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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or La Rochelle?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or La Rochelle? 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Thessaloniki and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or La Rochelle?

You'll generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than La Rochelle. Thessaloniki is bigger than La Rochelle, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while La Rochelle is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Thessaloniki is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

How is Thessaloniki different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Dining out in Thessaloniki is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Thessaloniki or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Thessaloniki for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Thessaloniki or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a popular place for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

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.

Is Thessaloniki or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of La Rochelle is revered around the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is Thessaloniki or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or La Rochelle?

Thessaloniki is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Thessaloniki or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Thessaloniki or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

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

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Thessaloniki or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle is a good city to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Thessaloniki and La Rochelle.

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

You'll find some public transit in La Rochelle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Thessaloniki or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored 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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or La Rochelle?

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

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Thessaloniki. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle 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. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or La Rochelle?

The high energy city of Thessaloniki offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Thessaloniki. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Rochelle 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or La Rochelle?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

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

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than La Rochelle in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Rochelle this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as La Rochelle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than La Rochelle. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or La Rochelle in the Winter?

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

In January, Thessaloniki is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than La Rochelle in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Rochelle. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than La Rochelle. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Thessaloniki