Are you planning to visit Thessaloniki and want to know if it is a dangerous city, which areas to avoid for a tourist stay?

Although Thessaloniki is a fairly safe city for tourists, it is important to know the few areas where crime is higher.

These areas are often characterized by social and economic problems, such as unemployment, poverty and drug addiction. Local authorities are working to improve safety in these neighborhoods but there is still work to be done.

So, to help you choose the best place to stay in Thessaloniki, here is a study on the safety of the city and its neighborhoods.

Is Thessaloniki a safe city?

Thessaloniki is not an extremely dangerous city for tourists, but it does have some security problems, just like Athens.

Indeed, according to Numbeo, Thessaloniki has a crime index of 53,67. It is ranked 19th most crime-ridden city in Europe out of the 120 cities ranked.

If we compare on the Numbeo ranking , Thessaloniki is more dangerous than Turin , Barcelona or Bari.

But you should know that these figures include all crimes, particularly violent crimes such as theft or vandalism.

However, violent crimes such as physical assaults or homicides are relatively rare in Thessaloniki. Pickpocketing, burglaries and other petty crimes are the most common in the city.

Additionally, as in many large cities, violence problems are only concentrated in certain neighborhoods (see list below).

Neighborhoods to avoid in Thessaloniki

As in any large city, there are areas in Greece 's second largest city that pose a higher risk for a tourist stay.

Indeed, Thessaloniki has around ten neighborhoods that you just need to know to avoid choosing your hotel or walking there at night:

• Xirokrini : This district is considered one of the most dangerous in Thessaloniki. It is known for its problems with crime and drug trafficking.
• Calamaria : Although Kalamaria is a relatively affluent residential area, in recent years there has been an increase in crime, including burglaries and assaults. Some areas, such as Nea Krini Park, are particularly problematic and should be avoided especially at night.
• Rotunda : This area is not recommended during nighttime hours (problems with delinquency and drug dealers).
• Neighborhood Dendropotamos is also known for its problems with crime and substance abuse
• Parts of Stavroupoli are also unsavory because of the risk of attacks and burglaries.
• Le university campus Aristotle of Thessalonica is known for his insecurity after dark.
• Neighborhood Vardar should also be avoided at night.
• Finally, tourists should also be careful when traveling to the port areas of the city, such as the commercial port and the marina. These places are often frequented at night by unsavory individuals and can be the scene of illegal activity.

Thessaloniki red light district

Although not explicitly mentioned as dangerous, nightlife areas often require increased caution, especially late at night.

In Thessaloniki, certain streets of the Ladadika district are the main places for nightlife. These alleys should be avoided at night by families or single women.

Which neighborhoods to stay in Thessaloniki?

Choosing the right area to stay in Thessaloniki is essential to fully enjoy your visit.

To visit Thessaloniki on foot, several 2 districts stand out for their security, their accessibility to tourist sites and their atmosphere:

• City Center / Plateia Aristotelous: This is the vibrant heart of Thessaloniki, ideal for those who want to be in the center of the action. Aristotelous Square is surrounded by neoclassical monuments, elegant cafes and shopping streets. Staying here, you'll be close to the White Tower, the Archaeological Museum and the waterfront, making it easy to explore the city on foot.
• Ladadika: For those looking to enjoy nightlife while still being close to tourist attractions, this area is ideal. Indeed, Ladadika is one of the liveliest and most popular neighborhoods in Thessaloniki. Located along the seafront, it is home to numerous bars, restaurants, clubs and art galleries. In addition to the nightlife, the area is also close to the main tourist sites, such as the White Tower, the Basilica of Saint Demetrius or the Archaeological Museum. You can therefore easily visit them on foot from your accommodation.

Which hotel to choose to visit the city?

If I have to recommend just one hotel, it would be the Electra Palace Thessaloniki which is located in the lively Ladadika district. Here's why :

• The hotel enjoys an ideal location close to the Gulf of Thermaikos, offering spectacular views of Mount Olympus.
• Thessaloniki's main points of interest are within walking distance, including the shopping district, the exhibition center, monuments and museums, and entertainment.
• It is an emblematic hotel in Thessaloniki, housed in a building with majestic architecture mixing classical and Byzantine elements.
• The hotel stands out for its collaboration with MOMuS, showcasing contemporary Greek artwork and a private collection of Russian avant-garde in its common areas.

Sources: https://voyage.gc.ca/destinations/greece, https://fr.rua.gr, https://www.reddit.com/r/greece, https://www.internations.org/ thessaloniki-expats/guide/living-short