Comparison · Athens vs Thessaloniki · Greece
Athens vs Thessaloniki
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andrew Parlette, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Athens for Acropolis and Parthenon and Ancient Greek history; choose Thessaloniki for White Tower, Byzantine churches and lower day-to-day costs. Thessaloniki is generally less expensive, and the two are about 303 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 303 km
- Less expensive
- Thessaloniki
- Best time for Athens
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Thessaloniki
- May–June and September–October
Side by side
| Athens | Thessaloniki | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Greece | Greece |
| Known for | Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and Acropolis Museum | White Tower, Byzantine churches and Bougatsa |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | May–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $140–$260 | $110–$190 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Affordable |
| Warmest month | July, 33°C (91°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 13°C (55°F) | January, 9°C (48°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Edem Beach, Palaio Faliro | Kassandra peninsula |
| Airports | ATH | SKG |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Athens for…
Acropolis and Parthenon and Ancient Greek history. Athens wraps a sprawling modern capital around the Acropolis, whose Parthenon is visible from rooftops all over the centre. Most visitors stay in the walkable historic core of Plaka, Monastiraki, Koukaki and Syntagma, where the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient…
Choose Thessaloniki for…
White Tower, Byzantine churches and lower day-to-day costs. Thessaloniki, Greece's second city, curves around the Thermaic Gulf with a seafront promenade running for several kilometres from the port past the White Tower. Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman layers sit side by side: the Rotunda and Arch of Galerius, a ring of…
Top sights compared
| # | Athens | Thessaloniki |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acropolis and Parthenon | White Tower |
| 2 | Acropolis Museum | Rotunda of Galerius |
| 3 | Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus | Arch of Galerius (Kamara) |
| 4 | Plaka and Anafiotika | Church of Hagios Demetrios |
| 5 | Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch | Hagia Sophia |
Food compared
| Athens | Thessaloniki |
|---|---|
| Souvlaki and gyros | Bougatsa |
| Greek salad | Thessaloniki koulouri |
| Moussaka | Trigona Panoramatos |
| Koulouri | Mussels |
Which is cheaper?
Thessaloniki is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $110–$190 per person there, against $140–$260 in Athens (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Thessaloniki on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Athens and Thessaloniki are about 303 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Athens and 3 in Thessaloniki.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Athens or Thessaloniki cheaper?
Thessaloniki is usually less expensive: about $110–$190 a day mid-range against $140–$260 (estimates).
+Is Athens or Thessaloniki better for a first trip?
Pick Athens for Acropolis and Parthenon and Ancient Greek history, or Thessaloniki for White Tower, Byzantine churches and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Athens from Thessaloniki?
About 303 km in a straight line.