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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Livorno?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Livorno? 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.

Livorno

Livorno is a waterfront, friendly, and down-to-earth port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Thessaloniki and Livorno: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Livorno?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Livorno, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Livorno 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. Livorno is popular for its large port and its great seafood.

How is Thessaloniki different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Thessaloniki
Livorno

Thessaloniki is great for its historical sights. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Thessaloniki can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.


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

Thessaloniki
Livorno

Thessaloniki is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Livorno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is Thessaloniki or Livorno Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki
Livorno

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

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 Livorno. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of bars and clubs around town.

Is Thessaloniki or Livorno Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki
Livorno

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Thessaloniki and Livorno are decent choices.

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.

The beach in Livorno is worth checking out. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.


Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Livorno?

Thessaloniki
Livorno

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

Livorno is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

Is Thessaloniki or Livorno Better for Families?

Thessaloniki
Livorno

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Livorno.

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 Livorno. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.

Is Thessaloniki or Livorno Better for Couples?

Thessaloniki
Livorno

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Livorno 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.

Livorno is a good city for couples to visit. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.


Is Thessaloniki or Livorno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki
Livorno

Thessaloniki is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination 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.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

Is Thessaloniki or Livorno Better for Students?

Thessaloniki
Livorno

Thessaloniki is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Livorno is not popular with students.

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Livorno is not popular with students.

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

Thessaloniki
Livorno

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

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 Livorno, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.


Is Thessaloniki or Livorno a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki
Livorno

Thessaloniki and Livorno are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Livorno is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

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

Should I spend more time in Livorno or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Livorno?

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Livorno?

In Thessaloniki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Livorno?

In Thessaloniki, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Thessaloniki has to offer.

Livorno 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 Livorno?

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the waterfront destination of Livorno. 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 Livorno?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Thessaloniki. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Livorno 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Livorno 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 Livorno is €135. 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 Livorno in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Livorno 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Livorno 150
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Livorno

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Livorno? 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 Livorno


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 Livorno Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Livorno 24

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 Livorno

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

  • Private Transfer from Livorno Port to Florence Hotels: $197
  • Private Transfer from Livorno Cruise Port to Florence City Hotels: $110
  • Private Transfer - Livorno Cruise Port to Florence Airport (FLR): $110
  • Livorno Private Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to Central Florence: $173
  • Livorno Port to Pisa Airport (PSA) - Arrival Private Transfer: $100
  • Livorno Cruise Port to Pisa city hotels -Arrival Private Transfer: $100
  • From Florence and Pisa Roundtrip Transfer: $48
  • From Bus Transfer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa: $20
  • From Livorno Cruise Port: Bus Transfer to Pisa and Lucca: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Livorno?

Prices for flights to both Livorno 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
    Livorno 42

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Livorno

For Livorno, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Home Cooking Class and Meal with a Local: $155
  • Cesarine: Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Livorno: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Livorno 26

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 Livorno

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

  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour with Tasting of Bolgheri DOCs: $38
  • 2-Hour Private Tour with Photo Shoot in 500 to Bolgheri: $272
  • Cinque Terre small group tour max 15 people from Livorno port: $168
  • Cruise Excursion to Florence from Livorno/La Spezia by Car: $1,550
  • Epicurean Experience Private Diner with a Local and Local Food: $150
  • From Pisa and Florence Trip from Cruise Port: $1,369
  • Full-Day Private Tour of Cinque Terre with Personal Photographer from Pisa: $196
  • Half Day Pisa and Jewel of the Cinque Terre Tour From Livorno: $68
  • Livorno Food and Market Tour: $87
  • 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket Experience: $20
  • Aquarium Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Florence and Pisa Private Shore Tour: $856

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Livorno 24

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 Livorno

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Livorno:

  • Wine Tour Experience at Agricola Tamburini: $49
  • PRIVATE EXCURSION: Pisa and Lucca with Lunch and wine tastings : $272
  • From Siena and Chianti Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $477


When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Livorno, we can see that Livorno 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 Livorno Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Livorno?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Livorno. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Livorno, 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 Livorno?

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 Livorno in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Livorno. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Livorno in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Livorno this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives more rain than Livorno. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F) 
    Livorno 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Livorno in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Livorno. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Livorno for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Livorno. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Livorno. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Livorno. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Livorno. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F) 
    Livorno 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Livorno in the Winter?

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

Thessaloniki is cooler than Livorno in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Livorno fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Livorno. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F) 
    Livorno 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Livorno in the Spring?

Both Livorno and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Livorno this time of year.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Livorno. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Livorno averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 192 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Livorno. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F) 
    Livorno 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Livorno and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Livorno
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)