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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Limerick?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Limerick? 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.

Limerick

Limerick is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Limerick: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Limerick?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Limerick, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Thessaloniki is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Limerick is known for its impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Limerick and is known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also home to The Monument of Rotonda. Limerick is popular for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Thessaloniki different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Thessaloniki
Limerick

Thessaloniki is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.


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

Thessaloniki
Limerick

Thessaloniki is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Thessaloniki has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Thessaloniki or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki
Limerick

Thessaloniki is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Thessaloniki has something for everybody. 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 Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Thessaloniki or Limerick Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki
Limerick

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beach. However, Limerick 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.

Limerick is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Limerick?

Thessaloniki
Limerick

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

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Thessaloniki or Limerick Better for Families?

Thessaloniki
Limerick

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Limerick.

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 Limerick. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Thessaloniki or Limerick Better for Couples?

Thessaloniki
Limerick

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Limerick make for a good 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.

Limerick is a good city for couples to visit. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.


Is Thessaloniki or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki
Limerick

Thessaloniki is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Thessaloniki or Limerick Better for Students?

Thessaloniki
Limerick

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

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Thessaloniki
Limerick

Visitors will find good public transit in both Thessaloniki and Limerick.

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 Limerick, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a city bus service that travels around town.


Is Thessaloniki or Limerick a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki
Limerick

Thessaloniki and Limerick are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Limerick is a somewhat walkable city. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki than Limerick because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Limerick.

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

Couples should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Limerick. 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 Limerick 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 Limerick? Ideal Length of Stay
    Thessaloniki 2-4 
    Limerick 1-2

One day in Thessaloniki or Limerick?

The city of Thessaloniki offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Limerick, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic 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 Limerick?

Thessaloniki is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Thessaloniki, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Limerick 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 Limerick?

Thessaloniki is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Limerick. 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 Limerick?

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Limerick 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 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick 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 Limerick is €108. 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 Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Limerick 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Limerick 98
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Limerick? 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 Limerick


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 Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Limerick 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

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

  • From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $428
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $254
  • Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $237
  • Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Oceania: $153
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki Port: $142
  • Thessaloniki Cruise Port: Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Alia Palace Hotel Private Transfer: $131
  • Private Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport from Thessaloniki City: $120
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Afitis Boutique Hotel Private Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Ammon Zeus Hotel : $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort: $109

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

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

  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Limerick City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $158
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $300
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $136
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles: $213
  • Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $300
  • Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon: $203

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick 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
    Limerick 35

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
    Limerick 17

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

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

  • 4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour: $207
  • Archery Odyssey Traditional Archery Experience: $65
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $218
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $192
  • Charming pearls of Thessaloniki – Romantic Tour: $153
  • City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • Daily Cruise:Discover Thessaloniki in a different way: $1,069
  • Daily Sailing Cruise Olympus Riviera Highlights: $122
  • Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup: $93
  • Dion and Palaios Panteleimon Myth and History Tour: $153
  • Dion-Olympus Private Tour from Thessaloniki: $96
  • Discover Olympus from Paralia in Jeep Safari Shared Tour: $76

Tours and Activities in Limerick

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Limerick.

  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $142
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $43
  • Cliffs of Moher explorer day tour from Limerick. Guided.: $54
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Guided eBike Tours on the Lough Derg Shore: $82
  • Limericks Lost Whiskey Walking Tour: $19
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $272
  • Private Walking Tour of Limerick City: $142
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $53
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Limerick Greenway: $16
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $21
  • Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Limerick 12

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

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


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Limerick?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Limerick, 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Limerick. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Limerick averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Limerick. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Limerick in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Limerick. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Limerick in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Limerick. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F) 
    Limerick 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Limerick in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Limerick. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Limerick in the Spring?

Both Limerick and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Limerick because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Limerick. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Limerick averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Limerick. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F) 
    Limerick 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Limerick and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)