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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Como?

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

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

Como

Como is a trendy, fun, and vibrant lake area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Thessaloniki and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Como, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Thessaloniki is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Como is known for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. 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 Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Thessaloniki can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Como is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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.

Is Thessaloniki or Como Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Thessaloniki or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a popular place for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Como is a good option for a beach vacation. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

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.

Is Thessaloniki or Como Better for Hiking?

Como 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 Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Como?

Como is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Como draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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.

Is Thessaloniki or Como Better for Families?

Como 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, Como is very family-friendly. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

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 Como Better for Couples?

Como is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Como makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Como are both very good 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.

Como is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

Is Thessaloniki or Como Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Como is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Thessaloniki or Como a more walkable city?

Como 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.

Como is a very walkable lake area. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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 Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Thessaloniki or Como. In our opinion, Como has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Como than Thessaloniki. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Como, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this trendy lake area offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Como?

Thessaloniki is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Como is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the trendy destination of Como. 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 Como?

The historic city of Thessaloniki offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Como 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Thessaloniki and Como, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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 Como Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Como?

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

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 Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Como. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Como. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Thessaloniki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Como. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

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

Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Como. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Como in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Como. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Como because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Como can be very cold. Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Como. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Como in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Como. The spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Como. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Como. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Thessaloniki