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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Split?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Split? 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.

Split

Split is a touristy, fun-filled, and budget-friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Thessaloniki and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Split?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Split than Thessaloniki. While Thessaloniki is larger than Split, Split has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Split is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Thessaloniki is well known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections.

How is Thessaloniki different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Split specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Split both to be superb 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 Split is an experience not to be missed. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Thessaloniki or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split 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 Split just to party. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

Split is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Split is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Split is considered a top beach destination. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni 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 Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a popular place for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Split. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Split?

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

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 Split. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Is Thessaloniki or Split Better for Families?

Split 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, Split is very family-friendly. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Split Better for Couples?

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

Split makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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 Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split 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, Split is extremely popular for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

Both Thessaloniki and Split are superb destinations for students.

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Split is very popular with students. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

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

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

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 Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Thessaloniki or Split a more walkable city?

Split 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.

Split is a very walkable city. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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 Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Thessaloniki or Split. In our opinion, Split has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Split than Thessaloniki. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Split?

In Thessaloniki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Split, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this touristy city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Split is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Split?

Thessaloniki is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the touristy destination of Split. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the bustling destination of Thessaloniki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Split is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Thessaloniki and Split, we can see that Thessaloniki is more expensive. And not only is Split much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Split would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Split 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 Split.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Split?

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

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split 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 Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is cooler than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Split. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Split. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Split in the Winter?

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

In January, Thessaloniki is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Split. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Split in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Split. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Thessaloniki is cooler than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Split. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Split. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Thessaloniki