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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Bressanone?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Bressanone? 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 bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a quaint, picturesque, and idyllic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Bressanone?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki. Although Thessaloniki and Bressanone are both popular with visitors, Thessaloniki has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Thessaloniki is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Bressanone is known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Bressanone and 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. Bressanone is popular for its charming old town and its idyllic setting.

How is Thessaloniki different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Thessaloniki
Bressanone

Thessaloniki is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Thessaloniki. 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.

Bressanone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.


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

Thessaloniki
Bressanone

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Bressanone both to be excellent 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 Bressanone is an experience not to be missed. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

Is Thessaloniki or Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki
Bressanone

Thessaloniki is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Thessaloniki or Bressanone Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki
Bressanone

Thessaloniki is a city with a few options for the beach. However, Bressanone 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.

Bressanone is not a beach destination.


Is Thessaloniki or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Thessaloniki
Bressanone

Bressanone 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 Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is Thessaloniki or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Thessaloniki
Bressanone

Bressanone is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bressanone. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Bressanone?

Thessaloniki
Bressanone

Thessaloniki is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bressanone. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.


Is Thessaloniki or Bressanone Better for Families?

Thessaloniki
Bressanone

Thessaloniki is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.

Is Thessaloniki or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Thessaloniki
Bressanone

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

Bressanone makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

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 Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki
Bressanone

Thessaloniki is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.


Is Thessaloniki or Bressanone Better for Students?

Thessaloniki
Bressanone

Thessaloniki is a great destination for students. However, Bressanone is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Thessaloniki. 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.

Bressanone is not popular with students.

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

Thessaloniki
Bressanone

Visitors will find good public transit in both Thessaloniki and Bressanone.

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

You'll find some public transit in Bressanone, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Thessaloniki or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki
Bressanone

Bressanone 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.

Bressanone is a very walkable town. The town is compact and small enough 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 Bressanone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Bressanone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Bressanone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki than Bressanone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bressanone.

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Bressanone?

With museums and nightlife around the high energy city of Thessaloniki, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bressanone is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 town.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Bressanone?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Thessaloniki, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Bressanone 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 Bressanone?

Thessaloniki, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bressanone is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Bressanone?

Thessaloniki is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bressanone is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone 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 Bressanone is €138. 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 Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Bressanone 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Bressanone 144
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Bressanone? 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 Bressanone


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 Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Bressanone 23

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: $428
  • One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $237
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Ammon Zeus Hotel : $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort: $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki hotels to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $254
  • Private Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport from Thessaloniki City: $120
  • Private transfer to IKOS OLIVIA: $87
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Thessaloniki - Arrival Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki Port: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone 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
    Bressanone 47

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

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bressanone:


  • Gelato
    2.20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Bressanone 20

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Bressanone 26

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    9.00
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    7.00


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


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Bressanone?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bressanone. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Bressanone, 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.