Where to Stay in Thessaloniki: the Best Hotels and Locations
Deciding where to stay in Thessaloniki is not as easy as it sounds. The second largest city in Greece is pretty diverse and eclectic. Thessaloniki has different neighborhoods that cater to different tastes and needs.
We have been to the city several times. We have friends there and the food is great! Besides, Thessaloniki has some of the best hotels in Greece.
Every time we visit, we try to stay in a different area. The following is our list of the best places to stay. We are sure you’ll find the one that’s right for you.
City Center (around Artistotelous Square)
The city center is our favorite place to stay. We especially recommend it if you are going for the first time. You will be able to walk to most attractions.
Thessaloniki’s center is a mix of everything Greece stands for. You’ll find archaeological remains, churches, ottoman structures, and street markets. You can buy everything Greek at the bustling Kapani Market.
The center goes all the way to the iconic White Tower. Aristotelous Square is the meeting point of everyone in the city. You must have coffee at Chamám Café inside a historic Ottoman bath!
We Recommend These Hotels in the City Center:
Electra Palace Thessaloniki
The luxurious Electra Palace presides over Aristotelous Square. The best rooms have sea views. It’s got a fantastic rooftop garden with a pool and views, and another indoor pool in the spa.
MonAsty, Thessaloniki, Autograph Collection
Marriot manages the MonAsty Hotel. The luxurious property is one block from Aristotelous Square. The best rooms have balconies. It’s got an outdoors pool and the service is impeccable.
Ladadika
Ladadika is a tiny neighborhood just west of Aristotelous Square. However, it’s full of tavernas, bars, and coffee shops. It’s the most fun and upbeat area in the city.
We love getting lost among Ladadika’s cobbled streets searching for mezze restaurants. The best ones are on Egypt Street. We always stop by Foul Tou Mezze. The place is as Greek as it gets!
The best nightclubs in the city are in Ladadika. We always party at 8 Ball. They’ve got live bands and disco nights! The best gay club in the city is here too, Expose Bar.
We Recommend These Hotels in Ladadika:
ON Residence
The ON Residence is one of the best luxury hotels in the city. It combines a historic mansion from 1926 with a contemporary building. Book a room with a balcony and sea views and you will never want to leave!
The Mediterranean Palace
The Mediterranean Palace has the best spa in the city. It’s a fancy property in the heart of Ladadika. The top floor rooms have memorable views over the sea.
Around the Roman Forum
The neighborhood around the Roman Forum looks like an open air museum. It’s the greenest area in the city. Pedestrian Aristotelous Street connects the hood with Aristotelous Square.
You will see the statue of Venizelous and a big park behind. This is where we always come for some peace and quiet. There is an ottoman bath, a church, paths and tall trees to sit under during the scorching summer.
The area north of the forum is mostly residential. You have to visit Aigli Geni Hamam. The best restaurant, cocktail bar and club in Thessaloniki is inside a 15th Century hammam!
We Recommend These Hotels around the Roman Forum:
Domotel Olympia
The location of the Domotel Olympia is great: just feet from the Roman Forum. It’s a very quiet property with big rooms. Go for a room with a balcony to enjoy the views.
Gatto Perso Luxury Studio Apartments
You won’t find better studios and apartments in the city than at the Gatto Perso. It’s a 1926 building with modern day conveniences. Every unit is fully equipped and super comfortable.
Rotunda and Navarino Square
The area around the Rotunda is pretty close to the center but looks totally different. It’s mostly residential and you won’t see many tourists around. The Roman temple is its epicenter.
You can walk from Navarino Square next to the Palace of Galerius to pedestrian Gounari Street and reach Galerius Arch. Cafe Oino has great pastries and tables on the street with views over the rotunda.
The University of Thessaloniki is east of the Rotunda. As you can imagine, the area is full of students. Tabya Cafe is a historic house. It’s got great food, cocktails, and overlooks the park.
We Recommend These Hotels around the Rotunda and Navarino Square:
No 39 Svolou Suites
Considering its class and location the No 39 Svolou Suites is great value for money. It’s your typical Greek building with quiet and comfortable rooms with balconies. The suites are dreamy.
Casa Primavera
Casa Primavera offers very nice rooms next to the Rotunda. They have everything you need. The best rooms have balconies and views over the park. The staff will be happy to give you some local tips.
Ano Poli
Ano Poli means Upper City in Greek. It’s the neighborhood up on the hill that towers above Thessaloniki. It looks and feels completely different to the rest of the city.
The area is behind and around the ancient city walls. It’s a maze of curvy streets with trees. We love getting lost in the hood searching for views and tabernas.
We strongly recommend going to see the sunset at Castra All Day Terrace. Have a coffee cocktail or cake while enjoying the best views of the city and beyond!
We Recommend These Hotels in Ano Poli:
7PocketHouse
If you are looking for an authentic experience in the heart of Ano Poli book a room at the 7 Pocket House. It’s a lovely traditional Greek house with superb rooms and the warmest service ever!
Seven Heaven Premium Suites
The Seven Heaven Premium Suites offers rooms, studios and apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes in a wonderful location. Their 1 bed room flats and lofts are perfect for families.
Agia Triada
Agia Triada looks like a completely different city. It’s very fancy and full of parks. The hood faces the sea. It’s after the Zongolopolous’ Umbrellas Sculpture and the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum.
It’s the best area to walk admiring the sea. We especially like walking about Thessaloniki Waterfront, the Garden of Sound, and the Water Garden. As architects ourselves we love the mansions on Leof. Vasilissis Olgas Avenue.
We Recommend These Hotels in Agia Triada:
Makedonia Palace
If you have the money to splurge, do so at the Makedonia Palace Hotel. The property faces the sea and has everything you ever dreamed of. The complimentary breakfast is delicious!
Leone Suites
The rooms at Leone Suites are extra big and feature wooden floors, premium beds, balconies and coffee machines! It’s in the heart of Agia Triada, a short walk to the coast.
How Long to Stay in Thessaloniki
You will never be at a loss of things to do in Thessaloniki. The city is that cool! Honestly speaking, Greeks consider it more fun than Athens! And the food is reputed to be the best in the country.
That said, three days in Thessaloniki are enough to see its biggest attractions and intake the vibe. If you have more time, stay longer, you won’t regret it.
If you have more than a week, we strongly recommend visiting the nearby beaches. We like in particular Possidi beach, just 2 hours from the city.
Moving Around Thessaloniki
Walking is the best way of moving around Thessaloniki. Though the city isn’t small it’s pretty dense so you can walk to most attractions. Besides, Thessaloniki is safe at all times.
Biking is another great way to discover the city. We enjoy biking along the sea promenade. Since the center can be too crowded to bike, tie your bike and walk.
You can also take buses. Though inexpensive, to be completely honest, they don’t operate that frequently. In any case, ask around and you will be directed to the correct bus. Taxis are inexpensive.