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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Bern?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Bern? 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.

Bern

Bern is a charming, beautiful, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki than Bern. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Bern attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Bern 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. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Thessaloniki different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Thessaloniki and Bern.

Thessaloniki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Bern specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

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

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Thessaloniki or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Bern 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 Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Thessaloniki or Bern Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a moderate city for its beaches. However, Bern 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.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Bern?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Thessaloniki and Bern.

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bern. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Is Thessaloniki or Bern Better for Families?

Bern 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, Bern is very family-friendly. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

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 Bern Better for Couples?

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Thessaloniki or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Bern are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

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

Bern is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Is Thessaloniki or Bern Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Bern 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 Bern can get you around easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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 Bern a more walkable city?

Bern 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.

Bern is a very walkable city. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bern or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Bern?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Bern 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 Thessaloniki or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bern, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bern?

Thessaloniki is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bern is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Bern?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bern?

The vibrant city of Thessaloniki offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Bern is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Thessaloniki and Bern, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Thessaloniki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Thessaloniki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Thessaloniki 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern than you might in Thessaloniki.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Bern?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Bern, 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 Bern?

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 Bern in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Bern. The summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Bern. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Bern. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Bern in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Bern during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Bern. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bern can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Bern. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Bern averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Bern. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Bern. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Bern in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Bern. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Bern during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Bern. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bern and Thessaloniki