Expat Topics
Ano Poli (Upper Town)
Thessaloniki, Greece · Neighborhood Guide
The UNESCO-listed Ottoman old town — cobblestone streets, Byzantine walls, traditional houses, and authentic tavernas.
Last updated March 2026
Ano Poli (Upper Town) at a Glance
Mid-Range
Cost Level
€500–€800/month for 1-BR
Rent Range
Very safe — quiet residential neighborhood with strong community bonds. Well-lit main paths. Peaceful at all hours.
Safety
50–80 Mbps — older buildings may have limited fibre. VNPT and Cosmote offer DSL/VDSL in most areas. Check specific addresses.
Internet
Who Lives in Ano Poli (Upper Town)?
Long-term Greek residents, artists and musicians, history professors, and a small number of expats who fell in love with the Ottoman atmosphere. Average age 30–55.
Living in Ano Poli (Upper Town) — Practical Details
Walkability
Challenging — steep, cobblestoned streets and Ottoman-era lanes. Beautiful for exploring but impractical for heavy shopping. Stairs are part of daily life.
Grocery & Food Access
Small neighborhood shops and bakeries. Limited supermarkets — most residents drive or walk downhill to city center for major shopping. Weekly laiki market.
Getting Around
- Bus routes 22 and 23 connect to city center — 15 min
- Walking: 20 min downhill to waterfront (steep return uphill)
- Taxi/Bolt: €5–€7 to city center
- Car: useful but parking is very limited in narrow Ottoman streets
Nearby Coworking
- Colab Thessaloniki (€150/mo, 15 min walk downhill)
- The Lab Coworking (€130/mo)
- Home offices preferred by most Ano Poli residents
Insider Tips for Ano Poli (Upper Town)
- 1The Trigonion Tower viewpoint offers the best panoramic view of Thessaloniki, the sea, and Mount Olympus on clear days — free
- 2Ano Poli's traditional tavernas (Tsinari, Ouzou Melathron) serve some of the city's most authentic meze at local prices
- 3The Byzantine walls are a fascinating walking route — follow them from Trigonion to Eptapyrgio fortress
- 4Rent in the lower sections of Ano Poli (near Rotunda) for easier access to the city while keeping the historical character
FAQ — Ano Poli (Upper Town), Thessaloniki
What is Ano Poli (Upper Town) like for expats?
Ano Poli (Upper Town) is a mid-range neighborhood in Thessaloniki. The UNESCO-listed Ottoman old town — cobblestone streets, Byzantine walls, traditional houses, and authentic tavernas. Best for: Those who want historic atmosphere and a tight-knit neighbourhood feel.
How much does it cost to live in Ano Poli (Upper Town), Thessaloniki?
Ano Poli (Upper Town) is classified as "Mid-Range" in Thessaloniki. Typical rent: €500–€800/month for 1-BR. Total monthly budget in Thessaloniki: €1,100–€1,700.
Is Ano Poli (Upper Town) safe for expats?
Very safe — quiet residential neighborhood with strong community bonds. Well-lit main paths. Peaceful at all hours.
Who lives in Ano Poli (Upper Town)?
Long-term Greek residents, artists and musicians, history professors, and a small number of expats who fell in love with the Ottoman atmosphere. Average age 30–55.
Other Neighborhoods in Thessaloniki
Ladadika
Mid-RangeHistoric warehouse district turned entertainment hub — tavernas, bars, live music, and buzzing nightlife. The heart of Thessaloniki's social scene.
Panorama
Higher-EndUpscale hillside suburb with panoramic city and sea views. Quiet, residential, excellent restaurants, and the best air quality in the metro area.
Kalamaria
Mid-RangeSouthern coastal suburb — beachfront promenade, family-oriented, quieter pace, good schools.
Toumba
Budget-FriendlyWorking-class residential area near the football stadium. Authentic, affordable, close to Aristotle University.
Navarinou Square Area
Mid-RangeCentral, walkable, near the main university campus. Student-heavy, café-rich, vibrant daytime scene.
Live a day in Ano Poli (Upper Town)
AI simulates your perfect day — real cafes, actual costs, mapped routes in Ano Poli (Upper Town).
Location Intelligence for Ano Poli (Upper Town)
Competitor data, foot traffic, demographics, rent estimates & Go/No-Go recommendation for any address in Ano Poli (Upper Town).