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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Bonn?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Bonn? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Bonn?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki. Although Thessaloniki and Bonn are about the same size, Thessaloniki has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Thessaloniki is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Bonn attracts visitors for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Thessaloniki different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Bonn specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Thessaloniki or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is a great city for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Thessaloniki has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Thessaloniki or Bonn Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for its beaches. However, Bonn 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.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Bonn 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 Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Bonn?

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

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 Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Is Thessaloniki or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Bonn is a very family-friendly destination. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Bonn make for a nice 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.

Bonn is a good city for couples to visit. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Thessaloniki or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Thessaloniki is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Thessaloniki or Bonn Better for Students?

Both Thessaloniki and Bonn are high quality destinations for 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.

Bonn is very popular with students. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Bonn 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 Bonn can get you around easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

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 Bonn a more walkable city?

Bonn 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.

Bonn is a very walkable city. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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 Bonn Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Bonn?

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

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

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

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 Bonn, 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 Bonn?

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.

Bonn 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 Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy 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 Bonn. 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 Bonn?

The bustling 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.

Bonn 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Bonn?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Bonn, 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Bonn. 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 Bonn this time of year.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Bonn. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Bonn. 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 Bonn for the shopping scene.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Bonn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Bonn. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bonn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Bonn. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Bonn. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Thessaloniki