Under $100: Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki is considered the cultural capital of Greece because there are so many things to see and do here. It’s the country’s second-largest city and home to numerous shopping, eating and sightseeing opportunities, so figuring out how to spend one day here is a challenge.

In the morning, make a pit stop at Plaisir, an amazing café and bakery that serves up some delicious breakfast pastries at a fair price. Expect to drop around €10 here for a meal.

Afterward, make your way over to the White Tower, Thessaloniki’s most popular tourist attraction. It’s a remnant of the city’s fortified walls from the Byzantine Empire and today serves as a monument and museum. They only allow 75 people in at a time so expect a wait, but entrance is free.

Thessaloniki, Greece © Emydobrean | Dreamstime

Once you’ve finished there, make your way to Aristotelous Square to do some sightseeing and shopping. The architecture here is absolutely stunning and it provides great views of the Gulf.

For lunch, discover the back streets of Thessaloniki as you seek out The Last Slice, a pizza joint with Greek toppings. It’s easily some of the best pizza in Europe, even compared to Italy. The food is cheap, so you can get by spending only €10 here.

To learn more about the spiritual and cultural history of the city, you’ll want to head over to the Church of Agios Dimitros. The inside of the church is breathtakingly beautiful and some of the best architecture the city has to offer. Entrance is free.

© Bestravelvideo .com | Dreamstime

Spend the rest of your afternoon discovering the Ladadika District, an area of town filled with colorful buildings, great shopping opportunities and friendly locals. It’s considered one of the most eclectic and fun parts of Thessaloniki.

For dinner, make your way over to Takadum, a wonderfully exuberant Greek restaurant with friendly owners and staff, an upbeat atmosphere and great food. A meal here will run you about €30.