark on the waterfront, a 15th-century Ottoman tower with a multimedia exhibition on the city's history and panoramic roof views. Walk the Nea Paralia promenade — a beautifully redesigned 5km waterfront with public art installations and views across the Thermaic Gulf to Mount Olympus on clear days. Coffee at a waterfront café.

Walk uphill to Ano Poli (Upper Town) — the old Ottoman quarter that survived the Great Fire of 1917. Wander the narrow lanes past colourful wooden houses, tiny churches, and the Byzantine walls. Visit the Rotunda (€3) — a 4th-century Roman building converted to a church, then a mosque, with stunning mosaics. Lunch at a traditional taverna in Ano Poli — Tsinari or To Steki for home-cooked food (mains €7–12).

Dinner in the Ladadika district — the former olive oil market now transformed into Thessaloniki's most atmospheric dining quarter. Try Zythos Dore for creative Greek meze (plates €6–12) or Kitchen Bar on the waterfront for rooftop cocktails. Thessaloniki has arguably Greece's best nightlife — the bars along Valaoritou Street run from craft beer to techno. Beer is €4–5, cocktails €7–10.