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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Zaragoza?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Zaragoza? 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.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a historical, compact, and authentic 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 Zaragoza: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Zaragoza?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than Zaragoza. While Zaragoza is larger than Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Thessaloniki is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Zaragoza is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Zaragoza and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also home to The Monument of Rotonda. Zaragoza is popular for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

How is Thessaloniki different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Zaragoza specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza is an experience not to be missed. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Thessaloniki or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Thessaloniki has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Thessaloniki or Zaragoza Better for Beaches?

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

Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Zaragoza?

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

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 Zaragoza. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

Is Thessaloniki or Zaragoza Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Zaragoza.

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 Zaragoza. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Thessaloniki or Zaragoza Better for Couples?

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

Zaragoza makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

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 Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is notable for backpackers. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Thessaloniki or Zaragoza Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is notable for students. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Plenty of students visit Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

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

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza can get you around easily. There are buses and trams around the city.

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 Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable.

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 Zaragoza Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Zaragoza?

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

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

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

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

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 Zaragoza, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historical 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 Zaragoza?

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.

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

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 cultural destination of Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza?

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.

Zaragoza 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Zaragoza. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zaragoza. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in July than Zaragoza. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

Both Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Zaragoza during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Zaragoza in the Winter?

Both Zaragoza 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zaragoza because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Thessaloniki is much colder than Zaragoza in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Zaragoza. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in January than Zaragoza. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Zaragoza in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Zaragoza. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zaragoza this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Zaragoza during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zaragoza. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Thessaloniki