Thessaloniki is overflowing with ancient history, natural wonders and stunning beaches. Staying here, you can enjoy the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure.
With so much on offer, deciding where to stay in Thessaloniki can get quite overwhelming. There are a number of neighborhoods in this city, each offering something unique to travelers.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury break or traveling on a shoestring budget, we’ve figured out the best places to stay in Thessaloniki. We’ve also included the best accommodation and things to do in each area, so you can get stuck into planning your next getaway.
- Where to Stay in Thessaloniki
- Thessaloniki Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Thessaloniki
- Thessaloniki Top 5 Neighborhoods to Stay In
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Thessaloniki
- What To Pack For Thessaloniki
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Thessaloniki
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Thessaloniki
Looking for a specific stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Thessaloniki…
Lori Margariti Sea View Flat Number One | Best Airbnb in Thessaloniki
This contemporary and stylish space is recognised for its comfort and design. It’s filled with functional amenities and boasts incredible views over the Aegean Sea, making it the perfect base for a beachside vacation rental in Greece.
Rentrooms Thessaloniki | Best Hostel in Thessaloniki
This delightful and friendly hostel right is in the heart of Thessaloniki. Offering a variety of room types catering to group size and travel style, there’s something for everyone here. Best of all this hostel offers free breakfast – saving you even more pennies.
Daios Luxury Living | Best Hotel in Thessaloniki
This 5-star hotel is located in the trendy Port area of Thessaloniki, where you’ll find some of the best places to enjoy a night out! Rooms are quirky and modern, and there’s a rooftop restaurant overlooking the sea. It’s centrally located, so all of the best things to do are only a short walk away.
With so much history, culture, and scenery to enjoy, these are the best places to stay in Thessaloniki.
Seafront
To truly take in the beauty of this city, as well as its culture, look no further than The Seafront. This is the best place to stay in Thessaloniki if you’re coming for your first time for many reasons.
Upper Toumba
Slightly east of the city centre but by no means out of the action is Upper Toumba. This is the best place to stay in Thessaloniki if you want to experience the thrills of the city without breaking the bank!
Ladadika
Once considered a rough area of the city, this neighborhood has been transformed into a bustling and trendy part of town. Close to the port, you’ll be right in the action, where there are plenty of gorgeous bars and clubs overlooking the water.
Ano Poli Thessaloniki
Ano poli literally translates as ‘Old Town’ and is the coolest place to stay in Thessaloniki! if you’re a history lover, you really will adore this area. It’s where you’ll find all of the best features of Thessaloniki’s ancient history, from as far back as the roman empire.
Kalamaria
Spending some time with the kids? Look no further than Kalamaria – the best place to stay in Thessaloniki for families. There’s so many amazing places to visit here, a little further out of the city centre.
Thessaloniki Top 5 Neighborhoods to Stay In
Thessaloniki has had a volatile and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times. It was the prominent city in the Roman Empire, second only to Constantinople in this region.
The city has also been under Ottoman control and has Jewish, Christian, and Muslim influences on its architecture, cuisine, and culture. As a result, Thessaloniki has become one of the coolest places to stay in Greece.
If you’re visiting Thessaloniki for the first time, we recommend staying on the Seafront. With so much to explore in terms of nature, history and culture – it’s the best place to get a taste of everything the city has to offer.
If you’re traveling on a budget, you can’t go wrong staying in Upper Toumba. This residential area is home to more local prices on food and accommodation, and is full of fascinating attractions in its own right.
Ladadika is the best place to stay in Thessaloniki for nightlife. Home to numerous bars and restaurants, it’s a vibrant district both by day and night.
To experience the best of the island’s historical charm, Ano Poli is the place to go. Full of Roman ruins and authentic Greek charm, this is our pick for the coolest place to stay in Thessaloniki.
Kalamaria sits on the outskirts of the city and enjoys a laidback atmosphere ideal for families visiting Greece. It’s surrounded by walks and isn’t too far from the city centre, so you can enjoy an action-packed vacation.
1. The Seafront – Best Place to Stay in Thessaloniki for your First Time
To truly take in the beauty and culture of this city, look no further than the Seafront. It’s full of museums, walks and is the gateway to the Aegean, making it the best place to come for getting to know the area.
The Seafront is home to a gorgeous promenade, quaint churches, and numerous historical attractions. There’s plenty of accommodation for all travel tyles here, and good transport links make exploring the rest of the island easy.
City Centre Seafront Apartment | Best Airbnb in The Seafront
This is a pretty, bright, and convenient apartment on the seafront. With great proximity to all of the area’s best attractions, you won’t have to spend too much on public transport to get around. The apartment is modern and sleeps up to four guests, ideal for groups or families.
Makedonia Palace | Best Hotel in The Seafront
This five-star hotel is famous in Thessaloniki for its luxurious and generous amenities. There’s an outdoor pool, and balconies offering fabulous views across the Aegean Sea.
With a fantastic restaurant with an award-winning chef at the helm, you might even feel like you don’t want to leave this gorgeous hotel. But if you want to get out in the town, it’s really close to Ano Poli and on the Seafront!
Alkistis deluxe studio | Best Budget Accommodation in The Seafront
Costing not much more than a hostel in Greece, this contemporary studio apartment comes with free wifi, balconies and kitchenettes. It’s within walking distance of numerous museums and other attractions, and there are numerous restaurants in the area. Situated right by the Seafront, budget accommodation in Greece doesn’t get much better!
Alkistis deluxe studio is one of our favourites in Thessaloniki but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in The Seafront:
- One of the best things to do on the Seafront is taking a sunset stroll down the city’s famous promenade. Overlooking the beautiful ocean, you’ll be blown away by the stunning scenery!
- Check out Platia Aristotelous (Aristotelous square), which is the most important square in Thessaloniki. It’s great for people watching while enjoying a coffee.
- Thessaloniki is rich in ancient history, which is best explored at the Archaeological Museum.
- Greece was one of the first countries in modern-day Europe to adopt Christianity, and this is commemorated in the Museum of Byzantine Culture.
- If you enjoy performing arts, look no further than Thessaloniki Concert Hall. It seats 1400 people and has regular performances.
- For a great photo opportunity, head to the Zongolopoulos Umbrellas – a quirky structure with an ocean backdrop.
- Take a stroll around the interesting ‘Sound Garden’ along the seafront. It’s simple and sparse, but well worth the trip.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI2. Upper Toumba – Where to Stay in Thessaloniki on a Budget
Slightly east of the city center but by no means out of the action is Upper Toumba. If you’re traveling Greece on a budget, this is the best place to go without breaking the bank!
There are museums, churches, and even a zoo for you to explore, all within a short bus ride of each other. There are loads of restaurants and pizzerias in Upper Toumba, perfect for soaking up the ambience.
Classy Apartment | Best Airbnb in Upper Toumba
This charming top-floor apartment offers stunning views over the city, port, and ocean. A large terrace and free wifi are included, as well as a full kitchen and dining area. The Airbnb sleeps six guests, perfect for groups and families traveling on a budget.
Sharks Thessaloniki | Best Budget Accommodation in Upper Toumba
This apartment is perfect for families or groups visiting Thessaloniki. It’s quaint and authentic, and comes with all the comforts of home including laundry facilities and an outdoor seating area. Staying here, you’ll be close to markets, shops and public transport.
Queen Olga Hotel | Best Hotel in Upper Toumba
This gorgeous hotel enjoys fantastic views across the city of Thessaloniki. This is the best place to stay in Upper Toumba if you want to holiday on a budget as well as being close to the action of the city center. With stylish rooms and a great bar and restaurant, this is the perfect place to unwind.
Things to See and Do in Upper Toumba:
- If you love your sport or your Greek history, head to Thessaloniki’s Olympic Museum. The only museum of its kind in Greece, it includes exhibitions of history, art, and sports.
- The War Museum of Thessaloniki is a great place to learn all about ancient Greek warfare.
- For a bit of childish fun, head to the bright and beautiful Children’s Museum of Thessaloniki.
- Head to Baraki Coffee & More, a trendy and vibrant bar serving everything from pancakes to cocktails.
- There are several beautiful churches in Upper Toumba, including the Church of St Barbara, the Church of St Marina and a Greek Orthodox Church.
3. Ladadika – Best Place to Stay In Thessaloniki for Nightlife
Once considered a rough area of the city, this Thessaloniki neighborhood has been transformed into a bustling and trendy part of town. Close to the port, you’ll be right in the action, with gorgeous bars and clubs overlooking the water.
But there’s more to this area than just nightlife. There are some enlightening museums, as well as the symbol of Thessaloniki itself – the famous White Tower! The Aristotelous Square is also closeby.
Modern studio in the heart of the city | Best Airbnb in Ladadika
This stylish Airbnb is in the heart of the city, just a two-minute walk from the best shops, restaurants, and attractions. The apartment is sound-proofed so you can enjoy a peaceful rest without outside noise, and sleeps four guests comfortably.
Rentrooms Thessaloniki | Best Hostel in Ladadika
Rentrooms Thessaloniki provides some of the best cheap accommodation in Greece. Guests can enjoy stunning social and outdoor spaces, including a beer garden. All rooms come with a fridge and TV, and have amazing views over the city.
Mediterranean Palace | Best Hotel in Ladadika
Look no further than the Mediterranean Palace for a comfortable stay on the seafront that oozes luxury and class. There are incredible indoor spa spaces, an outdoor pool, gym, and endless spots around the premises to get an excellent view of the Port.
Things to See and Do in Ladadika:
- The Ataturk Museum is set in a beautiful ancient house. It’s been converted into a museum to commemorate the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who was born here in 1881.
- Ladadika has a fantastic Museum of Photography, which is next door to the Cinema Museum of Thessaloniki. If you love modern art and all things on-screen, these are for you.
- Considered by many as the symbol of Thessaloniki is the White Tower. Now a museum, the White Tower was a notorious prison during Ottoman rule.
- A bit further on is the famous Aristotelous Square, a must-visit in the city.
- In a country famous for its drama, the National Theatre of Northern Greece is definitely worth a visit.
- Find out all about the Macedonian history of the region in the Macedonian Struggle Museum. A contemporary and beautiful laid out exhibition with plenty to learn.
- There’s plenty of great clubs and bars in Ladadika, including XO Club, Soulshakers and the Flying Carpet.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!4. Ano Poli – Coolest Place to Stay in Thessaloniki
Ano Poli translates as ‘Old Town’ and is the coolest place to stay in Thessaloniki! Here, you’ll find all of the best features of Thessaloniki’s ancient history, from as far back as the Roman Empire.
It’s also full of quirky shops and restaurants, and green spaces are dotted around the area. Ano Poli is further inland but a short walk away from the seafront, so you can easily explore Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki Central Cozy Apartment | Best Airbnb in Ano Poli
This bright apartment sits right in the heart of Ano Poli! Enjoy a late-night cocktail or an early morning coffee on your very own balcony overlooking the sights of Thessaloniki. The best things to see in Ano Poli are all within walking distance from here.
Thessaloniki Studios Arabas | Best Hostel in Ano Poli
This awesome Greek hostel is laidback and provides an authentic and unique example of Mediterranean hospitality. Rooms are simple but accommodating, and there’s a gorgeous outdoor area for socializing.
Style ‘n’ Comfort Apartments | Best Hotel in Ano Poli
These apartments in Ano Poli are bright and contemporary. Sleeping up to six guests, the apartments are pet friendly and come with all the comforts of home. They’re ideally located within walking distance of shops, markets and attractions, so you can easily get out an explore this fascinating part of Thessaloniki.
Things to See and Do in Ano Poli:
- Head to the Railway Thessaloniki Museum, with a restaurant inside the carriage of the world-famous Orient Express.
- Dug up in the 1960s, the huge Roman Forum is a sight to behold. There are two Roman baths here, and even a theatre where gladiators used to fight.
- For more ancient history, head to The Arch of Galerius and Rotunda – a Roman Emporer and his wife commissioned in the 4th century.
- Take a stroll down Tsimiski Street, which is teeming with shops and restaurants.
- At the end of Tsimiski Street, you’ll find Aristotle Square, a huge paved area where Thessaonikians gather for important occasions throughout the year.
- Escape the bustle of the city and head to Pasha’s Gardens. This is a beautiful green space, with some fascinating sculptures and gorgeous water features.
5. Kalamaria – Best Area in Thessaloniki For Families
Taking the kids to Greece? Look no further than Kalamaria – the best place to stay in Thessaloniki for families. There are so many amazing places to visit here including nature reserves and theme parks, so you can enjoy an action-packed holiday.
Kalamaria is a quieter neighborhood than the city center, providing an excellent and safe area for families to relax in. If you’re really looking for some peace and quiet, the best time of year to visit Greece is between September-May. Thessaloniki also hosts some cultural festivals in the winter months.
Romantic House near the beach | Best Airbnb in Kalamaria
Staying here means you’ll have a whole, beautiful Thessalonian house to yourselves! It’s bright, comfortable, and comes with all the amenities you’ll need. If you fancy eating out, the house is surrounded by cafes and restaurants.
Athlos Hotel | Best Budget Hotel in Kalamaria
This is a stylish and relaxing hotel, with great access to the coast and a quick drive away from attractions. With a complimentary breakfast, you’ll have the kids’ tummies filled before an adventure-filled day of exploring!
Hotel Nikopolis | Best Hotel in Kalamaria
This hotel really is the epitome of luxury for your family getaway. With an outdoor pool, gym and sauna, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy. The rooms are large, tastefully decorated, and most of them boast large doors onto balconies or the gardens.
Things to See and Do in Kalamaria:
- If you love learning, head over to the Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum. It has a huge planetarium and amphitheater, and is sure to fascinate anybody!
- Grab a souvenir at the Mediterranean Cosmos – the largest retail and entertainment development in Southeastern Europe.
- Take a trip out to the Thermi Dam, a huge dam and reservoir which doubles up as a nature reserve. There are plenty of trails here, so make sure to bring your walking shoes!
- Not for the faint-hearted, it’s said that the house at 263 Wasilissis Olgas Street is haunted! Go for a tour around it – if you dare!
- Head to Gialos Fish & Seafood Tavern for some true Kalamarian cuisine and a taste of the sea.
- Visit Magic Park – a theme park that provides a great day out for the whole family.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Thessaloniki
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Thessaloniki and where to stay.
What To Pack For Thessaloniki
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Thessaloniki
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Thessaloniki
Stunning scenery, fascinating ancient history, and the beautiful Aegean Sea – Thessaloniki has so much to offer to travellers! If you’re backpacking Greece, you should definitely have this beautiful spot on your destination list.
If you’re still undecided on the best place to stay in Thessaloniki, then check out Rentrooms Thessaloniki. It’s the best hostel in the area, thanks to its unbeatable location and fantastic free breakfast.
Daios Luxury Living is another great option if you’re after something more upmarket. Boasting five-star luxuries and awesome views, you’ll never want to leave.
Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below! Otherwise, get packing and enjoy your travels!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Greece.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Greece.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Greece instead.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Greece.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
