3 Days in Thessaloniki on a Budget

A value-first Thessaloniki itinerary for travellers who want Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, waterfront sunsets, and excellent meze without paying Athens island-hop prices. It uses walkable neighbourhoods, local buses, market lunches, and one well-priced day trip option to keep costs predictable. The pacing is built for backpackers and budget couples arriving by train, bus, or low-cost flight: base yourself near Ladadika or the waterfront, cluster sights around Ano Poli and the Rotunda, and spend your evenings where locals actually eat and stroll.