Thessaloniki is a historic city known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Thessaloniki that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Thessaloniki?
You should plan to spend around $187 (€165) per day on your vacation in Thessaloniki. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $82 (€72) on meals
- $15 (€13) on local transportation
- $180 (€159) on hotels
A one week trip to Thessaloniki for two people costs, on average, $2,624 (€2,310). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,312
€1,155
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,624
€2,310
-
One Month
Per person
$5,624
€4,950
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,624
€2,310
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,249
€4,620
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,247
€9,900
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Thessaloniki cost?
A one week trip to Thessaloniki usually costs around $1,312 (€1,155) for one person and $2,624 (€2,310) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Thessaloniki on average costs around $2,624 (€2,310) for one person and $5,249 (€4,620) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Thessaloniki will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Thessaloniki on average costs around $5,624 (€4,950) for one person and $11,247 (€9,900) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Thessaloniki expensive to visit?
Thessaloniki is a popular city that draws numerous visitors, each showcasing different travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Thessaloniki can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $81 (€72) per day, mid-range travelers spend $185 (€165) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $354 (€315) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Thessaloniki.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Thessaloniki is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Calais or Kos.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Thessaloniki Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Thessaloniki?
The average Thessaloniki trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Thessaloniki travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Thessaloniki cost?
Thessaloniki on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$39
(€35)
|
$90
(€79)
|
$172
(€152)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$7
(€5.84)
|
$15
(€13)
|
$29
(€25)
|
|
Food2
|
$36
(€32)
|
$82
(€72)
|
$157
(€138)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$13
(€11)
|
$30
(€26)
|
$57
(€50)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$4-11
(€3-10)
|
$8-25
(€7-22)
|
$16-48
(€14-42)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Thessaloniki. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
The Truth on Budget Travel
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $81 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Thessaloniki has plenty of hostels such as Thessaloniki Studios Arabas, Zeus is Loose Hostel, and RentRooms Thessaloniki. At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities. Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Thessaloniki, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Many who visit Thessaloniki will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $185 per person, per day.
Thessaloniki offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. The Caravan is an excellent option for kids, and Orestias Kastorias is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Thessaloniki here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $354. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Best of Thessaloniki: Private Guided Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Thessaloniki
Hotel rates in Thessaloniki vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (summer) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $62 to $116. Expect prices to range from $40 for budget hotels to $205 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Thessaloniki for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $180 (€159). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $90 (€79) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Thessaloniki include:
- Colors Urban Hotel Thessaloniki starting at $75
- Egnatia Palace Hotel & Spa starting at $72
- Anatolia Hotel Thessaloniki starting at $53
- The Caravan starting at $84
- Park Hotel Thessaloniki starting at $55
The effecient public transportation in Thessaloniki allows for cheaper accommodations outside the city, but commuting might take a bite out of your travel budget and time.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip summer), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Thessaloniki
In Thessaloniki, the public transportation system covers key attractions. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs. If you want to save money and get around efficiently, public transit works well when it's near your stop. Taxis and rideshares are readily available across town, too.
Thessaloniki is quite walkable in certain areas, making it easier to explore various sights. You can explore much of the city center on foot.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $15 (€13) per person, per day, on local transportation in Thessaloniki. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Thessaloniki is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
€13
Greek Island Ferry Tickets
You'll likely find yourself using the public bus system to make your way around the city most of the time. You can purchase your tickets ahead of time at a kiosk, or, if you have exact change, you can buy them from the driver. You really have three ticket options. The one way ticket costs 80 cents and is good for one trip. You can get a two journey ticket for 90 cents. This is good for two trips in a ninety minute period. There's also the option of a day pass for four euros. This will give you unlimited trips during that time period.
Check that your hotel has accessible parking if you're planning on driving.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Port to Thessaloniki hotels for $43 details
- Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Oceania Hotel Private Transfer for $93 details
How much does it cost to go to Thessaloniki? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Thessaloniki will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Thessaloniki
The food scene in Thessaloniki is incredible, so be sure to spend time tasting all the local dishes. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Thessaloniki can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Thessaloniki is $82 (€72) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$82
€72
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Thessaloniki is around $81 (€72) per person, with previous travelers spending from $35 to $155. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Thessaloniki are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $24
- Lunch: $12 to $32
- Dinner: $24 to $57
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $12
Thessaloniki cuisine makes use of a lot of spices. The food is excellent and there are a lot of local specialties that you should try. Sweets are particularly popular and favorites include Tsoureki, a plaited sweetened bread, Baklava, Bougatsa and Galaktoboureko. If you're interested in purchasing some local food specialties, head to Modiano market. Here you'll find sweetened breads, baklava, pastries and desserts. They are all quite delicious and many are freshly made.
Meat dishes include gyros and souvlaki. There are many affordable places around the city that serve these favorites for a cheap price. Other options are soutzoukakia, which is a minced meat that is grilled and served with pepper flakes, and Patsas, which is a tripe soup.
In general tavernas and restaurants are reasonably priced with good quality food. It is worth eating out while you're in town because the atmosphere, cuisine, and experience is worth the cost.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Thessaloniki. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Thessaloniki Food Tour with a Local Chef for $128 details
- 5 Hours Private Cooking Classes in Langadas Thessalonikis for $174 details
- Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch for $103 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Thessaloniki
It's not surprising that visitors come to Thessaloniki, as it offers museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and budget-friendly accommodations.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Thessaloniki typically cost an average of $30 (€26) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$30
€26
There are a good number of historic sights worth visiting throughout the city. Head to the northern side of the city where the Byzantine walls are still standing. You should also visit the White Tower, which dates back to the 16th century and is an important landmark for the city. There's also a great seafront promenade that is enjoyable to walk down. The entire promenade covers a length of 12 kilometers in its entirety. Make sure you head to the upper town where you can see traditional old houses, quaint cobbled streets, a Byzantine citadel, and the Eptapyrgion fort. There is also no shortage of museums and galleries throughout the city, many of which are quite impressive and informative.
Many people head to Thessaloniki for its atmosphere. There are many cafes, clubs, and bars around town so it's worth relaxing and soaking up the city's character. The city has a good nightlife as well, so there are not shortage of activities late into the evening. Concerts are popular throughout the year. Also make sure you take a walk down the promenade. This is a great area to people watch and get a feel for the city.
Museums and Attractions:
Thessaloniki is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. 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.
Shopping:
Shopping in this area is a must-do experience. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Thessaloniki. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Upper Town Historical Tour Experience at Greece for $128 details
- Half Day Food and Walking Tour with Tastings in Thessaloniki for $80 details
- Thessaloniki : Sunset Cruise for $157 details
Nightlife Budget in Thessaloniki
The nightlife in Thessaloniki is vibrant and lively, with visitors reveling in evenings spent at local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $17 (€15) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Thessaloniki per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
€15
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
When you're out at night and drinking, be aware of what's going on around you. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so it's safest to stay in groups.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Thessaloniki. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Northern Greece Wine Tasting Tour in Kavala for $93 details
- Friday Night Pub Crawl in Thessaloniki, Greece for $25 details
- Private Day Trip to Petralona Cave and Afytos with Wine Tasting for $139 details
Travel cost data last updated: Apr 23, 2025
Traveling in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Cathedral
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Thessaloniki is a haven for culture in Greece. There are many popular festivals throughout the year, and it's considered a party city with a young vibe. Regardless of what your travel preferences are, this city really has it all, including excellent food, plenty of history and culture, as well as an active nightlife.
The city's climate is humid subtropical. The winters are generally dry with a significant amount of fog. Temperatures may drop down to -10 degrees Celsius, and there is often wind. The summers can be hot and humid. Temperatures generally reach about 30 degrees Celsius and rain is rare. When it does rain, it is most often in the form of thunderstorms.
Neighborhoods & Around
Thessaloniki is divided into a variety of different neighborhoods, each with its own character and atmosphere. Some of the more interesting neighborhoods include the beach promenade, which is a popular place to hang out. It's lined with cafes and bars and is a great place to enjoy a walk. It's also a popular area for nightlife. Aristotle Square is at the center of the city, close to the waterfront. It's the most famous square in the city and is surrounded by interesting architecture and restaurants. Old Town Ano Poli is to the north of the modern town. This area used to be the Turkish and Jewish Quarter. Today it's an interesting place to walk around. On the western side of the port is Ladadika. It's a popular area for nightlife and it has a variety of cafes and restaurants. Egnatia has many historic sites including the Roman Agora and the Palace of Galerius. Navarino Square is also at the center of town and is a popular place to hang out in the evening.
Related:
Looking for a party in Athens or Istanbul?
Traveling alone to Athens or Santorini?
Find a Contiki tour to Europe.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.