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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Bruges?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Bruges? 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a cultural, beautiful, and historic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Bruges?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Bruges, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Thessaloniki is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Bruges is known for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Thessaloniki 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.

How is Thessaloniki different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Bruges specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Bruges both to be superb 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 Bruges is an experience not to be missed. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

Is Thessaloniki or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is great for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Thessaloniki for the nightlife scene. 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 Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Thessaloniki or Bruges Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beach. However, Bruges 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.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Bruges is revered around the world. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Bruges?

Thessaloniki is great for its shopping areas. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Bruges is a great destination for shopping. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Thessaloniki or Bruges Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Bruges.

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 Bruges. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Is Thessaloniki or Bruges Better for Couples?

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

Bruges makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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 Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Bruges are both superb 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.

Bruges is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

Is Thessaloniki or Bruges Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Bruges, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Thessaloniki or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bruges. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored 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 Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Bruges?

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

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

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

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

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.

In Bruges, 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 Bruges?

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.

Bruges 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 Bruges?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bruges. 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 Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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.

Bruges 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Bruges?

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

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 Bruges in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Bruges. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bruges because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Bruges averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Bruges. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Bruges. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bruges. Thessaloniki is much warmer than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Bruges. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Bruges. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Thessaloniki