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

Should you visit Vilnius or Thessaloniki?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Thessaloniki. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a historic, religious, and surprising 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

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

Vilnius and Thessaloniki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Thessaloniki?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Thessaloniki is better known for its museums, food, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Vilnius is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Vilnius 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. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Thessaloniki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Vilnius or Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vilnius. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

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

Thessaloniki is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Vilnius or Thessaloniki Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Vilnius and Thessaloniki.

Vilnius has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

Thessaloniki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Vilnius or Thessaloniki Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a moderate city for the beache. However, Vilnius 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.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Vilnius or Thessaloniki Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius 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 Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Vilnius has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Is Vilnius or Thessaloniki Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Thessaloniki are notable family-friendly destinations.

Vilnius is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

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.

Is Vilnius or Thessaloniki Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Thessaloniki both notable destinations for a couple.

Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

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 Vilnius or Thessaloniki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Thessaloniki are superb destinations for backpackers.

Vilnius is a great city to visit for backpackers. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Is Vilnius or Thessaloniki Better for Students?

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

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.

Plenty of students visit Vilnius. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

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

Both Vilnius and Thessaloniki offer notable public transit options.

Vilnius has a few public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Vilnius or Thessaloniki a more walkable city?

Vilnius and Thessaloniki both are notable when exploring on foot.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Thessaloniki or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Thessaloniki?

It's fun to spend time in either Vilnius or Thessaloniki. In our opinion, Thessaloniki has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Thessaloniki than Vilnius. In general, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 2-4 days is enough time in Thessaloniki.

Families should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Vilnius. 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 Vilnius. 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Thessaloniki?

In Vilnius, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic 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.

In Thessaloniki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Vilnius or Thessaloniki?

Vilnius 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.

In Thessaloniki, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Thessaloniki has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Thessaloniki?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the religious destination of Vilnius. 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.

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Thessaloniki?

Vilnius 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Thessaloniki. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Thessaloniki?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Thessaloniki in the Summer?

Both Thessaloniki and Vilnius during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Vilnius is cooler than Thessaloniki in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vilnius. In the summer, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Thessaloniki. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Thessaloniki. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Thessaloniki. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Vilnius is much colder than Thessaloniki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Thessaloniki during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Thessaloniki. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Thessaloniki. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in January than Thessaloniki. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

Both Thessaloniki and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Vilnius is much colder than Thessaloniki in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Thessaloniki during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Vilnius