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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Lisbon?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Lisbon? 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant, stunning, and picturesque city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Thessaloniki and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Lisbon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon than Thessaloniki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Lisbon is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge.

How is Thessaloniki different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Lisbon are world-renowned. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class 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.

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

Lisbon 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, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Lisbon just to party. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

The people in Thessaloniki know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Lisbon Better for Music?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Lisbon. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Lisbon Better for Beaches?

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

Lisbon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

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 Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Lisbon is revered around the world. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Lisbon?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Lisbon draws large crowds to its stores. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Lisbon Better for Families?

Lisbon is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lisbon is very family-friendly. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon Better for Couples?

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

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lisbon is extremely popular for backpackers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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

Is Thessaloniki or Lisbon Better for Students?

Both Thessaloniki and Lisbon are high quality destinations 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.

Lisbon is very popular with students. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Lisbon can get you around easily. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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 Lisbon a more walkable city?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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 Lisbon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Lisbon?

Both Thessaloniki and Lisbon have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Thessaloniki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 3-7 days is enough time in Lisbon.

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

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Lisbon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Lisbon?

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lisbon is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Lisbon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Thessaloniki or Lisbon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lisbon is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Lisbon, we can see that Thessaloniki is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Lisbon?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Lisbon, 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 Lisbon?

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 Lisbon in the Summer?

Both Lisbon and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Lisbon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Lisbon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives more rain than Lisbon. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Lisbon in the Autumn?

Both Lisbon and Thessaloniki during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally cooler than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Lisbon. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Lisbon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Lisbon. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lisbon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Thessaloniki is much colder than Lisbon in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Lisbon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Lisbon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Lisbon. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is cooler than Lisbon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Lisbon averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Lisbon. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Thessaloniki