A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 historic, vibrant, and high energy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Thessaloniki travel costs.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a scenic, world-famous, and spectacular national park. Plitvice Lakes National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Plitvice Lakes National Park travel costs.

Thessaloniki and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki. Although Thessaloniki and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, Thessaloniki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Thessaloniki is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Plitvice Lakes National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Thessaloniki is famous for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda.

How is Thessaloniki different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Thessaloniki is great for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Thessaloniki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thessaloniki is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Thessaloniki for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the nightlife. There are some bars near the park, but that's not why most visitors come to the area.

Is Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Thessaloniki is great for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Thessaloniki. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park More Beautiful?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Thessaloniki is not a destination known for its beauty.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Even with the crowds, this is a spectacular destination and a highlight of any trip to Croatia.

Thessaloniki is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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, Plitvice Lakes National Park is very family-friendly. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

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 Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both great destinations for backpackers.

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

Is Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Thessaloniki is very popular with students. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Is Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Thessaloniki is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Thessaloniki, you'll find food and shopping. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, many people enjoy the that this world-famous national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 national park.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Thessaloniki is a fun place to experience. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Thessaloniki. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

You'll find around the scenic destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The vibrant city of Thessaloniki offers nightlife and food. 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 a variety of activities to choose from.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Plitvice Lakes National Park, 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Thessaloniki