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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Girona?

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

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

Girona

Girona is a charming, beautiful, and colorful city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Thessaloniki and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Girona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than Girona. Thessaloniki is bigger than Girona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Girona is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Girona and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Thessaloniki different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Girona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Girona 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 Girona is an experience not to be missed. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Thessaloniki or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Thessaloniki offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Thessaloniki or Girona Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a moderate city for the beache. However, Girona 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.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Girona is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Girona is revered around the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Girona?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Thessaloniki and Girona.

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 Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Thessaloniki or Girona Better for Families?

Thessaloniki is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Thessaloniki or Girona Better for Couples?

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

Girona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Thessaloniki or Girona Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for students. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

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

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 Girona, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Thessaloniki or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona 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 Girona. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Girona?

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

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

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

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

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 Girona, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this ancient city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Girona?

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.

Girona 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Girona?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful destination of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling 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.

Girona 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Girona?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Girona. 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 Girona because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Girona in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Girona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Girona. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Girona. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Girona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Girona averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Girona during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Girona. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Girona in the Winter?

Both Girona and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Thessaloniki is generally cooler than Girona. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Girona. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Girona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Girona. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Girona in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Girona in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Girona during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Girona. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Girona and Thessaloniki