As a backpacker, choosing between Sofia and Thessaloniki depends on your budget, interests, and desired atmosphere. Both cities offer rich history and vibrant culture.
Which City Has a Lower Estimated Daily Budget?
Sofia generally offers a lower estimated daily budget for backpackers. A backpacker can typically expect to spend an estimated €30-50 per day in Sofia, including accommodation, food, and local transport.
Thessaloniki tends to be slightly more expensive, with an estimated daily budget ranging from €40-65 per day. While still affordable by Western European standards, costs for food and some attractions can be marginally higher than in the Bulgarian capital.
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?
In Sofia, a bed in a well-regarded hostel dormitory typically ranges from an estimated €15-25 per night. Budget guesthouses can also be found in a similar range or slightly higher.
For Thessaloniki, hostel dormitory beds usually cost an estimated €18-30 per night. Private rooms in budget accommodations may start from around €40-60.
What Are the Estimated Food & Dining Expenses?
Sofia offers very budget-friendly dining. A local meal in a traditional restaurant (mehana) can be found for an estimated €5-12. Street food like banitsa and borek is even cheaper, often just €1-3. An estimated daily food budget could be €10-20.
Thessaloniki boasts a renowned culinary scene. Meals at local tavernas can range from an estimated €8-18, especially for seafood or meze platters. Gyros and other street food options are affordable at €3-6. A daily food budget could be €15-25.
How Do Transportation Costs Differ?
Local public transport in both cities is generally inexpensive. In Sofia, a single metro or bus ticket is typically around €0.80-€1.60, with daily passes for an estimated €4-5. An estimated daily transport budget is €2-5.
In Thessaloniki, a single bus ticket costs approximately €1.00-€1.20, with daily passes around €4-5. An estimated daily transport budget is €3-7.
Which City Offers a Different Vibe & Attractions?
Sofia presents a unique blend of ancient Roman ruins, grand Soviet-era architecture, and vibrant Orthodox cathedrals like the Aleksander Nevski. It has a more rugged, authentic feel, with easy access to Vitosha Mountain for hiking. Spring and fall typically offer lower prices and pleasant weather.
Thessaloniki is a historic port city with a strong Mediterranean influence. It’s famous for its Byzantine monuments, the White Tower, and a lively waterfront promenade. The food scene is a major draw, and the city generally feels more vibrant and open. Spring and fall are ideal for avoiding summer crowds and heat, potentially with better deals on accommodations.
Both cities offer free walking tours and numerous free attractions (churches, parks). Backpackers can leverage tools like AllInMap to find free amenities such as Wi-Fi spots or public restrooms, further optimizing their budget. Overall, backpackers typically spend an estimated €35-55/day in many European cities, and both Sofia and Thessaloniki can fit within this range with careful budgeting.
