Visit Agia Sofia Church
Agia Sofia or Hagia Sophia was built in the mid 7th century over the ruins of a 5th-century basilica. It was designed to be a replica of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. It is one of the most important early Christian monuments in the Orthodox world. It was a cathedral until 1523 when it was converted into a mosque.
Where To Eat In Thessaloniki
- Faidimos: Located in Valaoritou district, this restaurant offers a typical Greek cuisine served in a modern setting. You will love the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere.
- Tripia Potiria: Located close to Agios Dimitros Church, in the flea market. You will enjoy copious and tasty dishes, made with fresh products. The staff is really kind and the prices are reasonable.
- Rouga: Located right next to Ermou Street and the Jewish Museum. There, you can share many starters and main courses. Its ideal if you want to discover Greek gastronomy for a really reasonable price!
There are many great restaurants and taverns in Thessaloniki, and most of them are quite inexpensive.
If you dont want to eat in a restaurant, you can also try the Gyros, a typical Greek Sandwich made with pork or chicken. Its really easy to find one in Thessaloniki!
Best Hotel In Ano Poli: Style N Comfort Apartments
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. Theyre ideally located within walking distance of shops, markets and attractions, so you can easily get out an explore this fascinating part of Thessaloniki.
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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 youre backpacking Greece, you should definitely have this beautiful spot on your destination list.
If youre still undecided on the best place to stay in Thessaloniki, then check out Rentrooms Thessaloniki. Its the best hostel in the area, thanks to its unbeatable location and fantastic free breakfast.
Daios Luxury Living is another great option if youre after something more upmarket. Boasting five-star luxuries and awesome views, youll never want to leave.
Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below! Otherwise, get packing and enjoy your travels!
And dont forget to take out Travel Insurance for your trip! I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. Theyre easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.
Getting an estimate from World Nomads is simple just click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and youre on your way!
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Best Hotel In The Seafront: Makedonia Palace
This five-star hotel is famous in Thessaloniki for its luxurious and generous amenities. Theres 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 dont want to leave this gorgeous hotel. But if you want to get out in the town, its really close to Ano Poli and on the Seafront!
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Check Out The Local Craft Beer Scene
Local brewery Ali began producing in 2015 and was Thessalonikis first micro-brewery. Their fresh beer has a shelf life of just 3 to 4 months and the labels are put on by hand.
They make five different beers including pilsner, stout, IPA, red ale, and weiss. The stout was my personal favorite. That could be because it also contains greek coffee and chocolate.
Ali beers are stocked in many bars and restaurants in Thessaloniki. Send them an email if you would like to head to the brewery itself and do a tasting you will need to take a taxi to get there.
Ano Poli Stay With Private Terrace And View
Address: 88 Dimitriou PoliorkitouAccommodates: 4
Non-smoking throughoutTerraceInvoice providedWiFi available in all areasAir conditioningHeatingInternet servicesFree WiFi
Address: Akropoleos 28g Accommodates: 5
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authoritiesContactless check-in/check-outCashless payment availableCCTV in common areasStand-up comedyLockersThermometers for guests provided by propertyInternet services
Prominently displayed in Vardaris landscape, The White Tower of Thessaloniki is a bold-looking and centuries-old structure that is now a museum showcasing the citys rich past. This tower is Thessalonikis most recognized and famous attraction and is a major draw in the Vardaris neighborhood. You can take in breathtaking views of the shimmering water and beyond when you climb to the towers highest point. The neighborhoods refurbished waterfront is lined with inviting bars, and when the sun goes down, the area comes alive with festive live music. During the day, Vardaris waterfront provides a lovely spot for walking and biking.
Vardaris is 499.7 km away from Athens or 5 hours and 16 minutes away by car.
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Best Hotel In Thessaloniki: Daios Luxury Living
This 5-star hotel is located in the trendy Port area of Thessaloniki, where youll find some of the best places to enjoy a night out! Rooms are quirky and modern, and theres a rooftop restaurant overlooking the sea. Its centrally located, so all of the best things to do are only a short walk away.
Greek Coffee And The Coffee Greeks Drink
You should know that if you ask for greek coffee you will get a small coffee with the ground on the bottom. They brew Greek coffee in a pot called briki, putting the coffee in from the beginning and removing from the heat as it starts to boil. It is similar to Turkish coffee and its usually taken with sugar at the end of a meal. While that is the traditional coffee, most greeks drink a lot of cold coffees with or without milk. Therefore you can see people everywhere on the streets, attached to their plastic cups filled with cold coffee, or sipping them at cafes along the waterfront.
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Ano Poli The Upper Town
If you take a turn right by the Ataturk Museum, the view will suddenly change. You made your way to Ano Poli, the upper Thessaloniki. Here, the houses survived the Great Fire in 1917 and the Upper Town hasnt changed much. Its a charming maze of cobbled streets, colorful houses, and reminders of the Ottoman past of Thessaloniki. Part of Ano Poli is in ruins but wandering through its streets and discovering hidden treasures is worth an entire afternoon.
Visit The Archaeological Sites In Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki has several archaeological sites. Here are a few of them you can visit while youâre here:
The Rotunda
Situated in the center of Thessaloniki, Rotunda was turned into a Christian church after it was constructed in about 300 AD. With the Ottoman occupation, the church was turned into a mosque. Once it was liberated, Rotunda was again turned into a Christian church and later into a sculpture museum.
Arch of Galerius
Known as Kamara, the Arch of Galerius was originally constructed to commemorate the victory of Roman general Galerius over the Persians. Kamara is currently a passageway and a famous meeting point in the city.
Ancient Agora
The Roman Forum, also known as âAncient Agora,â was constructed by the Romans. Situated near the Aristotelous square, the building was the center of the political and public life in the city.
The Galerius Palace
The Galerius Palace is an important monument in Thessaloniki. It has received awards from the European Union in 2008 for the exceptional conservation of its ruins that turned into an educational site that is now a major attraction in the city.
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Hotels In Thessaloniki Greece
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We have 4 hotels in Thessaloniki with an average rating of 8.9 based on 1,655 reviews4 of 4 properties available in Thessaloniki
Watch The World Go By At Cafe Le Monde
Cafe le Monde is a beautiful European-style cafe with one of the best locations in town on the Thessaloniki waterfront. Tables sprawl onto the boardwalk from the art deco-style building. This is the perfect place to stop and enjoy coffee Greek style. That means slowly and over several hours with lots of conversation.
In addition to a wonderful location, Cafe le Monde also has some amazing cakes that are best enjoyed slowly with coffee.
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Accommodation Outside The Historical Centre Of Thessaloniki
If you want to find even cheaper accommodation you can look outside the historical centre, I recommend it if you travel by car, although prices in Thessaloniki are usually quite convenient, at least compared to other European and Greek cities.
Among the nearest cities and areas to stay in to visit Thessaloniki is Kalamaria a city 7 kms from the centre of Thessaloniki which is part of the Greater Thessaloniki Metropolitan Area, it is excellent if you are travelling by plane as it is just a few kms from Macedonia International Airport.
Accommodation near the Macedonian International Airport
Recommended hotels if you want to sleep one night near the airport before your flight or if you arrive very late at night.
How To Get Around Thessaloniki
Its easy to navigate this compact city curved around the shimmering bay. Our Thessaloniki guide details how to get from the Airport , and how to move around town easily. Youll find all the information you need about using a public transportation and taxis.
Thessaloniki is also a gateway to great destinations, starting with Halkidiki. Youll find information on how to get anywhere you need to go from here, like how to get to the KTEL Bus Station for other destinations in Greece, getting to Halkidiki, and using the train .
Well also share practical tips about safety and health, like where to be careful at night, and how to find pharmacies 24/7.
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Best Budget Accommodation In The Seafront: Alkistis Deluxe Studio
Costing not much more than a hostel in Greece, this contemporary studio apartment comes with free wifi, balconies and kitchenettes. Its 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 doesnt get much better!
Ladadika Where To Stay In Thessaloniki For Nightlife
Even if youre on a short city break where time is of the essence, make sure a visit to Ladadika is at the top of your to-do list.
One of Thessalonikis most historic districts and close to the port, Ladadika was originally a market area.
Believed to date back to the pre-Ottoman era, merchants off-loaded their goods in the port, and set up shop selling olive oil related products. Translated into English, Ladadika means with oil.
The area suffered extensive damage during the 1917 fire, and over the ensuing years fell into steep decline. By the 1970s it was all but derelict, with empty stores and abandoned homes.
In 1985, the Greek Ministry of Culture declared the district one of historical interest. With the area protected, investment began to trickle back in. Buildings were restored in their original style. Shops and stores began to re-open, and houses were re-occupied.
By the mid-1990s, with its narrow, cobbled streets and paved alleyways wholly pedestrianised, Ladadika had risen from the ashes to become one of Thessalonikis most visited daytime districts, and an atmospheric, vibrant night time area.
As you stroll around this picturesque neighbourhood with its multi-coloured houses and businesses, be prepared to do most of your walking in the road. Every café and bar, restaurant and taverna, will have tables and chairs set up on the pavement.
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Ano Poli Coolest Place To Stay In Thessaloniki
Ano Poli translates as Old Town and is the coolest place to stay in Thessaloniki! Here, youll find all of the best features of Thessalonikis ancient history, from as far back as the Roman Empire.
Its 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.
Lambros Kazan
The Roman Heritage In Thessaloniki
First, well start our tour exploring some of the rich Roman Heritage in Thessaloniki.
The Rotunda
The Roman Emperor Galerius probably intended the building as a mausoleum. Over time, it served as a church and then as a mosque. It resembles very much the architecture of the Mausoleum of Maxentius on Via Appia Antica in Rome. Some of the Byzantine mosaics are still well preserved. In can be visited Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 3:45 pm and the entrance fee is 2 euros.
Arch of Galerius
A few hundred meters from the Rotunda is the Arch of Galerius. Both structures were part of the Imperial complex during the Roman period of the city.
The Roman Forum
This Ancient Agora is almost 2000 years old. As any Roman forum, it was the center of all social life of Thessaloniki, the beating heart of the city. It is still in the center of the modern city, at the upper-end of Aristotelous Square.
The Forum can be visited Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. A ticket is 8 in the summer and 4 from November to March. You can see the forum from above but if you visit, pay attention to the cryptoporticus, the covered corridors that lead to an underground museum.
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Best Hotel In Upper Toumba: Queen Olga Hotel
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.
The Food Is Out Of This World
The food is out of this world! I had heard it was the best in Greece, and was stunned by how excellent all of it was. We also were able to walk everywhere from the old town , so our car stayed parked in the free lot near the apartment. I bought some exquisite icons at the St. Vlatidon monastery just a few blocks from the apartment .
- From £85 per night9.1Superb1,418 reviews
You can’t find a better place to stay in town given the location, right in the middle of the historical center, and the comfort of the hotel. You can feel the vibe of the city which has cozy restaurants you can dine, listen very good greek music and admire the architecture mixture over several centuries.This is our third staying in Thessaloniki, and the second time while staying at Superior One Boutique hotel. The rooms were always cleaned and smell fresh, food was excellent and the staff was always kind with us.
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Best Places To Visit In Thessaloniki To Taste Local Food
Letâs face it: wherever we go, we always turn to food. And to taste the local food of another place is a whole different experience. Some of the best Greek food you have to try in Thessaloniki include a kind of pie called Bougatsa, Frappe, Sesame Bagel, and the Thessaloniki style lunch and of course, Greek coffee.
Whether youâre looking for Thessaloniki-special dishes or the best new condiments, here are the best restaurants in Thessaloniki that can satisfy the foodie in you.
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 youre visiting Thessaloniki for the first time, we recommend staying on the Seafront. With so much to explore in terms of nature, history and culture its the best place to get a taste of everything the city has to offer.
If youre traveling on a budget, you cant 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, its a vibrant district both by day and night.
To experience the best of the islands 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. Its surrounded by walks and isnt too far from the city centre, so you can enjoy an action-packed vacation.
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