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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Sarajevo?

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

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

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a beautiful, overlooked, and quaint city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Sarajevo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sarajevo than Thessaloniki. Sarajevo is bigger than Thessaloniki, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Thessaloniki is more popular for its nightlife and beaches. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Sarajevo is well known for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. Also, Sarajevo is famous for The Old Town.

How is Thessaloniki different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Sarajevo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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

Sarajevo 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, Sarajevo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Thessaloniki has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Thessaloniki or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Thessaloniki. 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.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Sarajevo is revered around the world. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is Thessaloniki or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

People visit Sarajevo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Sarajevo?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Thessaloniki and Sarajevo.

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 Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is Thessaloniki or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Thessaloniki is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Thessaloniki or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Thessaloniki is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Thessaloniki or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Sarajevo are both superb 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.

Sarajevo is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

Is Thessaloniki or Sarajevo Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

Many students visit Thessaloniki. 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

Is Thessaloniki or Sarajevo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo can get you around easily. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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 Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki and Sarajevo are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Sarajevo?

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

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Sarajevo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Thessaloniki and Sarajevo, we can see that Thessaloniki is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Thessaloniki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Thessaloniki than you might in Sarajevo.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Thessaloniki during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Sarajevo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Thessaloniki is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Sarajevo. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Thessaloniki