A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Izmir vs. Thessaloniki for Food, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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.

Izmir

It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food. See Izmir travel costs.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Thessaloniki travel costs.

Izmir and Thessaloniki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Izmir or Thessaloniki?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than Izmir. While Izmir is larger than Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Izmir and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda. Izmir is famous for

How is Izmir different from Thessaloniki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Izmir does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Izmir does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Izmir and Thessaloniki both to be superb destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Izmir makes for a great culinary experience. Located on the coast, the city is known for its fresh seafood like grilled fish, calamari, and midye dolma (stuffed mussels). Kumru, a local sandwich made with sesame-crusted bread and filled with sucuk or cheese, is a must-try street food. Also popular are meze, which are small plates of appetizers like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and zeytinyağlılar (vegetables cooked in olive oil).

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.

Is Izmir or Thessaloniki Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is a great destination for nightlife. However, Izmir is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Izmir is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Izmir or Thessaloniki Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a city with a few options for its beaches. However, Izmir is not a beach destination.

Thessaloniki is a good spot to see the beach. 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.

Izmir is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Izmir or Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki is a great destination for shopping. However, Izmir is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Thessaloniki is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Izmir is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Izmir or Thessaloniki Better for Families?

Izmir is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Izmir is very family-friendly. A visit to Kültürpark, a large park in the city center, is perfect for children to enjoy playgrounds, open spaces, and even a small amusement park. The Izmir Wildlife Park, located just outside the city, is another great spot, where kids can explore and interact with a variety of animals in a natural setting. For an educational experience, the Izmir Natural History Museum provides fascinating exhibits on local wildlife and natural science. Families will also enjoy taking a boat ride on the Izmir Bay or visiting the Aqua City Water Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thessaloniki. 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 Izmir or Thessaloniki Better for Couples?

Izmir and Thessaloniki both nice destinations for a couple.

Izmir is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy walking along the scenic Kordon promenade at sunset or having a drink at a local cafe. You can also explore the Kadifekale Castle, which offers panoramic views of Izmir and is another great spot for watching the sunset together. Also popular is taking a boat tour around Izmir Bay, which lets you see the city from a different perspective.

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.

Is Izmir or Thessaloniki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Izmir and Thessaloniki are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Izmir. It's a popular stop off for backpackers who enjoy the cultural scene around town. There are many hostels to choose from, particularly in areas like Konak and Alsancak.

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

Is Izmir or Thessaloniki Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a great destination for students. However, Izmir is not popular with students.

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.

Izmir is not popular with students.

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

Izmir 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 Izmir can get you around easily. The public transit system is diverse and includes a metro with two lines, buses, ferries, and dolmuses (shared minibuses). In general, the system is reliable and affordable.

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 Izmir or Thessaloniki a more walkable city?

Izmir and Thessaloniki both are nice when exploring on foot.

Izmir is somewhat walkable. Some of the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods include Konak, Alsancak, and Kordon where you can easily walk between attractions, cafés, shops, and parks. The Kordon waterfront promenade is a popular place for strolling, jogging, or simply relaxing.

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

Should I spend more time in Thessaloniki or Izmir?

How long in Izmir or Thessaloniki?

It's fun to spend time in either Izmir or Thessaloniki. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Thessaloniki due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Izmir, and 2-4 days is enough time in Thessaloniki.

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

Couples should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Izmir. 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 Izmir 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 Izmir or Thessaloniki?

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In Izmir, many people enjoy the food that this offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Thessaloniki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this bustling destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Izmir or Thessaloniki?

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Izmir 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Izmir or Thessaloniki?

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You'll find food around the destination of Izmir. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Izmir or Thessaloniki?

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Izmir 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Thessaloniki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Izmir or Thessaloniki?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir 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 Izmir or Thessaloniki in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Thessaloniki. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Izmir this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 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 Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Thessaloniki. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Izmir or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

Both Thessaloniki and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions. Also, many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives around the same amount of rain as Thessaloniki. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Izmir or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

Both Thessaloniki and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Izmir in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Izmir is much warmer than Thessaloniki in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Thessaloniki. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Izmir or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Thessaloniki. Most visitors come to Izmir for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Izmir gets 45 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 Izmir