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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Berlin?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Berlin? 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 historic, vibrant, and high energy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin

Berlin is a artsy, creative, and eclectic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Berlin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Berlin than Thessaloniki. Berlin is bigger than Thessaloniki, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Berlin is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Thessaloniki is more popular for its beaches. Thessaloniki is well known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Berlin is well known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate.

How is Thessaloniki different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berlin 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 Berlin?

Berlin 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 Berlin are world-renowned. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

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 Thessaloniki or Berlin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Berlin both to be very good destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific 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.

Dining out in Berlin is an experience not to be missed. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

Is Thessaloniki or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Berlin is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Berlin just to party. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

The people in Thessaloniki know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Berlin Better for Music?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Berlin. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Berlin Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beache. However, Berlin 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.

Berlin is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Berlin?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Berlin draws large crowds to its stores. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Berlin Better for Families?

Berlin is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Berlin is very family-friendly. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

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.

Is Thessaloniki or Berlin Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Berlin make for a notable place to visit.

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.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Thessaloniki or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Berlin is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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

Is Thessaloniki or Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Berlin. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Thessaloniki is very popular with students. 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.

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

Berlin is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Berlin can get you around easily. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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 Thessaloniki or Berlin a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki and Berlin are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Berlin?

Both Thessaloniki and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Thessaloniki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin than Thessaloniki 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 Berlin.

One day in Thessaloniki or Berlin?

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.

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Berlin?

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.

Berlin 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 Berlin?

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.

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Thessaloniki or Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy 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.

Berlin is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Berlin, 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 Berlin?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Berlin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Berlin. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Berlin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Berlin in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Berlin this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Berlin. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Berlin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Berlin. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Berlin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Berlin averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in October than Berlin. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Berlin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Berlin can be very cold. In January, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Berlin. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Berlin in the Spring?

Both Berlin and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. 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 Berlin this time of year.

Thessaloniki is much warmer than Berlin in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Berlin. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Thessaloniki