Greece › Thessaloniki Hotels
By Santorini Dave
Our Favorite Thessaloniki Hotels
• 5-star: Electra Palace
• 4-star: The Met
• 3-star: Park Hotel
• For couples: The Excelsior
• For families: Mediterranean Palace
Central Thessaloniki is loaded with great hotels, trendy restaurants, and fun bars. The excellent Mamalouka restaurant (pictured above) is a 3-minute walk from The Excelsior hotel.
The Best Areas to Stay in Thessaloniki
• City Center (Aristotelous Square & Egnatia Street): The heart of Thessaloniki and the absolute best base for first-time visitors. Staying near Aristotelous Square (the city’s grand waterfront plaza) or along Egnatia Street puts you within a 10-minute walk of everything that matters: the White Tower, the Roman Forum, and the vibrant Modiano and Kapani food markets. The energy here is non-stop, with high-end shopping on Tsimiski Street and endless cafes along the Nikis Avenue waterfront. If you want convenience and a sea view, stay here.
• Ano Poli (Upper Town): This is the most romantic and atmospheric part of the city. As the only district to survive the Great Fire of 1917, it retains the traditional Ottoman-style architecture, narrow cobblestone alleys, and UNESCO-listed Byzantine walls that the rest of the city lost. It offers the best sunset views in Thessaloniki. Warning: It is steep. While the walk down to the city center is a pleasant 20 minutes, the walk back up is a hike; rely on taxis or the No. 23 bus to get back home. Ideal for couples seeking quiet away from the city buzz.
• Ladadika District: Located just west of the ferry port, this is the nightlife and culinary capital of Thessaloniki. Once a gritty olive oil trading district, its colorful, historic warehouses have been converted into a pedestrian-only maze of excellent tavernas, loud bars, and live music venues. It is arguably the most fun neighborhood to stay in, especially for foodies and younger travelers. Note that it can get noisy on weekends, so light sleepers should request a room facing away from the street.
• The Waterfront (Nikis Avenue & Nea Paralia): While technically part of the center, the hotels lining the seafront deserve special mention. This is the “Riviera” of Thessaloniki. Staying here offers uninterrupted views of the Thermaic Gulf and immediate access to the New Waterfront Promenade (Nea Paralia), a stunning 3.5km stretch of parks and boardwalks perfect for morning jogs or evening strolls. It feels more open and upscale than the dense inner city streets.
• Kalamaria: A sophisticated coastal suburb located about 7km southeast of the City Center. This is where the locals live. It has a relaxed, upmarket vibe with its own marina, pedestrian shopping street, and excellent seafood restaurants along the coast at Aretsou. It is cleaner and greener than downtown, but you are a 20-30 minute taxi or bus ride from the main historical sites. Best for repeat visitors or families planning a longer stay who want a “lived-in” feel.
• Valaoritou & Frankish District: Located just above Ladadika and west of Aristotelous, this is the “hipster” heart of the city. By day, it is a commercial area; by night, the streets fill with young locals drinking at hidden speakeasies and rooftop bars. It is gritty, vibrant, and very cool, though less polished than the main City Center. Accommodation here tends to be in trendy boutique hotels or converted neo-industrial spaces.
The 11 Best Hotels in Thessaloniki
All the hotels below (except for The Met) are centrally located and within walking distance of the city’s key attractions and main shopping and dining district.
1. Electra Palace – Aristotelous Square
Awesome waterfront location overlooking Aristotelous Square and surrounded by trendy bars and restaurants. Luxurious rooms and two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor on the rooftop). This is the best five-star hotel in Thessaloniki.2. Daios Luxury Living – White Tower/Waterfront
Great luxury hotel. Sea-view rooms have amazing waterfront views. Rooms with balconies are worth the upgrade.3. The Met – Ladadika/Port
Fantastic rooftop pool and bar. Large indoor jacuzzi. Close to bus and train station but not ideal for exploring the city. Free shuttle bus to city center.4. The Excelsior – Aristotelous Square
Trendy boutique hotel with great location, perfect for couples and honeymooners. The Penthouse Suite is amazing. (Member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group.)5. Mediterranean Palace – Ladadika/Port
Wonderful views of the waterfront. Junior Suites are great for families of four or five. Walking distance to the ferry port.6. Capsis Bristol Boutique Hotel – Ladadika/Port
Charming friendly hotel close to nightlife and many restaurants. Close to the ferry terminal.7. Egnatia Palace Hotel & Spa – Egnatia/Center
Great hotel and central location. The X1 airport bus stops just outside the front door. The Deluxe Suite is the best family room in the city and sleeps a group of six.8. The Caravan – Egnatia/Center
A funky and fun B&B hotel in the center of Thessaloniki. Great place to stay for shopping and nightlife. Family rooms sleep six.9. Trilogy House – White Tower
Small boutique hotel (9 rooms) with a friendly vibe. Close to waterfront and numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.10. Park Hotel – Egnatia/Ano Poli
Inexpensive good value hotel on the border of Thessaloniki’s charming Old Town – but still an easy walk to the city center and waterfront. Family rooms sleep five or six.11. Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel – Egnatia/Ano Poli
Cheap single rooms, simple double rooms, and large suites (sleep family of five or six). All with great location and friendly staff.
About Santorini Dave