A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Thiva (Thebes) vs. Thessaloniki for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Thiva (Thebes) and Thessaloniki can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) is a authentic, vibrant, 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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Thiva (Thebes) and Thessaloniki: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Thiva (Thebes), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Thiva (Thebes) and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda. Thiva (Thebes) is well known for its standing as one of the oldest cities in the world.

How is Thiva (Thebes) different from Thessaloniki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Thessaloniki and Thiva (Thebes). Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki?

Thiva (Thebes)
Thessaloniki

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Thiva (Thebes) and Thessaloniki.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Thiva (Thebes). The city is filled with archeological museums and sights that reflect its long-running history as one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Thessaloniki. 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.


Is the Food Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thiva (Thebes)
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Thessaloniki. 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.

Thiva (Thebes) is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a large city with restaurants that cater to locals and visitors alike. You can expect high quality ingredients at a fraction of the price that you'll find in more touristy areas.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki Better for Nightlife?

Thiva (Thebes)
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Thiva (Thebes) has a few options to choose from. The city is filled with lively cafes, bars, and pubs that spill out onto the city's vibrant squares.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki Better for Beaches?

Thiva (Thebes)
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a city with a few options for the beache. However, Thiva (Thebes) 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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki?

Thiva (Thebes)
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Thessaloniki is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Thiva (Thebes) has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the normal retail options around town. Many are in shopping centers and malls.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki Better for Families?

Thiva (Thebes)
Thessaloniki

Both Thiva (Thebes) and Thessaloniki are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thiva (Thebes). Kids who are interested in history will appreciate the many archeological ruins and museums in the city.

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.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki Better for Couples?

Thiva (Thebes)
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a city with good options for its romantic activities. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal 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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's often overlooked as a honeymoon destination in Greece but the history of this long-running city is unique. Today it's a large city but you can still catch glimpses of its past.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thiva (Thebes)
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a great destination for backpackers. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Thiva (Thebes) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so their aren't a lot of hostels in town.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki Better for Students?

Thiva (Thebes)
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a great destination for students. However, Thiva (Thebes) is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not popular with students.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Thiva (Thebes)
Thessaloniki

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Thiva (Thebes) and Thessaloniki.

You'll find some public transit in Thiva (Thebes), but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses in the area.

While Thessaloniki offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki a more walkable city?

Thiva (Thebes)
Thessaloniki

Thiva (Thebes) and Thessaloniki both are notable when exploring on foot.

Thiva (Thebes) is a somewhat walkable place. Some areas are more walkable than others.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Thiva (Thebes) Worth Visiting? and Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Thessaloniki or Thiva (Thebes)?

How long in Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki?

It's fun to spend time in either Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Thessaloniki due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Thiva (Thebes), and 2-4 days is enough time in Thessaloniki.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Thiva (Thebes) 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.


  • How many days in Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki? Ideal Length of Stay
    Thiva (Thebes) 1-2 
    Thessaloniki 2-4

One day in Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki?

In Thiva (Thebes), many people enjoy the food and shopping that this authentic city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Thessaloniki, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki?

Thiva (Thebes) is a fun place to experience. 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.

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Thiva (Thebes). 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki?

Thiva (Thebes) is a popular place to visit. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Thessaloniki. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki or Thiva (Thebes)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Thiva (Thebes) is €127, while the average daily cost in Thessaloniki is €134. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Thiva (Thebes) and Thessaloniki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thiva (Thebes) 61
    Thessaloniki 79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thiva (Thebes) 122
    Thessaloniki 158
Compare Hotels in Thiva (Thebes) and Thessaloniki

Looking for a hotel in Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Thiva (Thebes)


Hotels in Thessaloniki


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 37
    Thessaloniki 13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $436
  • One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Katerini - Litochoro: $80
  • One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $24
  • Private Airport Transfer in Macedonia: $67
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport : $105
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Halkidiki Area: $83
  • Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $241
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia to Kalithea: $111
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Ammon Zeus Hotel : $111
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to City Center: $54
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Pomegranate Hotel : $89
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort: $111

Is it cheaper to fly into Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki?

Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki and Thiva (Thebes) change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Thiva (Thebes) 41
    Thessaloniki 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $50
  • Traditional Greek Dinner in Galatsi: $62
  • Guided Food Tour: $71
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $72
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $85
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $85
  • Thessaloniki Gastronomy & Culture Walking Food Tour: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $88
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $88
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $89
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 26
    Thessaloniki 26

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Thessaloniki Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.66
  • Escape Game and Tour: $7.08
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.08
  • White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.70
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $11
  • Selfie Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Nestos River Zip Line Adventure: $11
  • Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $12
  • Thessaloniki Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Museum of Illusions Thessaloniki Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thiva (Thebes) 18
    Thessaloniki 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $84
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $93
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $94
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $211
  • Wine Touring a Step Away from the city: $218


When comparing the travel costs between Thiva (Thebes) and Thessaloniki, 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 Thiva (Thebes) Expensive? and Is Thessaloniki Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Thiva (Thebes). When comparing the sizes of Thiva (Thebes) and Thessaloniki, 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki?

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 Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki in the Summer?

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

Thiva (Thebes) is around the same temperature as Thessaloniki in the summer. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thiva (Thebes) this time of the year. In the summer, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Thiva (Thebes) gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in July than Thessaloniki. Thiva (Thebes) gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thiva (Thebes) 27°C (81°F) 
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

Both Thessaloniki and Thiva (Thebes) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Thiva (Thebes) is a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thiva (Thebes). Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during autumn. Thiva (Thebes) gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Thiva (Thebes) gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thiva (Thebes) 19°C (67°F) 
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

Both Thessaloniki and Thiva (Thebes) during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Thiva (Thebes) is generally much warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 10°C (51°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Thiva (Thebes) gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets more rain in January than Thessaloniki. Thiva (Thebes) gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thiva (Thebes) 10°C (51°F) 
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

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

Thiva (Thebes) is a little warmer than Thessaloniki in the spring. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Thiva (Thebes), it's very sunny this time of the year. Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during spring. Thiva (Thebes) gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Thiva (Thebes) gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thiva (Thebes) 16°C (60°F) 
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) Thessaloniki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)