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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Linz?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Linz? 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.

Linz

Linz is a beautiful, cultural, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Thessaloniki and Linz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Linz?

You'll generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than Linz. Thessaloniki is bigger than Linz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Linz is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. 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. Linz is well known for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries.

How is Thessaloniki different from Linz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Linz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

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

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Thessaloniki. 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.

Linz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Is Thessaloniki or Linz Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Thessaloniki or Linz Better for Beaches?

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

Linz is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Linz Better for its Old Town?

Linz is a popular place for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Linz. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Linz?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Thessaloniki and Linz.

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 Linz. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

Is Thessaloniki or Linz Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Linz.

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 Linz. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

Is Thessaloniki or Linz Better for Couples?

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

Linz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

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 Linz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Linz. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

Is Thessaloniki or Linz Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for students. However, Linz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Thessaloniki. 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.

Linz is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Thessaloniki and Linz.

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 Linz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

Is Thessaloniki or Linz a more walkable city?

Linz 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.

Linz is a very walkable town. The tourist areas are easy to explore 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 Linz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Linz or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Linz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Linz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki than Linz 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 Linz.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Linz, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Linz?

Thessaloniki is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Linz 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 Linz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Linz. 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 Linz?

The vibrant city of Thessaloniki offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Linz 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 in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Linz?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Linz. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Linz, 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 Linz?

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 Linz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Linz. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Linz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Linz in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Linz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Linz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Linz. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 236 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Linz. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Linz receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Linz in the Autumn?

Both Linz and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Linz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Linz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Linz averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Linz during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Linz. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Linz receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Linz in the Winter?

Both Linz and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Linz this time of year.

It's quite cold in Linz in the winter. In January, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Linz. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Linz fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Linz. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 57 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in January than Linz. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Linz receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Linz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Linz. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Linz for the natural beauty.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Linz in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Linz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Linz during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Linz. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Linz receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Linz and Thessaloniki