Looking to immerse in authentic Greek culture? Why not spend a weekend in Thessaloniki!

Founded as the capital of Macedonia in 315 BC, the city’s tumultuous history has left an important mark on its culture, cuisine, and art.

Whether you are looking for a lively getaway or a relaxing adventure, look no further than spending a couple of days in Thessaloniki.

Getting to Thessaloniki for your weekend trip

Most likely you’ll be arriving by plane and land at Thessaloniki’s International Airport Macedonia (SKG). The city is also served by trains and buses, but when it comes to weekend trips, you want to get to your destination fast.

The first thing to do after you’ve landed in Thessaloniki is to buy a map (and yes, we know you already have one on your phone. Just trust us on this one). Make sure to get one with both Greek and English characters. It will be your best friend for the weekend.

Then, get to the hotel. If it hasn’t provided a shuttle service for you, use public transportation to save some money. Check in at the hotel and be prepared for the trip of your lifetime.

What to do on a weekend in Thessaloniki

Let’s start our weekend in Thessaloniki on Friday at 5 p.m.

Friday

5 p.m. Late Lunch / Early Dinner

Thessaloniki is dotted with excellent restaurants, and you really should start your vacation here by diving right into the delicious Greek food .

Close to Aristotelous square, in the port area, there is Mamalouka , an interesting restaurant located in a rustic-chick outpost. Make sure to arrive here before 9 p.m. as it gets packed in the evening, especially during summer. And if possible, make a reservation beforehand.

Offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, the restaurant is a great option for every traveler. With an incredible atmosphere and excellent food, you’ll be starting your vacation on a high note. Make sure to try the colorful salads!

9 p.m. Greek music at a taverna

What better way to spend the night than listening to traditional Greek music? Since you are already in the port area, go to Kastra area and look for Kreonidis . It’s a taverna which plays Greek music, although not live. Another choice is Negreponte Taverna, a hidden jewel of the city, near Ladadika.

Enjoy the night out and then head to the hotel to get some sleep. The next day will be packed!

Tip: since tavernas always offer incredible food, you can spend the entire afternoon in one place but you may want to check out several places to eat and explore the city a bit at nighttime.

Saturday

Rise and shine everyone!

Greeks aren’t that big on early breakfasts so you either have to made do with whatever the hotel offers. Or grab a kolouri and café frape to get you started.

10 a.m. Roman Market and Theatre
It’s time to start exploring the incredible archaeological sites in the city. Located in Dikastiria and dating to the 2nd century AD, it used to be the center of the city for about 8 centuries.

The archeological site isn’t that big, but excavation has revealed some public buildings, a warehouse, a stoa, the mint, and the conservatory.

11 a.m. Church of Agios Dimitrios

This is one of the stunning places in Thessaloniki which can be visited for free. Located on Aghiou Dimitriou, the church is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Saint Demetrios.

It’s the largest church in Greece and was completely rebuilt in 1948, sticking to the original plans. Beneath the church there is the crypt of the martyr St. Demetrios, containing sculptures from the 3rd to 5th centuries and Byzantine artifacts.

>>read more about Free Things to do in Thessaloniki

12:30 p.m. Byzantine Baths

Just north of the church, you’ll find the Byzantine Baths, one of the best preserved of its time. Dating to the 13th century, they had all the necessary rooms needed to function as baths since the Roman and early Ottoman times.

1 p.m. Brunch by the sea

Since you didn’t quite have breakfast, let’s enjoy some seafood in Nea Krini area, in front of the sea. The restaurant is called Miami and if you want to dig into a lovely assortment of fish, this is the place to visit.

2 p.m. The White Tower

It is, without a doubt, the landmark of Thessaloniki. It stands on the waterfront. It houses the Byzantine Museum, which is definitely worth a visit if you are interested in the city’s history. Built in the 15th century, the tower was part of the defensive walls and later became a prison.

In summertime, it is open from 8 a.m. until 8 pm, whereas in winter (Nov 1 to Mar 31) the opening hours are 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

3 p.m. Kamara (The Arch and Tomb of Galerius)

Located in Sintrivaniou Square, the Arch belongs to the Galerian group of buildings. It was built in 305 AD and depicts scenes from the battle of Satala. Later, connections to the Galerius Palace and the Rotonda were made. Only part of the monument remains standing, and no one knows why the rest of it was destroyed.

3:30 p.m. The Rotonda

It is one of the oldest churches in Thessaloniki, built in early 4th century AD. It served as a Mausoleum for Emperor Galerius. After serving as mosque during the Ottoman rule, today it is the Greek Orthodox Church of Agios Georgios and houses Christian art exhibitions.

>> If you prefer an organized tour, here’s a recommend for you: Small Group Historical and Cultural Tour on foot . You’ll visit the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, and the Church of Saint Dimitrios.

5:00 p.m. Late lunch / Early dinner

Stop for a bit and sit down to enjoy a meal in one of the city’s restaurants.

Not that far from the Rotonda, you’ll find The Rouga, a restaurant serving traditional Greek food. Opened since 1999, serves authentic homemade meals. You’ll not only be delighted by the flavors but also by live Greek music. Try the moussaka or souvlaki, other patrons have raved about them.

6:00 p.m. Agia Sofia

Built in the 8th century AD, it is one of the oldest churches in Thessaloniki. It was modeled on the magnificent church of Agia Sofia in Istanbul. The huge dome, the incredible wall paintings and the large mosaic of the Ascension are some of the things you should not miss seeing here.

7 p.m. A walk in the Old Town
Want a free history lesson? Then head to the Old Town. It used to be surrounded by the Byzantine walls and was inhabited mainly by Turks. The narrow-cobbled stone streets and interesting houses create a unique atmosphere.

9 p.m. Clubbing
Thessaloniki is a cosmopolite city and many swear it offers better nightlife and entertainment than Athens. Might be because it’s a students’ city and students really know how to party, right?

Whether you seek to hit a nigh club and dance all night, find one of the Tango or Latin dances parties, or listen to live Greek music, you are spoiled for choice.

Enjoy the night out, sip some ouzo, and then head back to the hotel and catch some sleep.

Sunday

9 a.m. Breakfast in town

How about breakfast in a pastry shop in the Ladadika area to start your last day in the city?

Trigona Elenidi sells traditional Greek pastries, biscuits, and ice-cream.

10 a.m. Road trip: Vergina

Just 90 km from Thessaloniki you’ll find Vergina, a small-town home to the burial site of the kings of Macedon. The ancient site of Aigai was the first capital of Macedonia and comprises extensive ruins, including the summer palace of King Antigonas Gonatas.

During the low season it’s open on Mondays, Wednesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., while during summer it remains open until 8 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays to Sundays and on Tuesdays from noon (12 p.m.) to 8 p.m.

>>read more about: Day trips from Thessaloniki

Alternative trip during summer:

10 a.m. Round trip: Halkidiki peninsula / Fourka

Once upon a time, Halkikidi was the prime hotspot for Europeans. Thanks to the turmoil in the Balkans the numbers of tourists has dropped for a while, but the peninsula is yet again very popular among Eastern Europeans looking a cheap vacation at the sea side.

Fourka is one of the resorts in western Halkidiki. It’s located just 105 km from Thessaloniki and there are direct buses connecting the city with the area. Aside from soaking up the sun, you can also visit the historical sites: the Roman temple of Agiou Athanasiou and the Byzantine Temple of Agios Ioannis.

5 p.m. Back in Thessaloniki

…and preparing for the trip back home.

You may also like:

>> Thessaloniki: Budget Hotels near the White Tower
>> Best Hotels in Thessaloniki for under €100
>> Getting from Athens to Thessaloniki
>> Museums in Thessaloniki

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