The best hotels in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is Greece's second city and most Greeks say it has better food than Athens. The hotels are better value too, and you won't fight cruise ship crowds for views.
Our 10 Top Picks in Thessaloniki
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
SIGMA Suites Hotel
Thessaloniki
$96/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Elisabeth Boutique Hotel
Thessaloniki
$82/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
ON Residence, Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Thessaloniki
$211/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
S Hotel Boutique Thessaloniki | Luxury Hotel
Thessaloniki
$90/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
The Mavili Urban Stay
Thessaloniki
$81/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Zeus is Loose Hostel
Thessaloniki
$54/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
THIRTYNINE
Thessaloniki
$60/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
The Met Hotel
Thessaloniki
$128/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
NYX Hotel Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki
$121/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Zenith Premium Suites
Thessaloniki
$89/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
SIGMA Suites Hotel
With 452 guests giving it a 4.9, this place delivers every time. At $96 you're getting suite-style space steps from the Aristotelous Square waterfront. Rooms are generously sized for the price point. One caveat: it's a small property, so availability disappears fast in summer. Book three weeks out minimum.
Address:SIGMA Suites Hotel, Veldemiri 4, Sikies 566 25, Greece
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Elisabeth Boutique Hotel
At $82, you'd be hard-pressed to find a 4.9-rated boutique hotel cheaper in Thessaloniki. Close to the Roman Agora in the city center. The staff are the real draw here. 483 reviews all say the same thing. Don't skip breakfast if it's included. Fills up faster than it should.
Address:Elisabeth Boutique Hotel, Katholikon 2, Thessaloniki 546 25, Greece
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ON Residence, Small Luxury Hotels of the World
$211 sounds steep until you see the rooms. Full suites, serious privacy, 4.9 from 730 reviews. That's not a fluke. Near the Ladadika bar district, walkable to the port. If you're splitting the room with a partner for three nights, the per-person math starts looking very reasonable, very fast.
Address:ON Residence, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Leof. Nikis 5, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece
Neighborhood:Ladadika
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S Hotel Boutique Thessaloniki | Luxury Hotel
Price isn't listed but expect to pay for the 5-star label. A 4.9 from 570 reviews tells you it earns it. Positioned in the historic upper city, which means views over Thessaloniki below. Not ideal if you want to stumble back from the Ladadika bar scene at 2am. Commit to the location.
Address:S Hotel Boutique Thessaloniki | Luxury Hotel, Kalapothaki 5, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece
Neighborhood:Ladadika
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The Mavili Urban Stay
$81 for a 4.7. Hard to argue with. The design-forward approach keeps it interesting without boutique hotel arrogance. You're near Tsimiski Street, which puts cafés and shopping within a five-minute walk. No official star rating but 613 guests clearly don't care. Solid pick for first-timers who want value without sacrificing style.
Address:The Mavili Urban Stay, Kosti Palama 1, Thessaloniki 546 30, Greece
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Zeus is Loose Hostel
A 4.7 from 1,143 reviews is the most reliable score on this list. $54, and you're right next to Valaoritou Street, the city's main nightlife strip. The social scene is the whole point here. Private rooms exist if you need actual sleep. Skip it if you're over 35 and sensitive to noise.
Address:Zeus is Loose Hostel, Klisouras 13, Thessaloniki 546 31, Greece
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THIRTYNINE
$60 with a 4.7 and no star rating. It punches above its weight. Clean, stylish, and central, putting you within 10 minutes on foot to the seafront promenade. Good for solo travelers who want a proper base without paying boutique prices. Fair warning: 218 reviews is a thin sample. Still building its track record.
Address:THIRTYNINE, Egnatia 39, Thessaloniki 546 30, Greece
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The Met Hotel
5,594 reviews and still holding a 4.6. Consistency at that volume means something. At $128 you get a full-service 5-star with a pool and proper conference-grade facilities. It's a large, polished hotel rather than a characterful one. Best suited to business travelers or anyone who values reliability over atmosphere.
Address:The Met Hotel, 26is Oktovriou 48, Thessaloniki 546 27, Greece
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NYX Hotel Thessaloniki
At $121 you're paying almost Met Hotel prices for a more intimate property. NYX's 4.7 from 252 guests edges it out on guest satisfaction. Part of a design hotel chain, so expect bold interiors, not neutrals. Close to Aristotelous Square and the waterfront. Sea-view rooms cost more. Worth it on a clear day.
Address:NYX Hotel Thessaloniki, Tsimiski 1, Thessaloniki 546 25, Greece
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Zenith Premium Suites
$89 for a suite-format stay with a 4.7. You're getting more space than a standard hotel room at a price most standard rooms charge. Near the old bazaar quarter, which means easy access to the city's best street food. Good for stays of three nights or more. 254 reviews keeps the experience personal.
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Didn't find your match above? Here's every hotel in Thessaloniki.
Every scored hotel in the city. Filter by price, rating, or type to find yours.
| # | Hotel | Our Score | Guest Rating | Reviews | Type | Price/Night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SIGMA Suites Hotel | 4.9 | 452 | 4★ | $100/night | Book → | |
| 2 | Elisabeth Boutique Hotel | 4.9 | 483 | 4★ | $80/night | Book → | |
| 3 | ON Residence, Small Luxury Hotels of the World | 4.9 | 730 | 5★ | $210/night | Book → | |
| 4 | S Hotel Boutique Thessaloniki | Luxury Hotel | 4.9 | 570 | 5★ | $90/night | Book → | |
| 5 | The Mavili Urban Stay | 4.7 | 613 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $80/night | Book → | |
| 6 | Zeus is Loose Hostel | 4.7 | 1 143 | 1★ | $50/night | Book → | |
| 7 | THIRTYNINE | 4.7 | 218 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $60/night | Book → | |
| 8 | The Met Hotel | 4.6 | 5 594 | 5★ | $130/night | Book → | |
| 9 | NYX Hotel Thessaloniki | 4.7 | 252 | 4★ | $120/night | Book → | |
| 10 | Zenith Premium Suites | 4.7 | 254 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $90/night | Book → | |
| 11 | 72 AD Suites | 4.7 | 218 | 3★ | $100/night | Book → | |
| 12 | Electra Palace Thessaloniki | 4.6 | 5 493 | 5★ | $310/night | Book → | |
| 13 | Loena Luxury Suites Thessaloniki | 4.8 | 90 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $90/night | Book → | |
| 14 | No 15 Ermou Hotel | 4.6 | 415 | 5★ | $90/night | Book → | |
| 15 | The Mood Luxury Rooms | 4.6 | 362 | 4★ | $80/night | Book → | |
| 16 | Urban Folks Sokratous | 5.0 | 24 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $60/night | Book → | |
| 17 | Thess Living Suites | 4.9 | 30 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $70/night | Book → | |
| 18 | No 39 Svolou Suites | 4.7 | 86 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $70/night | Book → | |
| 19 | Sola Urban Thessaloniki | 5.0 | 29 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $60/night | Book → | |
| 20 | Porto Palace Hotel Thessaloniki | 4.5 | 4 459 | 5★ | $160/night | Book → |
Where to Stay in Thessaloniki
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Thessaloniki's Waterfront: From White Tower to the Port
The Nea Paralia promenade runs 3.5km from the Concert Hall in the east to the old port in the west. The White Tower anchors the eastern section. Aristotelous Square opens onto the waterfront at the midpoint. The promenade is Thessaloniki's social spine: it fills at 6pm with walkers, cyclists, and coffee drinkers at the waterfront cafes.
The best sunset spot is from the jetty behind the White Tower, looking west over the gulf toward the Pieria mountains. If the weather is clear, Mount Olympus is visible from the promenade in winter. Daios Hotel sits directly on this promenade.
Byzantine Thessaloniki: A Walking Route
Start at the Arch of Galerius on Egnatia Street (305 AD), walk north past the Rotunda (built as a mausoleum, later a church, later a mosque), then west along Egnatia to Acheiropoietos Basilica (5th century). Turn north up through Ano Poli to the Byzantine walls. The whole circuit takes 3-4 hours.
The Archaeological Museum on 6 October Street holds the best finds from the Macedonian kings' tombs at Vergina. The golden larnax (burial chest) of Philip II and his gold burial crown are here. Museum entry is $8. Allow 2 hours.
Thessaloniki Food Guide: What to Eat and Where
Start with bougatsa at 7am. Bantis Bakery on Aristotelous Street and Bugatsa Giannis (open since 1969) serve the cream custard-filled version. Then the Modiano Market for lunch: grilled fish, local cheese, olives. Afternoon: trigona panoramatos (cream pastry) from the kiosk by Hagia Sofia church.
Dinner in Ladadika. Order grilled octopus, saganaki (fried cheese), fava (split peas), and whatever whole fish the taverna has. Price: $20-35 per person with local wine. Book ahead for Fridays. For fancier dining, Zythos on Tsiroyianni Street does creative Macedonian cuisine with better wine list.
Day Trips from Thessaloniki: Vergina and Halkidiki
Vergina (Aigai), 75km west by car or bus, is the ancient Macedonian capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The buried royal tombs contain Philip II's burial goods, visible in situ in an air-conditioned museum under the mound. Entry $15. Book morning visits to avoid afternoon tour groups. Bus from Thessaloniki KTEL Macedonia terminal takes 1.5 hours.
Halkidiki's first peninsula (Kassandra) is 70km east with beaches at Possidi, Pefkochori, and Kallithea. The road gets crowded July-August. The third peninsula (Athos) requires a permit to enter (men only, obtainable in advance online) and is one of the most extraordinary cultural landscapes in Europe.
The Thessaloniki International Film Festival
The Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF) runs each November, primarily at the Olympion Cinema on Aristotelous Square. It's Greece's most serious film event with screenings of 200+ films over 10 days. Hotel prices rise 20-30% during festival week. Book accommodation 8-10 weeks ahead.
The Documentary Festival in March uses the same venues. Both festivals create a unique city atmosphere where actual cinephiles (not tourists) fill the cafes around Aristotelous Square. The film festival program is available at thessaloniki-festival.gr from September onwards.
Ano Poli: The Old City Above the City
Ano Poli (Upper Town) preserves Ottoman-era wooden houses, Byzantine walls, and narrow lanes that the 1917 fire that devastated lower Thessaloniki never reached. The Eptapyrgio fortress at the top was used as a prison until 1989. Walk up from the Rotunda via Kassandrou Street. Allow 2 hours for a loop.
The views over the modern city and the gulf from the fortress walls are the best free panorama in Thessaloniki. Sunset here with a coffee from the small cafe near the fortress entrance is a genuine pleasure. Colors Urban Hotel is in Ano Poli and puts you here without the uphill walk from the center.
Thessaloniki's best hotel regions
Thessaloniki wraps around the Thermaikos Gulf with the old Byzantine walls running up to Ano Poli. The waterfront promenade connects the White Tower to the port. Ladadika is the former oil warehouse district turned restaurant quarter. Aristotelous Square is the elegant center.
Waterfront and Aristotelous Square 2 vetted hotels The city's best addresses
The city's best addresses
The arc from Aristotelous Square to the White Tower is the most prestigious hotel area. Daios Hotel sits on the promenade; Electra Palace anchors the square. You're 5 minutes from the Modiano Market and 10 from Ladadika. Prices reflect the location.
The square itself is the city's social center, designed by architect Ernest Hebrard in 1918. The Byzantine Museum is 10 minutes walk east. The promenade towards the old port leads to Ladadika in 15 minutes.
Browse all Waterfront and Aristotelous Square hotels → Ladadika District 1 vetted hotel Restaurant quarter, budget-friendly base
Restaurant quarter, budget-friendly base
Ladadika is the converted oil warehouse district. Tourist Hotel in Ladadika at $48-75/night is the budget pick. The district has 50+ restaurants and wine bars. You're 10 minutes walk from the port and 12 from Aristotelous Square.
The neighborhood is lively Thursday-Saturday evenings. Quieter during the week. Good transport links to the train station (5 minutes walk) for onward travel to Athens.
Browse all Ladadika District hotels → Ano Poli (Upper Town) 1 vetted hotel Byzantine character, rooftop views
Byzantine character, rooftop views
Colors Urban Hotel in Ano Poli at $115-160/night. Inside the Byzantine walls, narrow lanes, authentic neighborhood feel. The walk up from the center takes 20 minutes and is steep. Worth it for the character and views.
The Eptapyrgio fortress is 10 minutes walk. Tavernas in Ano Poli are quieter and serve simpler food at lower prices than Ladadika.
Browse all Ano Poli (Upper Town) hotels → Center (YMCA Square) 2 vetted hotels Business hotels, convenient transport
Business hotels, convenient transport
The central commercial district around YMCA Square and the main Tsimiski shopping street. Thessaloniki Palace and Capsis Hotel are here. Easy airport bus access on Tsimiski Street, close to shops and restaurants, slightly less atmospheric than the waterfront.
Good for business travel where location flexibility matters. The train station is 10 minutes walk. Most attractions reachable on foot or by taxi within 15 minutes.
Browse all Center (YMCA Square) hotels → Pylaia and Eastern Thessaloniki 2 vetted hotels Suburban luxury, airport proximity
Suburban luxury, airport proximity
Pylaia is a suburban district east of the center near the airport. Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki is here. Modern, spacious, pool, good business facilities. But you need a taxi or car to reach the center (20-25 minutes).
Good choice for conference delegates at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair (HELEXPO complex is in Pylaia). Nikopolis Hotel is also in the eastern suburbs. Both charge $260-420/night with full amenities.
Browse all Pylaia and Eastern Thessaloniki hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel.
Romantic
Elektra Palace rooftop bar at sunset over Aristotelous Square. Dinner in Ladadika. A morning walk along the promenade to the White Tower before the city wakes up. Thessaloniki is more authentically romantic than tourist-built Santorini.
Culture
15 UNESCO Byzantine churches, the Archaeological Museum's Philip II gold, the Rotunda, Ano Poli's Ottoman streets. The Thessaloniki International Film Festival in November. This is Greece's most layered cultural city.
Family
The promenade for evening walks. Halkidiki beaches 70km away for beach days. The Science Center and Technology Museum on the waterfront east of the White Tower has interactive exhibits for children. Capsis Hotel near Monastiriou has family rooms.
Budget
Tourist Hotel in Ladadika at $48-75/night. Bougatsa at $3. KTEL bus to Halkidiki for $5. Thessaloniki is genuinely cheap for a European city of this cultural density. The best food in Greece at the least cost.
Beach
Halkidiki's first peninsula (Kassandra) is 70km east: long sand beaches at Possidi and Pefkochori, clear water, beach bars. Better and less crowded than Santorini or Mykonos beaches. Rent a car from Thessaloniki for a proper beach day.
Foodie
The Modiano Market, bougatsa at Bantis, dinner in Ladadika. Thessaloniki's food culture is the best in Greece and most Greeks know it. The 2023 UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation was deserved.
We reviewed hotels across Thessaloniki's waterfront, historic districts, and outer areas. Priority: proximity to the waterfront promenade and Aristotelous Square, value for quality, and whether breakfast was worth the add-on price.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Every hotel on this page earned its spot through this process.
When to Visit Thessaloniki
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
Spring (Apr-May)
April and May are ideal. Mild temperatures, the city is green, and hotel prices are stable. The Easter celebration in Thessaloniki is one of Greece's best: candlelit processions through the Byzantine churches.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Hotter than northern Europe expects (36C in July). The waterfront promenade is active until midnight. Thessaloniki doesn't get cruise-ship crowds like the islands. Beaches at Halkidiki are 70km away for day trips.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
September has the International Trade Fair (hotel prices double that week). October is excellent: cooler weather, good food, fewer tourists. November brings the Film Festival. Book September 6 weeks ahead.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Christmas markets on Aristotelous Square. Snow on Mount Olympus (visible from the promenade). Low hotel prices. The city functions year-round as a genuine city, not a seasonal resort. January restaurant meals are uncrowded and excellent.
Booking Tips for Thessaloniki
Smart booking strategies for Thessaloniki.
Book early for September Trade Fair week
The Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) in September transforms the city. Hotels sell out 6-8 weeks ahead and prices double. If you're visiting for TIF, book as soon as dates are announced (usually April-May). If you're not attending the fair, avoid that week entirely.
Get the Thessaloniki City Card for museums
The Thessaloniki City Card covers entry to 11 Byzantine and Roman monuments including the Rotunda, Acheiropoietos, and Hagia Sofia for $10 (2-day validity). Buy at the Archaeological Museum or White Tower. Individual entry fees add up to $25-35 for the same sites.
Take the Vergina day trip from Thessaloniki
Vergina (Aigai), 75km west, holds Philip II's intact royal tomb in situ. Bus from KTEL Macedonia terminal on Monastiriou Street leaves at 8am and 10am (1.5 hours, $8 return). Museum entry $15. Book morning: afternoon tour groups arrive from 1pm. Return bus at 3pm or 5pm.
Eat breakfast in the market, not the hotel
Thessaloniki's bougatsa culture is best experienced at a street bakery. Bantis on Aristotelous Street opens at 6:30am. Trigona (the cream-filled triangular pastries) from the kiosk near Hagia Sofia church. Hotel breakfasts at $15-25 are fine but missing the point in a city with this food culture.
Walk Aristotelous Square to White Tower at 6am
The promenade between Aristotelous and the White Tower is full of local joggers, dog walkers, and coffee drinkers from 6am. The views across the Thermaikos Gulf toward the Pieria mountains in morning light are remarkable. This is not a tourist activity, it's just the city. And it's free.
Check for the Thessaloniki Film Festival before booking
The Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF) in November turns the city into a film-lover's paradise with 200+ screenings over 10 days. Olympion Cinema on Aristotelous Square is the main venue. Passes cost $20-50. Accommodation books out 6-8 weeks ahead. Visit thessaloniki-festival.gr for annual dates and program.
Hotels in Thessaloniki, FAQ
Straight answers from our team.
What is the best area to stay in Thessaloniki?
The waterfront area between the White Tower and Aristotelous Square puts you within 10 minutes walk of the best Byzantine monuments, the Modiano Market, and the Ladadika restaurant quarter. Daios Hotel on the waterfront at $130-195/night has direct sea views. Electra Palace on Aristotelous Square at $165-230 is the most prestigious address. Both beat the suburban Pylaia options unless you have a car.
How much do hotels cost in Thessaloniki?
Budget guesthouses in Ladadika and the center start at $48-75/night. Mid-range waterfront hotels run $110-230. Hyatt Regency in Pylaia and Nikopolis Hotel push $260-420. Thessaloniki is cheaper than Athens by $30-60/night at equivalent quality. Greek summer peak (July-August) adds 20-30%.
Is Thessaloniki worth visiting for food?
Strongly yes. Greeks from Athens come here specifically to eat. The bougatsa (custard pastry) from Bantis Bakery on Aristotelous Street costs $3 and is better than any dessert in Mykonos. The Modiano Market has fresh fish, local cheese (graviera, manouri), and vegetables used by top restaurants. Dinner at Thessaloniki restaurants runs $25-40 per person versus $50-80 for comparable quality in Santorini.
What Byzantine sites are in Thessaloniki?
Thessaloniki has 15 UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches including the Rotunda (built 305 AD), the Arch of Galerius on Egnatia Street, Hagia Sofia, and Acheiropoietos Basilica (5th century). The Archaeological Museum holds the Philip II of Macedon burial finds. Most churches are free to enter. The Rotunda charges $4. Allow 2 full days for the main sites.
How do I get from Thessaloniki airport to the center?
Macedonia Airport (SKG) is 15km from the city center. Bus line 78 runs to the city center every 20-30 minutes for $2.50. Journey time is 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis cost $20-30 and take 25-35 minutes outside rush hour. Pre-book taxis via app for arrivals after 10pm. Most Thessaloniki hotels are within 10 minutes of the airport bus stops on Tsimiski Street.
What is Ano Poli and is it worth staying there?
Ano Poli (Upper Town) is the Ottoman-era neighborhood inside the Byzantine walls, above the main city. Narrow lanes, wooden houses, rooftop views over the gulf, and no tourist crowds. Colors Urban Hotel is here at $115-160/night. You need to either walk up steep hills (20 minutes from the center) or take a taxi. The Eptapyrgio (Seven Towers) Ottoman fortress is at the top. Worth a visit; stay here only if you want character over convenience.
What is the best Thessaloniki restaurant area?
Ladadika district, the former oil-pressing warehouse quarter northwest of Aristotelous Square, has 50+ tavernas and wine bars in converted 19th-century buildings. Dinners run $20-35 per person for excellent meze (small plates): grilled octopus, dolmades, taramasalata, loukaniko sausage. Book a table for Friday and Saturday nights. The Modiano Market area has slightly cheaper lunch options.
Does Thessaloniki have a beach?
The city itself sits on the gulf but the beach scene is at Halkidiki, 70km east. Kassandra and Sithonia peninsulas have excellent beaches, 1-1.5 hours by car. The beaches of Perea and Agia Triada (20km from Thessaloniki) are local favorites for day trips. The Thessaloniki waterfront promenade is excellent for walking but not swimming.
Is Thessaloniki safe for tourists?
Yes, Thessaloniki is safe. The center, waterfront, and Ladadika are well-lit and busy until late. Ano Poli's upper lanes can be quiet at night but not dangerous. The main precaution is standard European city caution: watch your phone in crowded markets. The stadium areas on match days can get rowdy (Thessaloniki has two major football clubs: PAOK and Aris).
When is the best time to visit Thessaloniki?
March to May and September to November. Spring brings the Thessaloniki International Film Festival (November) and the city's best food market season. July-August is hot (35C+), less crowded than Athens but the Halkidiki beaches nearby get packed. The Thessaloniki International Fair in September is a major business event that fills hotels. Book 8 weeks ahead for that week.
Are there rooftop bars in Thessaloniki?
Yes. Electra Palace hotel on Aristotelous Square has a rooftop bar with views over the square and the gulf. The Hamam Club on Egnatia Street (in a converted Ottoman bathhouse) has a rooftop garden. For non-hotel options, Moni Lazariston cultural center in Stavroupoli has outdoor events. Most rooftop bars open May-October. Reservations recommended on weekends.
What should I not miss in Thessaloniki?
Bougatsa at 7am at Bantis or Trigona Panoramatos (the cream-filled triangular pastry) on the waterfront. A sunset walk along the promenade from the White Tower to the port. The Archaeological Museum's gold burial objects from Philip II's Vergina tomb. And dinner in Ladadika at any taverna that's been there more than 20 years.
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