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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Innsbruck?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Innsbruck? 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.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a high energy, outdoorsy, and mountainous city. 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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

Thessaloniki and Innsbruck: 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
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Innsbruck?

You'll generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than Innsbruck. Thessaloniki is bigger than Innsbruck, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is better known for its museums, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Innsbruck is more popular for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Innsbruck is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is popular for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. 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 Innsbruck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Innsbruck and Thessaloniki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Thessaloniki or Innsbruck Better for Skiing?

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Thessaloniki is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Innsbruck. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Thessaloniki is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thessaloniki or Innsbruck?

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

Thessaloniki is notable for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Innsbruck both to be excellent 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 Innsbruck is an experience not to be missed. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

Is Thessaloniki or Innsbruck Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

Both Thessaloniki and Innsbruck have excellent 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 Innsbruck know how to have a good time. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.


Is Thessaloniki or Innsbruck Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

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

Innsbruck is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Innsbruck Better for its Old Town?

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

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

The historic old town of Innsbruck is revered around the world. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is Thessaloniki or Innsbruck Better for Hiking?

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Innsbruck. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Innsbruck?

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

Thessaloniki is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Thessaloniki is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Innsbruck Better for Families?

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

Innsbruck 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, Innsbruck is very family-friendly. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

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 Innsbruck Better for Couples?

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

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

Innsbruck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

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 Innsbruck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

Thessaloniki and Innsbruck are both excellent 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.

Innsbruck is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

Is Thessaloniki or Innsbruck Better for Students?

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

Both Thessaloniki and Innsbruck are excellent 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.

Innsbruck is very popular with students. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

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

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck can get you around easily. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around 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 Innsbruck a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki
Innsbruck

Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it 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 Innsbruck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Innsbruck or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Innsbruck?

It's fun to spend time in either Thessaloniki or Innsbruck. In our opinion, Innsbruck has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Innsbruck than Thessaloniki. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Thessaloniki or Innsbruck?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Thessaloniki. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Innsbruck, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this outdoorsy city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Innsbruck?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Thessaloniki. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Thessaloniki. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the adventurous destination of Innsbruck. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Innsbruck?

Thessaloniki is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Innsbruck is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Vienna, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg.


Which place is cheaper, Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck is €129. 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 Innsbruck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Innsbruck 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Innsbruck 152
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Innsbruck

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Innsbruck? 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 Innsbruck


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 and Innsbruck Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Innsbruck 15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $18
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Thessaloniki - Arrival Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) - Departure Transfer: $21
  • One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $24
  • Thessaloniki Airport Private Transfer Service: $32
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki hotels to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Thessaloniki Airport or Cruise Port Private Departure Transfer: $44
  • Thessaloniki Airport - Sani Transfer: $81
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Portes Lithos Luxury Resort Private Transfer: $82
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Oceania Hotel Private Transfer: $87
  • Private transfer to IKOS OLIVIA: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Innsbruck

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Innsbruck:

  • St Anton am Arlberg to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $104
  • Private transfer from Innsbruck airport: $196
  • Private Transfer Innsbruck Airport INN to Saalbach-Hinterglemm: $49
  • Private Transfer From Innsbruck To Salzburg: $256
  • Private Transfer From Innsbruck To Munich, English Speaking Driver: $197
  • Innsbruck to Innsbruck Airport (INN) - Departure Private Transfer: $16
  • Innsbruck Swarovski Crystal Worlds Ticket and Transfer: $36
  • Innsbruck Private Transfer from Innsbruck Airport to City centre: $60
  • Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport to Längenfeld - Round-Trip Transfer: $63
  • Innsbruck Airport(INN)to Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Innsbruck Airport(INN) to Innsbruck - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Innsbruck Airport to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Round-Trip Transfer: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Innsbruck?

Prices for flights to both Innsbruck 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
    Innsbruck 40

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

Typical Food Prices in Innsbruck

Some typical examples of dining costs in Innsbruck are as follows:


  • Soup for Lunch
    3.75
  • Pasta Lunch
    8.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Innsbruck

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Innsbruck.

  • Half-Day Food Tour of Tyrolean Cuisine: $148
  • Innsbruck Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Innsbruck 19

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.54
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $11
  • Selfie Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $12
  • Thessaloniki Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Byzantine Museum E-Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • E-ticket to Museum of Byzantine Culture with Audio Tour : $13
  • Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $17

Typical Entertainment Prices in Innsbruck

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Innsbruck are as follows:


  • Schloss Ambras Entrance
    8.00
  • Botanical Garden Entrance Fee
    2.00

Tours and Activities in Innsbruck

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Innsbruck are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Innsbruck: $155
  • AREA 47 Water AREA Entrance Ticket: $35
  • Alpine Zoo Innsbruck and Hungerburg Funicular Combo Ticket: $21
  • Austrian Hidden Gem Tour: The Most Beautiful Villages: $191
  • Bergisel Ski Jump Arena Entrance Ticket in Innsbruck: $11
  • Bergisel SkiJump Area guided Tour incl Tickets: $85
  • Combi Entrance Ticket to Alpine Zoo and Hungerburg: $20
  • Cultural and culinary pleasure tour through Innsbruck's old town: $180
  • Full day small group Tour in Neuschwanstein from Innsbruck: $213
  • Full-Day small group tour of Dolomites, Alpine Lakes, Braies : $217
  • Gin experience Tyrol: $120
  • Hungerburg: Roundtrip Funicular Tickets from Innsbruck: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Innsbruck 19

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 Innsbruck, 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 Innsbruck Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Innsbruck?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Innsbruck, 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.