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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Naples?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Naples? 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 bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Naples

Naples is a gritty, colorful, and fascinating city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Thessaloniki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Naples is more popular for its food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Thessaloniki is known for its beaches. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Thessaloniki different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Naples specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Naples 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, Naples is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Naples have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Thessaloniki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Naples know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Thessaloniki or Naples Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a city with a few options for the beach. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Naples?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Thessaloniki and Naples.

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 Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Thessaloniki or Naples Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Naples.

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 Naples. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Thessaloniki or Naples Better for Couples?

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

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Naples are both very good destinations for backpackers.

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

Naples is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Thessaloniki or Naples Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is well known for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Naples is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Naples can get you around easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples a more walkable city?

Naples 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.

Naples is a very walkable city. The historic center is flat and 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 Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Thessaloniki and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Thessaloniki than in Naples. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

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

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Naples?

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 Naples 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. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Naples?

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.

Naples is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Naples?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful big city of Naples. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Naples?

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.

Naples is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Naples, 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 Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Thessaloniki during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Naples in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Thessaloniki. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Naples. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Naples. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Naples. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Naples. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Naples during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Naples. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Naples in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Naples. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Naples because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Thessaloniki is much colder than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Naples. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Naples. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

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

Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Naples during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Naples. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Thessaloniki