Thessaloniki in 1 Day for Friends - Guided tasting of ouzo and local drinks
In Collaboration with Thessaloniki Food Tours. Updated on February 24, 2026.
Walk Thessaloniki’s historic centre with a local guide while tasting Greek drinks and meze at traditional tavernas. Learn about the history of ouzo and local cold cuts, practice Greek drinking customs, and get practical tips for enjoying the city’s nightlife.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Thessaloniki Food Tours, inspired by the tour Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour With A Local. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided tasting of ouzo and local drinks
- Sampling meze and regional cold cuts at traditional tavernas
- Walking route through Thessaloniki’s historic centre between key landmarks
Itinerary
Day 1
3-hour guided walking food & drink tour through Thessaloniki’s historic centre. Meet at the Venizelos statue on Egnatia and finish at the White Tower by the seafront. The guide leads tastings, explains local customs and food history, and offers evening recommendations.
Venizelos Statue - Meeting Point
Group meeting and check-in. The guide introduces the route, safety notes for the walking sections, and a short introduction to Thessaloniki’s drinking traditions before setting off.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early for on-time check-in and a quick headcount.
- Bring a government ID if you plan to participate in alcoholic tastings (required by local venues).
- Carry a small bag and keep valuables secure—this square is central and can be busy in summer.
Athonos Square
Walk to Athonos Square and pause at a local taverna area for the first tasting: an introduction to ouzo and a selection of meze bites and bottled water included. The guide explains how ouzo is traditionally served and paired with small plates.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have a preferred flavour profile (anise-forward or milder), tell the guide so they can suggest suitable tastings.
- Share plates within your group to sample more meze varieties—ask staff for smaller portions if available.
- Keep one hand free for photos; Athonos Square is a compact area with several tavernas clustered together.
Saint Sophia Church
Short walk to Agia Sophia (Saint Sophia) for a cultural stop. The guide provides historical context about the site and how church/monument spaces shaped local eating and drinking customs. A small tasting of cold cuts or meze is served nearby as part of the experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Respect modesty rules when pausing near the church—keep voices low and avoid blocking entrances.
- If you need seating or shade, notify the guide; this stop includes a brief seated tasting nearby when available.
- Carry sun protection (hat/sunscreen) during summer months—this area has limited shaded seating.
Rotunda
Continue to the Rotunda of Galerius. The guide explains the monument’s place in the city’s layered history while the group enjoys another local drink tasting and complementary meze plates at a nearby traditional spot.
Tips from local experts:
- The Rotunda area can be uneven underfoot—wear comfortable shoes with grip for cobblestones.
- Pace yourself between tastings; ouzo is strong—drink water between samples (water is provided).
- If anyone in your group has dietary restrictions, let the guide know before tastings so alternatives can be offered when possible.
White Tower - Finishing Point
Walk along the seafront to the White Tower where the guide wraps up the tour with final tastings, a summary of local drinking culture, and personalized recommendations for nightlife and dinner spots in Thessaloniki.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a pleasant seafront walk to the White Tower—bring a light layer if breezy near the water.
- Ask the guide for nightlife recommendations tailored to your group’s energy level (quiet bars vs lively music venues).
- If you plan to continue the evening, confirm the closest taxi ranks or public transport stops with the guide before dispersing.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Culture, Attraction |
