Where to stay in Thessaloniki: the best areas by type of trip
The centre, Ladadika, Ano Poli or Kalamaria? How to choose where to stay in Thessaloniki, including with kids and near Chabad.
- First visit: the centre, between Aristotelous Square and the seafront.
- Ladadika for nightlife, Ano Poli for quiet and views, Kalamaria for a local feel.
- Shabbat observers: the centre, near Chabad on Salaminos Street.
In Thessaloniki almost everything is walkable from the centre, so a central hotel saves time and transport. From the airport, bus X1 costs €2.
Which area is best to stay in Thessaloniki?
For most visitors, and especially a first visit of a few days, the easiest choice is the city centre, between Aristotelous Square and the seafront. From here you walk to most sights, to Tsimiski shopping street, restaurants and the sea. Choose Ladadika for nightlife, Ano Poli for quiet and views, and Kalamaria for a local, seaside feel.
Areas by type of traveller
| Area | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| City centre (Aristotelous, Tsimiski) | first visit, families, shopping | everything on foot: seafront, White Tower, shops | pricier hotels |
| Ladadika | couples, nightlife | restored historic buildings, tavernas, bars, pedestrian streets; close to port and centre | noisy in the evenings |
| Ano Poli (Upper Town) | quiet and romance | panoramic views, UNESCO heritage, picturesque lanes | steep cobbled streets, further from the centre |
| Kalamaria | local feel, by the sea | promenade, fish tavernas, shopping centres nearby | a suburb, need transport to the centre |
| Near Egnatia Street | budget, transport | convenient for transport | less atmosphere |
According to VoyageTips. On price, the same source puts central hotels at roughly €90–250 a night, depending on season and category.
Where to stay in Thessaloniki with kids
In the city centre, near the seafront: children enjoy walking by the sea and the White Tower, and you need no transport. With a pushchair, avoid Ano Poli because of the slopes and cobbles. See Thessaloniki.
Staying near Chabad and kosher food
Chabad of Thessaloniki is at Salaminos 9 in the centre, and the Shalom kosher restaurant (Astoria Hotel) is near Tsimiski. The Monastirioton synagogue is at Syngrou 35. For Shabbat observers, a hotel in the centre around Tsimiski and the port puts all of these within walking distance. Details in the Jewish community of Thessaloniki and on Shabbat times & kosher in Greece.
From the airport to the centre
Makedonia airport is outside the city. According to the City of Thessaloniki:
- Bus X1 (at night N1): from the airport through the centre to the intercity bus station. Every 30 minutes or so, about 40–50 minutes, €2 a ride. Buy your ticket from the machine on board, exact change only.
- Taxi: available 24 hours.
Quick booking guide
- Short visit (2–3 nights): city centre or Ladadika.
- Romantic weekend: Ano Poli or a sea-view hotel in the centre.
- Combining Halkidiki: Kalamaria or the eastern side, closer to the Halkidiki road and the airport.
- Shabbat observers: the centre, within walking distance of Chabad.
More on flights in flights to Thessaloniki from Israel, and the comparison in Athens or Thessaloniki.
FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Thessaloniki? For a first visit, the centre between Aristotelous Square and the seafront: everything is within walking distance.
Is Ladadika noisy? Ladadika is the city's nightlife area, with bars and tavernas, so evenings are noisy. For quiet, choose a side street or the centre.
How do I get from the airport to the city? Bus X1 (at night N1), every 30 minutes, about 40–50 minutes, €2, or a taxi.
Where to stay near Chabad in Thessaloniki? In the centre, near Salaminos and Tsimiski streets, within walking distance of Chabad and the Shalom kosher restaurant.
