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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews? 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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a quaint, peaceful, and historic university town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Thessaloniki and Saint Andrews: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Saint Andrews, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Thessaloniki is better known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Saint Andrews is more popular for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

How is Thessaloniki different from Saint Andrews?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Thessaloniki can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Saint Andrews both to be very good 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 Saint Andrews is an experience not to be missed. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

Thessaloniki offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews Better for Beaches?

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

Saint Andrews is a good option for a beach vacation. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

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 Saint Andrews Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Saint Andrews is a good destination for hiking. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Thessaloniki and Saint Andrews.

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 Saint Andrews. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Is Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews.

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 Saint Andrews. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Is Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews Better for Couples?

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

Saint Andrews makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

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 Saint Andrews Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town 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.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews Better for Students?

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Thessaloniki and Saint Andrews.

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 Saint Andrews, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Is Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki and Saint Andrews are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Andrews Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Andrews or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki than Saint Andrews because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint Andrews.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Thessaloniki. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Saint Andrews 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 university town.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Thessaloniki. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint Andrews 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 Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Thessaloniki and Saint Andrews, we can see that Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Saint Andrews, 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 Saint Andrews?

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 Saint Andrews in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Saint Andrews. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is much warmer than Saint Andrews in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Saint Andrews. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 184 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Saint Andrews. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews in the Autumn?

Both Saint Andrews and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Saint Andrews. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Saint Andrews during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Saint Andrews. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews in the Winter?

Both Saint Andrews and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint Andrews can be very cold. In January, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Saint Andrews. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 58 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Saint Andrews. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Saint Andrews in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Saint Andrews. The spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year.

Thessaloniki is much warmer than Saint Andrews in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Saint Andrews during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Saint Andrews. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint Andrews and Thessaloniki