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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Salzburg?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Salzburg? 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.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a musical, cultural, and recognizable city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Salzburg?

Both Salzburg and Thessaloniki have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Thessaloniki is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Salzburg is known for its music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections.

How is Thessaloniki different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Salzburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Salzburg 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 Salzburg is an experience not to be missed. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

Is Thessaloniki or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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 Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Thessaloniki or Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Salzburg Better for Beaches?

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

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Salzburg is revered around the world. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Salzburg?

Salzburg 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, Salzburg draws large crowds to its stores. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

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 Salzburg Better for Families?

Salzburg 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, Salzburg is very family-friendly. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

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 Salzburg Better for Couples?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Salzburg makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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 Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Salzburg are both very good 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.

Salzburg is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

Is Thessaloniki or Salzburg Better for Students?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

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

Salzburg is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Salzburg can get you around easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Salzburg a more walkable city?

Salzburg 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.

Salzburg is a very walkable city. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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 Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Salzburg?

In either Thessaloniki or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than Thessaloniki because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

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

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Salzburg?

The city of Thessaloniki offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Salzburg?

Thessaloniki is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Thessaloniki, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Salzburg is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Salzburg?

Thessaloniki is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this beautiful destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Salzburg?

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Salzburg 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Salzburg?

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

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 Salzburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Salzburg. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Salzburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Salzburg averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Salzburg. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Salzburg in the Autumn?

Both Salzburg 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 Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Salzburg in the Winter?

Both Salzburg 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 Salzburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Salzburg can be very cold. Thessaloniki is much warmer than Salzburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Salzburg fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Salzburg. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Salzburg in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Salzburg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

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

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Thessaloniki