A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Nice?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Nice? 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.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Thessaloniki and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Nice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki. Although Thessaloniki and Nice are roughly the same size, Thessaloniki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Thessaloniki is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. 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.

How is Thessaloniki different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Thessaloniki. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice 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 Nice just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

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 Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice 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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Nice?

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

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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Thessaloniki or Nice Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Nice.

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 Nice. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Thessaloniki or Nice Better for Couples?

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

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination 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 Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Thessaloniki or Nice Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for students. However, Nice 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice 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 Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

Nice 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 Nice. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Nice?

In either Thessaloniki or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Thessaloniki because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Nice?

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 Nice, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful seaside destination offers. 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 Nice?

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.

Nice is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Nice?

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

In Nice, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this beautiful destination offers. 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 Nice?

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.

Nice 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Nice?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

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

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in July than Nice. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice 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 Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Nice. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice 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 shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In January, Thessaloniki is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Nice. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Nice in the Spring?

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

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Nice. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Thessaloniki