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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Carcassonne?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Carcassonne? 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 high energy, bustling, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Thessaloniki and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Carcassonne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki. Although Thessaloniki and Carcassonne are popular destinations, Thessaloniki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Thessaloniki is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is famous for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda. Carcassonne is famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Thessaloniki different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Carcassonne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is an experience not to be missed. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Thessaloniki or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Thessaloniki has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Thessaloniki or Carcassonne Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne is a popular place for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Carcassonne. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Carcassonne?

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Carcassonne.

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 Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Thessaloniki or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Thessaloniki or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Is Thessaloniki or Carcassonne Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Thessaloniki and Carcassonne.

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 Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Thessaloniki or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki than Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling city of Thessaloniki. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Carcassonne, many people enjoy the museums and food that this historical town offers. 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 Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the bustling destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Carcassonne is a fun place to experience. 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 Carcassonne?

The bustling city of Thessaloniki offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and food around the fairytale destination of Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Thessaloniki. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Carcassonne is a popular place to visit. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Thessaloniki and Carcassonne, we can see that Thessaloniki is more expensive. And not only is Carcassonne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carcassonne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Carcassonne?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Thessaloniki during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Carcassonne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Carcassonne. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Thessaloniki is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Carcassonne. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

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

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Thessaloniki