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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Inverness?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Inverness? 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.

Inverness

Inverness is a traditional, local, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Inverness: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Inverness?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Thessaloniki is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Inverness is more popular for its small town charm. 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. Inverness is well known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness.

How is Thessaloniki different from Inverness?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Thessaloniki
Inverness

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

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 Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.


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

Thessaloniki
Inverness

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Inverness 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 Inverness is an experience not to be missed. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Is Thessaloniki or Inverness Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki
Inverness

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Thessaloniki offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Thessaloniki or Inverness Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki
Inverness

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

Inverness is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Inverness?

Thessaloniki
Inverness

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Thessaloniki and Inverness.

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 Inverness. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Is Thessaloniki or Inverness Better for Families?

Thessaloniki
Inverness

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Inverness.

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 Inverness. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Is Thessaloniki or Inverness Better for Couples?

Thessaloniki
Inverness

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Inverness make for a notable 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.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.


Is Thessaloniki or Inverness Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki
Inverness

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Thessaloniki or Inverness Better for Students?

Thessaloniki
Inverness

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for students. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Thessaloniki
Inverness

Thessaloniki is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Thessaloniki has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.


Is Thessaloniki or Inverness a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki
Inverness

Inverness 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.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town 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 Inverness Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Inverness or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Inverness?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Thessaloniki or Inverness? Ideal Length of Stay
    Thessaloniki 2-4 
    Inverness 1-3

One day in Thessaloniki or Inverness?

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 Inverness, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Inverness?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling 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.

Inverness 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 Inverness?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling 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 museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Inverness. 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 Inverness?

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.

Inverness 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, Inverness 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 Inverness is €196. 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 Inverness in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Inverness 107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Inverness 214
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Inverness

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Inverness? 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 Inverness


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 Inverness Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Inverness 38

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 Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Inverness?

Prices for flights to both Inverness 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
    Inverness 57

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Inverness 52

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

Tours and Activities in Inverness

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

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Inverness 27

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124


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


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Inverness?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Inverness, 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 Inverness?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Inverness in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Inverness. 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 Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is much warmer than Inverness in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Inverness fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 147 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Inverness. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F) 
    Inverness 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Inverness in the Autumn?

Both Inverness and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Inverness in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Inverness. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Inverness averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Inverness. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F) 
    Inverness 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Inverness in the Winter?

Both Inverness and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Inverness for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Inverness can be very cold during winter. In January, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 42 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Inverness. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F) 
    Inverness 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Inverness in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Inverness. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Inverness because of the small town charm.

Thessaloniki is much warmer than Inverness in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Inverness fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Inverness. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F) 
    Inverness 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Inverness and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Inverness
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)