A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Gdansk for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Gdansk?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Gdansk? 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.

Where Should I go: Thessaloniki or Gdansk?

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Gdansk

Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.

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 in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Gdansk or Thessaloniki?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Thessaloniki is €134, while the average daily cost in Gdansk is €51. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Thessaloniki and Gdansk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Gdansk 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Gdansk 50
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Gdansk

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Gdansk? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Thessaloniki


Hotels in Gdansk


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Thessaloniki Hotel Prices and Gdansk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Gdansk 7.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $428
  • One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $237
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Ammon Zeus Hotel : $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort: $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki hotels to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $254
  • Private Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport from Thessaloniki City: $120
  • Private transfer to IKOS OLIVIA: $87
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Thessaloniki - Arrival Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki Port: $142

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:

  • Warsaw/Deluxe Private Transfer Service: $248
  • VIP transfer from airport Gdansk (GDN) to Hotel in Gdansk, Mercedes S Class w222: $104
  • VIP Transfer from Gdansk to airport Gdańsk (GDN) - Mercedes S Class w222 : $104
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Gdansk HTL-APT (GDN): $34
  • Transfer to Tokary Golf Club - active recreation: $101
  • Transfer to Sierra Golf Club - active recreation: $101
  • Transfer from Gdańsk/Gdańsk Airport to Słupsk (1-4) pax and (5-8) pax : $180
  • Transfer from Gdańsk/Gdańsk Airport to Sopot (4-6) pax and (7-8) pax: $48
  • Transfer from Gdańsk/Airport Gdańsk to Starogard Gdański: $101
  • Transfer from Gdańsk or Airport Gdańsk (GDN) to Kościerzyna: $85
  • Transfer from Gdańsk airport to Toruń: $219
  • Transfer from Gdańsk City Center/Gdańsk Airport (GDN) to Władysławowo: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Gdansk?

Prices for flights to both Gdansk and Thessaloniki change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Thessaloniki 42
    Gdansk 19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
  • Guided Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Gdansk.

  • Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $94
  • 4-hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • Private Food-Pairing Dinner Experience: $121
  • Gdansk foodpairing dinner: $124
  • Gdansk Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Gdansk Food Tour Experience: $168
  • Gdańsk: World-Class Fine Dining Dinner on the Top Floor: $208

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Gdansk 7.62

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.54
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $11
  • Selfie Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $12
  • Thessaloniki Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Byzantine Museum E-Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • E-ticket to Museum of Byzantine Culture with Audio Tour : $13
  • Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $17

Tours and Activities in Gdansk

Here are a few actual costs in Gdansk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • #1 Polish Vodka Tasting Experience: $64
  • 6 Hours Guided Tour through Gdansk Highlights: $240
  • A cultural Private Tour of Gdansk Old Town: $165
  • Amber Museum and Gdansk Old Town Private Tour with Tickets: $125
  • Amber Museum and Gdansk Old Town Private Tour with Tickets : $128
  • Artus Court and Gdansk Old Town Private Tour with Tickets: $119
  • Best of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot in 1-Day Private Car Tour: $225
  • Bike Tour Gdańsk - Premium - Fun Guide - no Boredom. New offer : $43
  • City Tour Gdańsk Hop on Hop off plus walking tour: $40
  • Copernicus Trail in Frombork Private Tour from Gdansk by Car: $323
  • Delicious Gdansk Craft Beer Tour: $76
  • Deluxe Polish Vodka Tour Experience in Gdansk: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Gdansk 4.44

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207

Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gdansk:

  • Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $25
  • Pub Crawl with Complimentary Drinks: $30


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

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


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Gdansk?

Gdansk has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Gdansk, 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 Gdansk?

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 Gdansk in the Summer?

Both Gdansk 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.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Gdansk averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Gdansk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Thessaloniki. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Gdansk. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 204 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Gdansk. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F) 
    Gdansk 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Gdansk in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Gdansk. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Gdansk. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Gdansk fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

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

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gdansk. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F) 
    Gdansk 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Gdansk in the Winter?

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

The weather in Gdansk can be very cold. Thessaloniki is much warmer than Gdansk in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Gdansk fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Gdansk. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 33 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in January than Gdansk. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F) 
    Gdansk -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Gdansk in the Spring?

Both Gdansk 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.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Gdansk averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gdansk. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F) 
    Gdansk 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Gdansk and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Gdansk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (34°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) -2°C (28°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)