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.