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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Heidelberg?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Heidelberg? 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a scenic, character-filled, and historic town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Thessaloniki and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Heidelberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Heidelberg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Thessaloniki is more popular for its museums, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Heidelberg is known for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also home to The Monument of Rotonda. Heidelberg is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Thessaloniki different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Thessaloniki is a great city for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Thessaloniki. 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.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg is an experience not to be missed. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

Is Thessaloniki or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Heidelberg have superb 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 Heidelberg know how to have a good time. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Is Thessaloniki or Heidelberg Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beach. However, Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Heidelberg is revered around the world. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Heidelberg?

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

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Is Thessaloniki or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Heidelberg.

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 Heidelberg. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Thessaloniki or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

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

Heidelberg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

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 Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Heidelberg are both superb destinations 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.

Heidelberg is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

Is Thessaloniki or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

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.

Heidelberg is a good city to visit for students. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

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

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg can get you around easily. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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 Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is a very walkable town. The old town is particularly walkable.

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 Heidelberg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Thessaloniki and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Thessaloniki than in Heidelberg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Thessaloniki, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Heidelberg, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this lively town 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 town.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Thessaloniki, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg?

Thessaloniki, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find nightlife and food around the charming destination of Heidelberg. 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 Heidelberg?

Thessaloniki is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Heidelberg 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Heidelberg?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Heidelberg. 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 Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Heidelberg. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Heidelberg. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. Thessaloniki is much warmer than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Thessaloniki