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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Budapest?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Budapest? 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.

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Thessaloniki and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Thessaloniki. Budapest is bigger than Thessaloniki, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Thessaloniki is more popular for its food and beaches. Thessaloniki is well known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Thessaloniki different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Thessaloniki is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Thessaloniki or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Budapest have great vibes after the sun sets.

Thessaloniki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Budapest know how to have a good time. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Thessaloniki or Budapest Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beache. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Budapest?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Thessaloniki and Budapest.

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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Thessaloniki or Budapest Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Budapest.

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 Budapest. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Thessaloniki or Budapest Better for Couples?

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

Budapest makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest 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, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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 Budapest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Budapest 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 Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get 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 Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest 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 Budapest. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Budapest?

In either Thessaloniki or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Thessaloniki because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest 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 Budapest.

One day in Thessaloniki or Budapest?

The city of Thessaloniki offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Budapest?

Thessaloniki is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Thessaloniki, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Budapest 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 Budapest?

Thessaloniki is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Budapest?

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Budapest 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Budapest. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Budapest. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Budapest. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Budapest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Budapest in the Winter?

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

Budapest can be very cold during winter. In January, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Budapest. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Budapest. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Thessaloniki