# Excursion to Thessaloniki from Halkidiki > The easiest big excursion: 1-1.5 hours drive, a route that works (coastal-Kapani-Upper Town) and the best food in Greece. Thessaloniki is the easiest "big" day out from Halkidiki: an hour's drive, and a city awaits that blends 2,300 years of history with the best food in Greece. The secret to a good day: don't try to see everything — pick one route and let it flow. ## The classic one-day route - **Morning — waterfront and centre**: Park near the White Tower, walk the Nea Paralia, then Kamara and the Rotunda. - **Noon — markets and food**: Kapani and Modiano for the city's edible side — souvlaki, bougatsa, tsoureki, coffee everywhere. - **Afternoon — Ano Poli**: The walls, the Byzantine lanes and the city's best view from Eptapyrgio — the part most visitors miss. ## If you love museums Two world-class options side by side: the Archaeological Museum (Macedonian gold) and the Museum of Byzantine Culture — allow 1.5-2 hours each. With kids, NOESIS (planetarium/science) at the eastern exit sits right on the drive home. ## Food: not to miss - **Bougatsa** with cream or cheese for breakfast — the local ritual. - **Souvlaki/gyros**: The city serves them better than anywhere. - **Tsoureki**: Grab one for the drive back — and see the [street food guide](https://chalkidikihub.gr/en/blog/street-food-halkidiki) for the Halkidiki version. ## Practical - **When**: A weekday over Saturday — less traffic and parking stress. Avoid the Friday 17:00-19:00 rush towards Halkidiki. - **Parking**: Paid central car parks (Nikis Ave/XANTH) — don't hunt free spots in August. - **Heat**: In July-August the city bakes at midday — do morning + late afternoon with a long lunch between. ## Practical notes for international visitors Thessaloniki doubles up for international visitors: a day trip — and a city bonus on arrival or departure day, since your flight goes through SKG anyway. A late lunch in the market halls beats any airport lounge. English gets you everywhere; tipping is round-up, and park in a paid garage rather than circling — fees are modest. ## Distances and a little history From Nea Moudania to the centre of Thessaloniki is about 60 km (around an hour); from Neos Marmaras about 117 km (around two hours). The city was founded by Cassander in 315 BC and named after his wife Thessalonike, half-sister of Alexander the Great. Fifteen of its Early Christian and Byzantine monuments — among them the Rotunda, Agios Dimitrios and Agia Sofia — have been on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1988. The White Tower, the city's symbol, was built by the Ottomans in the 15th century and now houses an exhibition on the city's history. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is it worth it with kids? Yes, adapted: the waterfront by bike or scooter, NOESIS, and ice cream on Nea Paralia instead of a museum marathon. ### How many hours do I need? 6-7 hours in the city is the realistic target — enough for the centre, food and Ano Poli without stress. More ideas: [all the day trips from Halkidiki](https://chalkidikihub.gr/en/blog/best-day-trips-from-halkidiki). --- Source: Type: BlogPosting · Halkidiki, Greece