Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Thessaloniki?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Thessaloniki?

A weekend trip is usually not enough time to experience the high energy city of Thessaloniki, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. Or, perhaps you'll want to return another time to take it all in. You don't want to miss the chance to explore the museums and famous sights, dine out at amazing restaurants, take advantage of the local nightlife, and go shopping. Many tourists set aside two to four days for their visit. However, if your schedule only gives you a couple of days, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your weekend adventure in Thessaloniki below.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Thessaloniki?

Most people spend two to four days in Thessaloniki during their visit. The high energy city offers amazing highlights such as the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, the nightlife scene, and the many shops.

Thessaloniki mixes a cosmopolitan, big city atmosphere with historic sights and a small town personality. There are wonderful sea views and a bit of the real Greek authenticity. Local restaurants, great shopping, and a vibrant nightlife scene make this city popular with students and tourists.

Do you have one or two days to visit Thessaloniki? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki, renowned for its numerous sights and attractions, is a major draw for tourists. Given only one day, you will likely find yourself hurrying to experience the key highlights such as the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the nightlife scene. To truly savor all that the city boasts, a more generous amount of time is advisable. Many travelers opt for two to four days to thoroughly relish the wonders of the city. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations for making the most of your visit.

How to spend a day in Thessaloniki

Don't miss the Monument of Rotonda during your trip to Thessaloniki, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

A few tour suggestions include:

Thessaloniki: Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting ($49)
Thessaloniki Street Food Tour with a Local Guide ($98)
Olicatessen Greek Deli Food Tasting in Thessaloniki ($33)

The public transit in Thessaloniki is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Thessaloniki?

A weekend trip is usually not enough time to experience the high energy city of Thessaloniki, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. Or, perhaps you'll want to return another time to take it all in. You don't want to miss the chance to explore the museums and famous sights, dine out at amazing restaurants, take advantage of the local nightlife, and go shopping. Many tourists set aside two to four days for their visit. However, if your schedule only gives you a couple of days, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your weekend adventure in Thessaloniki below.

Thessaloniki Cathedral

How to spend 2 days in Thessaloniki

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Thessaloniki will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Thessaloniki, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

A few tour suggestions include:

Skyline Cafe Bar and Restaurant in OTE Tower ($19)
Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup ($93)
E-ticket to Museum of Byzantine Culture with Audio Tour ($13)

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Thessaloniki, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.