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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Verona?

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

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

Verona

Verona is a cultural, beautiful, and stunning city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Verona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Verona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than Verona. Thessaloniki is bigger than Verona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is better known for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Verona is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is well known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda. Verona is well known for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays.

How is Thessaloniki different from Verona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Verona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Verona both to be high quality 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 Verona is an experience not to be missed. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

Is Thessaloniki or Verona Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Thessaloniki has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Thessaloniki or Verona Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beache. However, Verona 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.

Verona is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Verona Better for its Old Town?

Verona is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Verona. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Verona?

Thessaloniki is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Verona to go shopping. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Thessaloniki or Verona Better for Families?

Thessaloniki is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Thessaloniki offers lots of family activities. 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Thessaloniki or Verona Better for Couples?

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

Verona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

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 Verona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Verona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

Is Thessaloniki or Verona Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Verona is a good city to visit for students. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

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

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

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 Verona, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. ATV operates buses through the city.

Is Thessaloniki or Verona a more walkable city?

Verona 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.

Verona is a very walkable city. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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 Verona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Verona or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Verona?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Verona, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this romantic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Verona?

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Verona 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 Verona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Verona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Verona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Verona 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 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Verona?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Verona. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Verona, 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 Verona?

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 Verona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Verona. The summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Verona this time of year.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Verona in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Verona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Verona this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Verona during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Verona. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Verona receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Verona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Verona. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Verona for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Verona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Verona averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Verona. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 137 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Verona. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Verona receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Verona in the Winter?

Both Verona and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Verona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Verona can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Verona. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Verona fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Verona during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Verona. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Verona receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Verona in the Spring?

Both Verona and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Verona for the natural beauty during these months.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Verona in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Verona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Verona. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 169 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Verona. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Verona receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Verona and Thessaloniki