A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Thessaloniki for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bucharest or Thessaloniki?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Thessaloniki. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a cultural, charming, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Thessaloniki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Thessaloniki?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Thessaloniki is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Bucharest is more popular for its historical sights. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Thessaloniki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Thessaloniki and Bucharest. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

Is the Food Better in Bucharest or Thessaloniki? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thessaloniki is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Thessaloniki. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Thessaloniki Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Thessaloniki is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Thessaloniki Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a city with a few options for the beache. However, Bucharest is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Thessaloniki. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Is Bucharest or Thessaloniki Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest is a popular place for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bucharest. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Thessaloniki is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Thessaloniki Better for Families?

Thessaloniki is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Thessaloniki Better for Couples?

Thessaloniki is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Thessaloniki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Thessaloniki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is well known for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Thessaloniki Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is well known for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Many students visit Thessaloniki. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

Is Bucharest or Thessaloniki Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bucharest is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you around easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Bucharest or Thessaloniki a more walkable city?

Bucharest and Thessaloniki both are notable when exploring on foot.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Thessaloniki or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Thessaloniki?

It's fun to spend time in either Bucharest or Thessaloniki. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Thessaloniki due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 2-4 days is enough time in Thessaloniki.

Families should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Bucharest. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Thessaloniki, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Bucharest. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Thessaloniki that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Bucharest if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Thessaloniki.

One day in Bucharest or Thessaloniki?

In Bucharest, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this undiscovered city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Thessaloniki. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Thessaloniki?

Bucharest is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Thessaloniki. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Thessaloniki?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Bucharest. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Thessaloniki. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bucharest or Thessaloniki?

Bucharest is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Thessaloniki is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.

When comparing the travel costs between Bucharest and Thessaloniki, we can see that Thessaloniki is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bucharest Expensive? and Is Thessaloniki Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Thessaloniki?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Thessaloniki, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bucharest or Thessaloniki?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bucharest or Thessaloniki in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Thessaloniki. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Thessaloniki in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bucharest this time of the year. In the summer, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Thessaloniki. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in July than Thessaloniki. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

Both Thessaloniki and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bucharest is cooler than Thessaloniki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

Both Thessaloniki and Bucharest during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bucharest can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Thessaloniki. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in January than Thessaloniki. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Thessaloniki. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Thessaloniki in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Thessaloniki during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Bucharest