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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Interlaken?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Interlaken? 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 high energy, bustling, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Thessaloniki and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Interlaken?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki. Although Thessaloniki and Interlaken are popular destinations, Thessaloniki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Thessaloniki is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Thessaloniki is famous for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda.

How is Thessaloniki different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Thessaloniki or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Thessaloniki is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Thessaloniki is not a skiing destination.

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

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Thessaloniki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Interlaken both to be great 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 Interlaken is an experience not to be missed. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Thessaloniki or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Thessaloniki or Interlaken Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Thessaloniki is a good spot to see the beach. 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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

People visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Interlaken?

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Thessaloniki is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Thessaloniki or Interlaken Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Thessaloniki is very popular with students. 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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken can get you around easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki and Interlaken are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Interlaken?

In either Thessaloniki or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than Thessaloniki because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

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

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

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 Interlaken, many people enjoy the food and skiing that this world-class town 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 Interlaken?

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.

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Interlaken?

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.

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the food and skiing that this adrenaline-filled destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Thessaloniki or Interlaken?

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.

Interlaken 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 Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Interlaken?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?

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 Interlaken in the Summer?

Both Interlaken and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Interlaken. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken and Thessaloniki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Interlaken in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Interlaken. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Interlaken in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Interlaken. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine during these months.

Interlaken can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Interlaken averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Interlaken. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the natural beauty.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Thessaloniki