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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Graz?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Graz? 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.

Graz

Graz is a historical, beautiful, and medieval city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Graz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Graz?

You'll generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than Graz. Thessaloniki is bigger than Graz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Graz is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. 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. Graz is well known for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture.

How is Thessaloniki different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Graz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Graz both to be high quality 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 Graz is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Is Thessaloniki or Graz Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Graz have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Thessaloniki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Graz know how to have a good time. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Is Thessaloniki or Graz Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beache. However, Graz 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.

Graz is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Graz Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Graz is revered around the world. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Graz?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Thessaloniki and Graz.

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 Graz. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Is Thessaloniki or Graz Better for Families?

Graz 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, Graz is very family-friendly. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz Better for Couples?

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

Graz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

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 Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Thessaloniki or Graz Better for Students?

Both Thessaloniki and Graz are high quality 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.

Graz is very popular with students. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

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

Graz 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 Graz can get you around easily. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

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 Graz a more walkable city?

Graz 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 Graz. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore 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 Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Graz?

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

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Graz, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historical 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 Graz?

Thessaloniki is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Graz 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 Graz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Graz. 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 Graz?

The high energy city of Thessaloniki offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Graz 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 Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Graz?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Graz. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Graz, 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 Graz?

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 Graz in the Summer?

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

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Graz in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Graz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Graz this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Graz during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Graz receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Graz. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Graz receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Graz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Graz. 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 Graz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Graz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Graz averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Graz. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 139 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Graz. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Graz receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Graz in the Winter?

Both Graz 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 Graz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Graz can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Graz. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Graz fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Graz during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives more rain than Graz. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Graz receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Graz in the Spring?

Both Graz 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 Graz for the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Graz. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 158 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Graz. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Graz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Graz and Thessaloniki