Sight guide · Thessaloniki · Greece
Visiting Kapani and Modiano markets
The Kapani (Vlali) market is a grid of lanes selling fish, olives, herbs, spices, cheese and loukoumi, and it has been the city's food market since Ottoman times.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Gerakishow, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Kapani and Modiano markets is a market in City Centre (Aristotelous Square), Thessaloniki. Allow 1 hour; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Market
- Area
- City Centre (Aristotelous Square)
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, food, shopping and photo spot
- Best months
- June–August
About Kapani and Modiano markets
The Kapani (Vlali) market is a grid of lanes selling fish, olives, herbs, spices, cheese and loukoumi, and it has been the city's food market since Ottoman times. The covered Modiano Market next door, built in the 1920s, has been restored and now mixes food stalls with places to eat.
Tip: Go in the morning on a weekday, when the fishmongers are in full voice, and buy olives and spices to take home.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: City Centre (Aristotelous Square), hébrard's grand square, Tsimiski shopping street and the markets.
Best time to visit Kapani and Modiano markets
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- July: 32°C (90°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- August: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- June: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Thessaloniki has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Thessaloniki itinerary visits Kapani and Modiano markets on day 3, together with Hagia Sophia and Panagia Chalkeon.
- No. 12 of the 17 sights in our Thessaloniki things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Thessaloniki.
- A family favourite in Thessaloniki with kids.
Near Kapani and Modiano markets
Also in City Centre (Aristotelous Square), so you can walk between them:
- Aristotelous Square — 30 minutes, free
- Roman Forum (Ancient Agora) — 45 minutes, low cost
- Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki — 1 hour, low cost
If you like Kapani and Modiano markets
- Ano Poli, Heptapyrgion and the city walls — Ano Poli, Half a day
- Ladadika quarter — Ladadika, 2–3 hours
- Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas — White Tower and the eastern seafront, 1–2 hours
Staying near Kapani and Modiano markets
Stay in City Centre (Aristotelous Square) ($$$) to walk here: hébrard's grand square, Tsimiski shopping street and the markets. All areas to stay in Thessaloniki.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Kapani and Modiano markets?
Plan 1 hour. With Aristotelous Square nearby, it fits a half-day in City Centre (Aristotelous Square).
+Is Kapani and Modiano markets free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Kapani and Modiano markets?
June–August, the quietest of the good months. Go in the morning on a weekday, when the fishmongers are in full voice, and buy olives and spices to take home.
+Do I need to book Kapani and Modiano markets in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Kapani and Modiano markets good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki works well with children thanks to the flat, car-free seafront with playgrounds and bike lanes, the White Tower's rooftop, and day trips to Mount Olympus and Chalkidiki beaches.