If you don't count the Greek islands, Thessaloniki is probably the second most popular tourist destination behind Athens and you can see why: by the sea and full of life. I visited Thessaloniki for a second time in 2022 and even though it was only for a day (on our way back from Kozani) we managed to see a lot of things and wander around the city.

Here is a list of 6+1 things to see and do in Thessaloniki, on a short one day trip.

4. The Umbrellas
One of the most Instagrammable spots in the city, it’s a 13m tall installation by the sculptor Giorgos Zoggolopoulos. It was exhibited for the first time at the Venice Biennale in 1993, where it received excellent reviews. With the sea in the background, the whole frame is just beautiful.

5. The Arch of Galerius
The Arch of Galerius stands on the intersection of Egnatia and Dimitriou Gounari streets. Its construction spanned the years 298 and 299 AD and it was dedicated in 303 AD to celebrate the victory of the tetrarch Galerius over the Sassanid Persians, at the Battle of Satala and the capture of their capital Ctesiphon in 298.

6. Palace of Galerius
The Galerian Complex, the most important monumental group in Thessaloniki, was built at the turning-point of two worlds, the Roman and Byzantine. It is found in Navarinou Square, a popular area with shops and colorful apartment buildings (one of my favorite spots in Thessaloniki).

​BONUS
You must try the famous Valentino Crepes. It’s right there in Navarinou Square and they’re famous for their size and rich filling. You have to press, suck and bite, otherwise you will make a mess (these are the actual steps to eat the crepes, written next to their sign).

1. Roman Forum
In the urban scenery, you see the Roman Forum and it surely stands out. It’s a two-terraced forum with two stoas, dug up by accident in the 1960s. The area was supposed to be the site of the Municipal Courthouse but the project was scrapped after the ruins were discovered.

2. Waterfront
Of course, you’re going to want to see the pier. You can enjoy a casual walk or a bike ride along the waterfront on a 5km long wharf that passes by the White Tower and ends at the famous Umbrellas. There’s nothing I can say about the pier, really. It’s what made me fall in love with the city.

3. The White Tower
Without a doubt, the symbol of Thessaloniki. It’s a 34m tall tower that replaced an old Byzantine fortification. During the period of Ottoman rule, the White tower became a notorious prison and scene of mass executions. The current name of The White Tower came to be in 1890, when the tower was whitewashed by a convict in exchange for his freedom. However, over the centuries, it had many names - "Lions Tower" in the 16th Century, the "Fortress of Kalamaria" in the 18th Century, the "Janissary Tower" and the "Blood Tower" in the 19th Century as it served as a prison and place of execution for long term convicts.