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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Pisa?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Pisa? 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Pisa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than Pisa. Thessaloniki is bigger than Pisa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is better known for its big city activities, while Pisa is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. 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. Pisa is well known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Thessaloniki different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Pisa both to be high quality 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 Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Thessaloniki or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Pisa have high quality 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 Pisa know how to have a good time. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Thessaloniki or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is a popular place for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Pisa is a good option for a beach vacation. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

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 Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa 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 Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Pisa?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Thessaloniki and Pisa.

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 Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Is Thessaloniki or Pisa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Pisa.

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 Pisa. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Thessaloniki or Pisa Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Pisa make for a notable place to visit.

Thessaloniki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Thessaloniki or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Pisa are both high quality 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.

Pisa is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Is Thessaloniki or Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa 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 Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Thessaloniki and Pisa.

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 Pisa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Thessaloniki or Pisa a more walkable city?

Pisa 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.

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place 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 Pisa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Pisa?

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

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

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Pisa?

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 Pisa, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this world-famous city offers. 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 Pisa?

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.

Pisa 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Pisa?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the world-famous destination of Pisa. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Pisa?

The historic 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.

Pisa 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Pisa?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Pisa. The summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pisa this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Pisa. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Pisa. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Thessaloniki is generally cooler than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Pisa. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Thessaloniki