A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Delphi vs. Thessaloniki for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Delphi or Thessaloniki?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delphi or Thessaloniki, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Delphi

Delphi is a fascinating, world-renowned, and historic archeological site. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a historic, vibrant, and high energy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Delphi and Thessaloniki: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Temple of Apollo
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Delphi or Thessaloniki?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki than Delphi. While Delphi is larger than Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Thessaloniki is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Delphi is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Delphi is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its world renowned archeological ruins and its connection to Greek mythology. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also home to The Monument of Rotonda.

How is Delphi different from Thessaloniki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Delphi
Thessaloniki

Delphi is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Delphi are world-renowned. This is one of the most popular archeological sites in Greece. You will find the Temple of Apollo and most of the monuments are dedicated to this God. There is an Ancient Theatre, an Ancient Stadium, as well as an Archaeological Museum. There's also the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and the Treasury of the Athenians.

Many visitors head to Thessaloniki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.


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

Delphi
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Thessaloniki has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Delphi offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of restaurant options in the area, some of them offering spectacular views. There are traditional Greek restaurants as well as modern cafes with international cuisine. You'll find all of the standard Greek staples such as gyros, lamb chops, and seafood.

Is Delphi or Thessaloniki Better for Nightlife?

Delphi
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is great for its evening party scene. However, Delphi is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Thessaloniki for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Delphi for the nightlife. This is a quiet town that shuts down in the evening. If you're looking for more of a nightlife scene, head to nearby Arachova, which is just a 10 minute drive away.

Is Delphi or Thessaloniki Better for Beaches?

Delphi
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beach. However, Delphi is not a beach destination.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. 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.

Delphi is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Delphi or Thessaloniki?

Delphi
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is great for its shopping areas. However, Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Thessaloniki. 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.

Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Delphi or Thessaloniki Better for Families?

Delphi
Thessaloniki

Delphi and Thessaloniki are both good destinations for the whole family.

Delphi offers lots of family activities. The archeological ruins are world class, and kids who enjoy mythology and history will love this place. It's the perfect place for kids to let their imagination run wild.

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Delphi or Thessaloniki Better for Couples?

Delphi
Thessaloniki

Delphi and Thessaloniki are both good to visit as a couple.

Delphi is a good archeological site for couples to visit. It's an iconic destination that is a great addition to any couple's itinerary to Greece.

Thessaloniki is a nice destination for couples. 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.


Is Delphi or Thessaloniki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Delphi
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Delphi is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two in the area, and the prices are reasonable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Delphi or Thessaloniki Better for Students?

Delphi
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Delphi is not popular with students.

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Delphi is not popular with students.

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

Delphi
Thessaloniki

Delphi and Thessaloniki both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Delphi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel to Delphi from Greece.

Thessaloniki has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.


Is Delphi or Thessaloniki a more walkable city?

Delphi
Thessaloniki

Delphi is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Delphi is a very walkable archeological site. Both the museum are archeological site are within walking distance of the town. The town is also small enough to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Thessaloniki or Delphi?

How long in Delphi or Thessaloniki?

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

Couples should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Delphi. 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 Delphi 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.


  • How many days in Delphi or Thessaloniki? Ideal Length of Stay
    Delphi 1-2 
    Thessaloniki 2-4

One day in Delphi or Thessaloniki?

In Delphi, many people enjoy the museums and food that this historic archeological site offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this archeological site.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Delphi or Thessaloniki?

Delphi 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. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Delphi or Thessaloniki?

You'll find museums and food around the world-renowned destination of Delphi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Delphi or Thessaloniki?

Delphi 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens.


Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki or Delphi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Delphi is €102, while the average daily cost in Thessaloniki is €134. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Delphi and Thessaloniki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delphi 59
    Thessaloniki 79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delphi 118
    Thessaloniki 158
Compare Hotels in Delphi and Thessaloniki

Looking for a hotel in Delphi or Thessaloniki? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Delphi


Hotels in Thessaloniki


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delphi 8.57
    Thessaloniki 13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $434
  • Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $239
  • Transfer from airport Thessaloniki (SKG) to Kalithea chalkidiki: $165
  • Private transfer from Thessaloniki airport to Sarti: $154
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $144
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki Port: $144
  • Thessaloniki Cruise Port: Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $144
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Danai Beach Resort & Villas Private Transfer: $132
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia to Kalithea: $110
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Ammon Zeus Hotel : $110
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Afitis Boutique Hotel Private Transfer: $110
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Delphi or Thessaloniki?

Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki and Delphi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Delphi 36
    Thessaloniki 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $50
  • Guided Food Tour: $71
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $72
  • Thessaloniki Gastronomy & Culture Walking Food Tour: $87
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $88
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $88
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $88
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $97
  • Thessaloniki Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99
  • Guided Walking and Food Tour with Drinks: $119
  • Authentic Greek Cooking Classes: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delphi 11
    Thessaloniki 26

Tours and Activities in Delphi

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Delphi.

  • Delphi Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Athens: 2-Day tour to Delphi and Meteora: $1,010
  • Delphi Audiovisual Self-guided Tour with 3D Representations: $7.70
  • Delphi Guided Walking Tour and Admission Ticket: $109
  • Delphi Navel Of Earth Hosios Loukas Full Day Private Tour: $175
  • Delphi Skip-The-Line Private Tour with Licensed Guide & Admission: $203
  • Delphi&Thermopylae private full day tour: $205
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Entry Ticket with Audio Tour: $9.92
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Guide: $9.66
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.59
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in Earth's Navel: $4.67

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 4 Hours Private Thessaloniki City Tour: $198
  • 4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour: $209
  • Archery Odyssey Traditional Archery Experience: $53
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $220
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $195
  • Daily Sailing Cruise Olympus Riviera Highlights: $108
  • Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup: $94
  • Dion-Olympus Private Tour from Thessaloniki: $98
  • Discover Olympus from Paralia in Jeep Safari Shared Tour: $72
  • E-ticket to Museum of Byzantine Culture with Audio Tour : $13
  • Experience Ancient Greece: A Musical Journey: $17
  • From Chalkidiki Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delphi 13
    Thessaloniki 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $92
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $94
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $209
  • Wine Touring a Step Away from the city: $216


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Delphi and Thessaloniki, we can see that Thessaloniki is more expensive. And not only is Delphi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delphi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delphi and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Thessaloniki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Thessaloniki than you might in Delphi.

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


Which is Bigger, Delphi or Thessaloniki?

Delphi has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Delphi 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.