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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Belfast?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Belfast? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a vibrant, high energy, and bustling city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and shopping.

Thessaloniki and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Belfast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Thessaloniki different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki
Belfast

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Thessaloniki can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Thessaloniki
Belfast

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Thessaloniki makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Thessaloniki or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki
Belfast

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Thessaloniki offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Thessaloniki or Belfast Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki
Belfast

Thessaloniki is a moderate city for its beaches. However, Belfast is not a beach destination.

Thessaloniki is a good spot to see the beach. 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.

Belfast is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Belfast?

Thessaloniki
Belfast

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Thessaloniki is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Thessaloniki or Belfast Better for Families?

Thessaloniki
Belfast

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Belfast.

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Belfast. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Thessaloniki or Belfast Better for Couples?

Thessaloniki
Belfast

Thessaloniki is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.


Is Thessaloniki or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki
Belfast

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Thessaloniki or Belfast Better for Students?

Thessaloniki
Belfast

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Thessaloniki
Belfast

Thessaloniki is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.


Is Thessaloniki or Belfast a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki
Belfast

Thessaloniki and Belfast are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable city.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Thessaloniki and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Thessaloniki than in Belfast. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Belfast 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 Thessaloniki or Belfast? Ideal Length of Stay
    Thessaloniki 2-4 
    Belfast 1-3

One day in Thessaloniki or Belfast?

In Thessaloniki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Belfast?

In Thessaloniki, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Thessaloniki has to offer.

Belfast 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.


Five days in Thessaloniki or Belfast?

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Belfast. 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.

A week in Thessaloniki or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Thessaloniki. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Belfast 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Thessaloniki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thessaloniki is €134, while the average daily cost in Belfast is €155. 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 Thessaloniki and Belfast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Belfast 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Belfast 160
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Belfast

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Belfast? 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 Thessaloniki


Hotels in Belfast


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 and Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Belfast 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

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

  • Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $18
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Thessaloniki - Arrival Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) - Departure Transfer: $21
  • One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $24
  • Thessaloniki Airport Private Transfer Service: $32
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki hotels to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Thessaloniki Airport or Cruise Port Private Departure Transfer: $44
  • Thessaloniki Airport - Sani Transfer: $81
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Portes Lithos Luxury Resort Private Transfer: $82
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Oceania Hotel Private Transfer: $87
  • Private transfer to IKOS OLIVIA: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Private Transfer from Dundonald to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City to Belfast Airport (BFS): $84
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tynan: $147
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tempo: $241
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tandragee: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Sixmilecross : $193
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rosslea: $214
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rathfriland : $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Poyntzpass: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portavogie: $96
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portadown: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Newtownstewart: $172

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Belfast?

Prices for flights to both Belfast and Thessaloniki 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
    Thessaloniki 42
    Belfast 59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki

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

  • Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
  • Guided Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Belfast 21

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.54
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $11
  • Selfie Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $12
  • Thessaloniki Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Byzantine Museum E-Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • E-ticket to Museum of Byzantine Culture with Audio Tour : $13
  • Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $17

Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    9.35

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
  • Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
  • Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
  • 2 Hour Fungi Experience in Belfast: $62
  • 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
  • 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $101
  • A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
  • Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $437
  • Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $158
  • Belfast Black Taxi Tour of Murals and Peace Walls 2 hours: $114
  • Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Belfast 9.18

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

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

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119


When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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 Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Belfast Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Belfast?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Belfast, 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 Thessaloniki or Belfast?

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 Thessaloniki or Belfast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Belfast. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Belfast. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F) 
    Belfast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Thessaloniki is much warmer than Belfast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Belfast. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F) 
    Belfast 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Belfast can be very cold. In the winter, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Belfast. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F) 
    Belfast 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Belfast. The spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Belfast. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F) 
    Belfast 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Belfast and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Belfast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)