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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Giverny?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Giverny? 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 historic, vibrant, and high energy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Giverny

Giverny is a serene, inspiring, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Thessaloniki and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Giverny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Giverny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Thessaloniki is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Giverny is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Thessaloniki is well known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda.

How is Thessaloniki different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Thessaloniki
Giverny

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

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 Giverny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.


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

Thessaloniki
Giverny

Thessaloniki is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Thessaloniki or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki
Giverny

Thessaloniki is great for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Thessaloniki for the nightlife scene. 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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Thessaloniki or Giverny Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki
Giverny

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beache. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Giverny?

Thessaloniki
Giverny

Thessaloniki is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Giverny Better for Families?

Thessaloniki
Giverny

Thessaloniki is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Thessaloniki offers lots of family activities. 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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Thessaloniki or Giverny Better for Couples?

Thessaloniki
Giverny

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

Giverny makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

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 Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki
Giverny

Thessaloniki is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Giverny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

Is Thessaloniki or Giverny Better for Students?

Thessaloniki
Giverny

Thessaloniki is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not popular with 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.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Thessaloniki
Giverny

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

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 Giverny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.


Is Thessaloniki or Giverny a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki
Giverny

Thessaloniki and Giverny are notable when it comes to walkability.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable place. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable city. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

For even more information, also check out Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting? and Is Giverny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Giverny?

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

Families should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Giverny. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Giverny 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.


  • How many days in Thessaloniki or Giverny? Ideal Length of Stay
    Thessaloniki 2-4 
    Giverny 1-2

One day in Thessaloniki or Giverny?

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.

In Giverny, many people enjoy the museums and food that this picturesque town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Giverny?

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.

Giverny 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 Giverny?

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 food around the inspiring destination of Giverny. 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 Giverny?

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.

Giverny 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 Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny 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 Giverny is €125. 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 Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Giverny 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Giverny 120
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Giverny? 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 Giverny


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Giverny 48

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
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $254
  • Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $237
  • Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Oceania: $153
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki Port: $142
  • Thessaloniki Cruise Port: Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Alia Palace Hotel Private Transfer: $131
  • Private Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport from Thessaloniki City: $120
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Afitis Boutique Hotel Private Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Ammon Zeus Hotel : $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny 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
    Giverny 35

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Giverny 26

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

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

  • 4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour: $207
  • Archery Odyssey Traditional Archery Experience: $65
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $218
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $192
  • Charming pearls of Thessaloniki – Romantic Tour: $153
  • City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • Daily Cruise:Discover Thessaloniki in a different way: $1,069
  • Daily Sailing Cruise Olympus Riviera Highlights: $122
  • Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup: $93
  • Dion and Palaios Panteleimon Myth and History Tour: $153
  • Dion-Olympus Private Tour from Thessaloniki: $96
  • Discover Olympus from Paralia in Jeep Safari Shared Tour: $76

Tours and Activities in Giverny

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Giverny.

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Trip from Paris to Monet's house in Giverny Skip the Line: $96

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Giverny 6.64

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


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


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Giverny?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 630 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Giverny, 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 Giverny?

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 Giverny in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Giverny. The summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Giverny in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Giverny this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Giverny during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Giverny. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Giverny in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Giverny. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Giverny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Giverny averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Giverny. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Giverny. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Giverny in the Winter?

Both Giverny and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Giverny in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Giverny can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Giverny during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Giverny. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Giverny in the Spring?

Both Giverny and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Giverny in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Giverny. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Giverny. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)