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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Glasgow?

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

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

Glasgow

Glasgow is a cultural, historic, and high energy 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 Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Glasgow?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glasgow than Thessaloniki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Glasgow is more popular for its nightlife, music, and historical sights, while Thessaloniki is known for its food, beaches, and shopping. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

How is Thessaloniki different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Glasgow specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

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

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

Thessaloniki has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Thessaloniki or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow 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 Glasgow just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

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 Glasgow Better for Music?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Glasgow. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Glasgow Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beach. However, Glasgow is not a beach destination.

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.

Glasgow is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a popular place for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Glasgow. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Glasgow?

Thessaloniki is great for its shopping areas. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Glasgow is a great destination for shopping. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Is Thessaloniki or Glasgow Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Glasgow.

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Glasgow. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

Is Thessaloniki or Glasgow Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Glasgow make for a good place to visit.

Thessaloniki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Glasgow is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

Is Thessaloniki or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Glasgow is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Is Thessaloniki or Glasgow Better for Students?

Both Thessaloniki and Glasgow are very good destinations for 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.

Glasgow is very popular with students. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

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

Glasgow is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Glasgow can get you around easily. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Thessaloniki or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is a very walkable city. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored 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 Glasgow Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Glasgow?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Thessaloniki and Glasgow. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Thessaloniki than in Glasgow. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glasgow.

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

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

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

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.

Glasgow 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 Glasgow?

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 nightlife and live music around the historic destination of Glasgow. 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 Glasgow?

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.

Glasgow 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Glasgow?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Glasgow, 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 Glasgow?

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 Glasgow in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Glasgow. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Glasgow averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Glasgow in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Glasgow. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Glasgow. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Glasgow in the Winter?

Both Glasgow and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. Thessaloniki is much warmer than Glasgow in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Glasgow in the Spring?

Both Glasgow and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. 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 Glasgow this time of year.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Glasgow averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Glasgow. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Thessaloniki