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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Oxford?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Oxford? 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 high energy, bustling, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford

Oxford is a collegiate, beautiful, and historic college town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Oxford: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Oxford?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is very popular for its food, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Thessaloniki different from Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Oxford specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Thessaloniki. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Thessaloniki or Oxford Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Oxford 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 Oxford know how to have a good time. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Is Thessaloniki or Oxford Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

Thessaloniki is a good spot to see the beach. 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.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Oxford?

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Thessaloniki or Oxford Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Oxford.

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 Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Thessaloniki or Oxford Better for Couples?

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

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Thessaloniki is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Thessaloniki or Oxford Better for Students?

Oxford 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 Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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 Oxford Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Thessaloniki and Oxford.

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 Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Thessaloniki or Oxford a more walkable city?

Oxford 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.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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 Oxford Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oxford or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Oxford?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Oxford 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.

One day in Thessaloniki or Oxford?

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.

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this college town.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Oxford?

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.

Oxford 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 Oxford?

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.

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Oxford?

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.

Oxford 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Oxford?

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

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 Oxford in the Summer?

Both Oxford and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Oxford in the Autumn?

Both Oxford and Thessaloniki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Oxford in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Oxford fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

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

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Oxford in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Oxford. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Oxford can be very cold. In the winter, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Oxford. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Oxford averages at about 3°C (38°F).

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

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Oxford in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Oxford. The spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Oxford and Thessaloniki