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It is almost criminal that I haven’t written a where to stay guide for Thessaloniki yet, but here we are. Thessaloniki seems to be growing in popularity in 2026, as more and more people want an escape that is not Athens or the Greek islands.
The main reasons to visit, outside of the actual city, which has a ton of things to do (here are 50+) is its proximity to nearby Halkidiki or the countless hiking and nature escapes you can do nearby.
Since I’ve been visiting (and at some point lived) in Thessaloniki for years and years, I have the best areas and hotels to consider for your stay in 2026. These are all suggestions best on my personal experiences and what I consider good areas for different styles of travelers.
🥳 BEST HOTEL PICKS
⭐⭐ Budget / Social: Zeus is Loose Hostel: Funky, social hostel with private rooms and a rooftop bar. Great location for nightlife and meeting people.
⭐⭐⭐ Modern Mid-Range / Super Central: Pillow Urban Stay: Modern, clean rooms right in the city center. Great value if you want comfort and walkability without luxury pricing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Splurge / Best Location: Electra Palace Thessaloniki: Classic luxury hotel right on Aristotelous Square. Best location for first-time visitors who want sea views and walkability.
📲 Best eSIM for Greece: The easiest way to stay connected in Greece is with an eSIM you install before departure. I’ve tested several options. Use my code BACH20 for 20% off with Superalink
🚖 Airport Tip: Skip waiting for a taxi and book your Thessaloniki airport transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups. For under $40 you’ll have peace of mind and comfort.
🏺 Best Tours: Thessaloniki has a ton of interesting cultural sights, here are some of my favorite tours you can book:
🏛️ Best Day Tours: You can also use Thessaloniki as a base to do amazing day trips to some of the most famous and incredible areas in Greece. Here are the one’s I would NOT miss.
Where to stay in Thessaloniki – My Experience
Thessaloniki is a compact city. Unlike Athens, public transport here is limited and still evolving, even though the new metro line has made things easier. The upside to that is that most attractions are walkable.
For first-time visitors, almost everything you’ll want to see, eat, or experience will be around the historic center, near the seafront, or in the area near the old walls, called “Kastra”.
This makes neighborhood choice less stressful than in larger cities, but it still matters depending on what you value.
The best areas to stay in Thessaloniki
Before we keep going, I recommend taking out the map to look at the city of Thessaloniki. This will make identifying the best area to stay
Near the waterfront
One of the best areas to stay as a first-time visitor is near the waterfront. Locals divide this area into two sections: the Old Waterfront, which is closer to the White Tower, and the New Waterfront, which hugs the city east toward the Megaro. You will have your option of premium hotels and budget options.
What I like most about this option is that you don’t have to move far or rent a car. Everything will be just there. Since Thessaloniki is quite small, I think this area is large enough to cover most of the city center and the popular nightlife spot of Ladadika.
Ano Poli (Upper Town)
Short history lesson: Thessaloniki has a ton of layered history, from its Hellenistic roots to Roman and Byzantine times. Ano Poli retains that old-vibe charm, even though parking here is an issue, so I will once again advise you to keep that in mind.
The streets are narrow and winding, but you also get incredible views of the Gulf of Thermaikos and a less crowded vibe. It’s not for everyone, since it’s both hilly and less easy to find parking in, but the restaurants and tavernas here are some of the best in town, and they are often packed with locals.
Where not to stay in Thessaloniki
These are my personal opinions on where not to stay in Thessaloniki, but they can be good options if you are staying long term or want something very budget-friendly.
- Kalamaria: I’ve lived in Kalamaria and also love to visit, but staying here as a first-time visitor puts you much further away from the action than you want to be. The one exception is a long-term rental if you are staying for a while.
- Western side of town near the train or bus station: I struggle a bit when bloggers suggest this area to tourists. I understand why, it has a ton of budget-friendly Airbnbs, but it just doesn’t have the best reputation locally. If petty crime or other issues are to happen, it will likely happen here. It’s well connected since you can walk to the waterfront, but you’ll probably not want to walk late at night in this area.
- More than a 15-minute walk away from the center: Anything that is outside the center and needs 20+ minutes, means you spend a lot of time in transit.
⭐ Should I use Airbnb in Thessaloniki? ⭐
Maybe? Overall, Thessaloniki has a ton of Airbnb options, as the real estate market has been trying hard to invest in renovating older buildings. Is it good for the locals? Definitely not. Are they affordable? Sometimes.
Best hotels near the waterfront in Thessaloniki (central)
🔥 TRENDY OPTION
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Zeus is Loose Hostel
I really like this place for so many reasons. It is near Aristotelous Square so right in the middle of all things you will want to see, it is great if you want budget friendly, and it has a social vibe as it functions as a hostel, but has private rooms as well. The rooftop bar also makes the greatest cocktails and it can double as a workspace if you are staying in the city longer and need a place to work with your laptop.
🔥 AWESOME LOCATION
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Pillow Urban Stay
This is where I’d go for a nice romantic getaway within budget. Modern and minimal with all the amenities, right near the White Tower and the waterfront and balconies with city views. A friend of mine does their social media photography and they are top notch! It’s a solid choice without super premium pricing. The cafes near the hotel are also very popular student spots and one of my favorite bars (Palermo) is right there.
🔥 LUXURY
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Electra Palace
I love this place even more, even though my bank would not be happy. If you are going after a treat your self holiday then book at Electra Palace Hotel. Right on Aristotelous Square, terrace with the best views, old school glamour, outdoor and indoor pool and awesome breakfast.
🔥 LUXURY
Photo Credit: Booking.com
MonAsty Boutique Hotel
Another premium hotel choice, popular as a venue due to the amazing views over the gulf. It’s brand new and has that terracotta, earthy-tone interior design feel that instantly relaxes you.
Best hotels near Upper Town
Unlike much of Thessaloniki, Ano Poli survived the Great Fire of 1917. From a historical point of view, this means you get to see the city’s older architecture and character. Hotels and guesthouses near the higher parts are smaller boutique properties and not the easiest to park around.
🔥 MID RANGE
Photo Credit: Booking.com
The Caravan
Super popular, colorful and well located place! This hotel is technically again on the border between the city and Upper Town (Ano Poli). Room rates are usually around $110 but it often runs Genius member deals that bring it closer to $70.
🔥 MID RANGE
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Urban Donkey
This is technically on the west side of Upper Town and less charming, but is such a good hotel option. It is just above Agiou Dimitriou Street and close to the western side of the city center, but also close enough to Ano Poli tavernas like Tsinari. You can also find rooms under $60 per night and the mattresses are great.
🔥 APARTMENT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Beyond the Castle
This is my one and only recommendation for an Airbnb in Thessaloniki or private-host apartment, and that is because I know the owners, have stayed in the apartments, and know what a great job they do. These are brand-new apartments with a full kitchen and bathroom, so if you are staying longer or need a place to call home and properly relax for a while, this is the one.
FAQs About Staying in Thessaloniki
🔥 Is Thessaloniki walkable?
Very! You can walk to most of the top attractions you’ll find here in the center of the town. If you stay further out, you’ll need a car or taxis. I recommend staying near the center as a first time visitor.
🔥 Is Thessaloniki a good base for exploring Northern Greece?
Yes! If you’ve already covered all the attractions here, then you can use it as a base for a northern Greece road trip to visit mountain towns, rivers, lakes or head to the beach in Halkidiki.
🔥 How many nights should I stay in Thessaloniki?
Two to three nights is enough for the city itself unless you want to cover all the archaeological sites and have an interest in Byzantine monuments. In that case, add at least a few days.
🔥 Is Thessaloniki good for first-time visitors to Greece?
Yes. It’s less hectic than Athens, more affordable than many islands, and offers great food, history, and walkability without feeling overwhelming.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting Greece
- Emergency: Dial 112 for all emergencies. For police, dial 100. For ambulance 166. For fire dial 199.
- Language: English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. Common phrases to learn are “Kalimera” (Good morning), “Yia” (Hello and Bye – informal), and “Efharisto” (Thank you).
- Water: Tap water is safe in Athens, mainland Greece and a small number of islands. Always ask beforehand.
- Driving: Right-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Islands: There are a lot of islands, spread out around the country. Start with a map or ferry service to get an idea of travel times. Ferry Scanner is the best for ferry bookings to the Greek islands.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Public Transport: For Athens, use the Athens Metro. If you are not renting a car, use Trains (Hellenic Train) or KTEL (Public Buses) services.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. I recommend Aegean Airlines and its rewards program.
- Taxi: Always use a taxi app, instead of flagging down a taxi from the road. Use FREE Now (formerly BEAT).
- Culture: A siesta nap is still common in less touristy areas. This also means businesses will close between 2 PM – 5 PM. Except for hospitality businesses, everything is closed on Sundays.
