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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or London?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or London? 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.

London

London is a historic, diverse, and iconic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Thessaloniki and London: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or London?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Thessaloniki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Thessaloniki is known for its beaches. London is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections.

Big Ben

How is Thessaloniki different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

London 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 London are world-renowned. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 Thessaloniki or London Better for Theater?

London is a world-class destination for its theatre productions. However, Thessaloniki is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in London draw crowds from around the world. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Thessaloniki is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and London both to be great destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific 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.

Dining out in London is an experience not to be missed. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

Is Thessaloniki or London Better for Nightlife?

London 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 London just to party. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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 London Better for Music?

London 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 London. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

Is Thessaloniki or London Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beach. However, London 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.

London is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or London?

London 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, London draws large crowds to its stores. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London Better for Christmas?

London is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Thessaloniki does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, London draws large crowds. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Thessaloniki does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Thessaloniki or London Better for Christmas Markets?

London is a world-class destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Thessaloniki does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people travel to London specifically for the Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Thessaloniki does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Thessaloniki or London Better for Families?

London is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, London is a very family-friendly destination. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London Better for Couples?

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

London makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London 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, London is extremely popular for backpackers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London Better for Students?

London is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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.

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

London 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 London can get you around easily. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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 London a more walkable city?

London 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 London. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in London or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or London?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London 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 London.

One day in Thessaloniki or London?

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 London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 London?

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.

London is a fun place to experience. 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 London?

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 London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 London?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant 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.

London is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Thessaloniki and London, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Thessaloniki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Thessaloniki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Thessaloniki 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London than you might in Thessaloniki.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and London, 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 London?

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 London in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and London. 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 London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than London. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and London averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than London during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than London. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or London in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as London. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to London in the autumn 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 a little warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than London. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 107 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than London. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or London in the Winter?

Both London 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 London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

London can be very cold during winter. Thessaloniki is a little warmer than London in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and London fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than London during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than London. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or London in the Spring?

Both London 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 London because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than London. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 147 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than London. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for London and Thessaloniki