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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Cologne?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Cologne? 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a colorful, fun, and accessible city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Cologne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne than Thessaloniki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cologne is more popular for its historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Thessaloniki is known for its food and beaches. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Cologne is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also home to The Cologne Cathedral.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Thessaloniki different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Cologne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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

Thessaloniki is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Thessaloniki is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Thessaloniki or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Cologne have high quality 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 Cologne know how to have a good time. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Is Thessaloniki or Cologne Better for Beaches?

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

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Cologne 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 Cologne. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Cologne?

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

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 Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Is Thessaloniki or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Thessaloniki does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Cologne draws large crowds. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Thessaloniki does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Thessaloniki or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a world-class destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Thessaloniki does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people travel to Cologne specifically for the Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Thessaloniki does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Thessaloniki or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cologne is very family-friendly. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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 Cologne Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Cologne make for a good 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.

Cologne is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Thessaloniki or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is well known for backpackers. Also, Cologne 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.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Thessaloniki or Cologne Better for Students?

Both Thessaloniki and Cologne 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.

Cologne is very popular with students. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne 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 Cologne can get you around easily. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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 Cologne a more walkable city?

Cologne 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.

Cologne is a very walkable city. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily 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 Cologne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Cologne?

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

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

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

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

In Thessaloniki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Each neighborhood in Cologne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Cologne?

In Thessaloniki, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Thessaloniki has to offer.

Cologne 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 Cologne?

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the accessible big city of Cologne. 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 Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Thessaloniki. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Cologne 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Cologne?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Cologne in the Summer?

Both Cologne and Thessaloniki during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Thessaloniki. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Cologne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Cologne. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Cologne. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Cologne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Cologne. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. Thessaloniki is much warmer than Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Cologne. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Cologne in the Spring?

Both Cologne and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Cologne. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Thessaloniki