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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Rome?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Rome? 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.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Thessaloniki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Thessaloniki is known for its beaches. Rome is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections.

The Colosseum

How is Thessaloniki different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Rome are world-renowned. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Many visitors head to Thessaloniki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Rome 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, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome 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 Rome just to party. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome Better for Music?

Rome is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Rome. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Rome Better for Beaches?

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

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Rome?

Rome is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Rome draws large crowds to its stores. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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.

Is Thessaloniki or Rome Better for Families?

Rome 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, Rome is very family-friendly. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome Better for Couples?

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

Rome makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Rome is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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.

Is Thessaloniki or Rome Better for Students?

Rome 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 Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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

Rome is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Rome can get you around easily. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Rome?

Both Thessaloniki and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Thessaloniki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Rome?

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.

Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Rome?

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.

Rome is a fun place to experience. 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 Rome?

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

Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Rome?

The bustling 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.

Rome is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Thessaloniki and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Thessaloniki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Thessaloniki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Thessaloniki and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome than you might in Thessaloniki.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Rome Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Thessaloniki during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Rome, 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 Rome. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Rome. 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 Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Rome during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Rome. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Rome in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Rome. The winter months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

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

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Rome. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Rome averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Rome. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Thessaloniki