Thessaloniki is a students’ city but ironically enough there is only one youth hostel in the city, catering for the low-budget travelers. However, there are a bunch of budget hotels, listed under “hostels” on most online booking systems, which can represent the best alternative to the high-price down-town hotels.

Thessaloniki Youth Hostel

Thessaloniki Youth Hostel is located on Alexandrou Svolou, away from the down-town high price hotels. You can take busses 8, 10, 11 or 31 to get to the hostel.

The rooms are rather depressing, offering the minimum comfort needed. The prices for a bed in a dorm start at €15/person/night. The showers are in the basement. But this is Thessaloniki’s only hostel, so if you are on a limited budget you can try your luck.

Since the youth hostel only offers dorms, you should take into consideration that you will have to sleep in a room with strangers and have to “withstand” their habits, including snoring.

Alternatives

A lot of budget hotels are listed under “hostels” rather than hotels, on most online booking systems. Considering the lack of cheap hotels/hostels, it’s advisable to book way in advance –I’m talking 6 months! Some of these budget hotels are located at quite a distance from the city center, but some are located right in the heart of the city.

Hotel Aegeon is located in the heart of Thessaloniki and has been recently renovated. The breakfast and AC are included in the room prices. For the summer season, the prices start at €60/night for a single room and €27/person/night for a bed in a private triple room.

Hotel Avra is located at 9.3 miles / 15 km from the center of Thessaloniki and at 3 miles / 5 km from the airport. You can easily reach the Perea beach, located right at the outskirts of Thessaloniki. The hotel offers AC, TV, telephone and kitchen in all rooms. The breakfast is not included and costs €6/person/day but you can also cook your own meals. For the high season, the prices for a bed in a double room start at €26/person/night.