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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Dublin? 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a welcoming, fun, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Dublin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Thessaloniki. Dublin is bigger than Thessaloniki, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its nightlife, music, and historical sights, 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. Dublin is well known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse.

How is Thessaloniki different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Dublin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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

Thessaloniki is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Thessaloniki. 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.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Thessaloniki or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Dublin just to party. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

The people in Thessaloniki know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is an excellent place to visit for its live music scene. However, Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Dublin has diverse options. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Dublin Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a city with a few options for the beache. However, Dublin 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.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin 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 Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Dublin?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Thessaloniki and Dublin.

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 Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Is Thessaloniki or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin 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, Dublin is very family-friendly. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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 Dublin Better for Couples?

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

Dublin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway 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 Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Dublin 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.

Dublin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Is Thessaloniki or Dublin Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a great destination for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Thessaloniki and Dublin.

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 Dublin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Thessaloniki or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Dublin?

In either Thessaloniki or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin 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 Dublin.

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

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Dublin?

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 Dublin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly city offers. 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 Dublin?

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.

Dublin 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. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Dublin?

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.

In Dublin, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this laid-back destination offers. 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. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Thessaloniki or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant 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.

Dublin 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Dublin?

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

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 Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Thessaloniki during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is much warmer than Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Thessaloniki. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Dublin. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Dublin. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Dublin. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Dublin. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Dublin. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Thessaloniki is much warmer than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Dublin. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Thessaloniki