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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Odense?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Odense? 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Thessaloniki travel costs.

Odense

Odense is a historic, European, and progressive city. Visitors also love the nightlife and food. See Odense travel costs.

Thessaloniki and Odense: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Odense?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Odense, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Odense and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also home to The Monument of Rotonda. Odense is popular for

How is Thessaloniki different from Odense?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Thessaloniki
Odense

Thessaloniki is notable for its sights and museums. However, Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Thessaloniki
Odense

Thessaloniki is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

Is Thessaloniki or Odense Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki
Odense

Both Thessaloniki and Odense have superb 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 Odense know how to have a good time. You'll find a number of bars and clubs around town. Many are conveniently close together so you can hit up several places in one night. Start your night at a pub before heading out dancing in the club a few hours later.

Is Thessaloniki or Odense Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki
Odense

Thessaloniki is a moderate city for the beach. However, Odense 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.

Odense is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Odense?

Thessaloniki
Odense

Thessaloniki is notable for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Odense Better for Families?

Thessaloniki
Odense

Odense 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, Odense is very family-friendly. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.

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 Odense Better for Couples?

Thessaloniki
Odense

Thessaloniki is a good destination for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.


Is Thessaloniki or Odense Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki
Odense

Thessaloniki is notable for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Odense Better for Students?

Thessaloniki
Odense

Thessaloniki is notable for students. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Odense. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.

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

Thessaloniki
Odense

Thessaloniki is a good destination for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

Thessaloniki has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Odense does not have public transit.


Is Thessaloniki or Odense a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki
Odense

Thessaloniki is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

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

Odense is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Odense or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Odense?

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

Couples should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Odense. 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 Odense 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 Odense? Ideal Length of Stay
    Thessaloniki 2-4 
    Odense 2-3

One day in Thessaloniki or Odense?

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.

In Odense, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this beautiful city offers. 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 Odense?

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.

Odense 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 Odense?

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 food and nightlife around the historic destination of Odense. 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 Odense?

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.

Odense 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 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark.


Which place is cheaper, Odense or Thessaloniki?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Thessaloniki Prices
    Greece Prices
    Odense Prices
    Denmark Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Thessaloniki 165
    Odense 185

The average daily cost (per person) in Thessaloniki is €165, while the average daily cost in Odense is €185. 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 Odense in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Odense? 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 Odense


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 Odense Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Odense 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

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

  • Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $25
  • One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $28
  • Thessaloniki Airport Private Transfer Service: $35
  • Thessaloniki Airport SKG Private Arrival Transfer: $41
  • Thessaloniki Airport Private Departure Transfer from city center: $41
  • Private Transfer - Thessaloniki Port to Thessaloniki Airport SKG: $44
  • Private Transfer - Thessaloniki Airport SKG to Thessaloniki Port: $44
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Port to Thessaloniki hotels: $44
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki hotels to Thessaloniki Port: $44
  • Thessaloniki Airport or Cruise Port Private Departure Transfer: $47
  • Thessaloniki Airport or Cruise Port Private Arrival Transfer: $53
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Pomegranate Hotel: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Odense?

Prices for flights to both Odense 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 72
    Odense 83

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: $53
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $53
  • Thessaloniki Food Tour : Eat Like a Local (Small Group): $59
  • Sweet Taste Of Thessaloniki - Food Tour With A Local: $69
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $69
  • Guided Food Tour: $76
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $83
  • Thessaloniki Food Tour: A Feast of Local Delicacies: $90
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $92
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour With A Local: $93
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $94
  • Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki with a Chef: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Odense 27

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $9.37
  • White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.37
  • Thessaloniki:Selfie Museum, a 60-minute immersive experience: $13
  • Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $13
  • Museum of Illusions Thessaloniki Ticket: $13
  • Ticket for Frida Kahlo Beyond the Icon Immersive Experience: $18
  • Cretan Olive Oil Tasting Experience: $18
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $19
  • Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $19
  • City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $20
  • Byzantine Museum E-Ticket with Audio Tour: $21
  • OTE Tower Rotating Experience with Light Meal: $21

Tours and Activities in Odense

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Odense are as follows:

  • Odense Private Guided Walking Tour: $381
  • Craft Beer Walking Tour: $62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Odense 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Pella-Edessa-Naousa wine tasting: $76
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $89
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $99
  • Ktima Gerovassiliou Wine Tour & Museum – Thessaloniki”: $105
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $111
  • Kavala: Winery tour & Wine Tasting with food pairings in Kavala: $112
  • Private Day Trip to Petralona Cave and Afytos with Wine Tasting: $142
  • Alexander the Great and Northern Greece Wine Tour: $254


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


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Odense?

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