A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Bucharest for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Aegina or Bucharest?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Bucharest? 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.

Aegina

Aegina is a fun, active, and relaxing island. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a cultural, charming, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aegina and Bucharest: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Aegina or Bucharest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bucharest. Although Aegina and Bucharest are both popular with visitors, Bucharest has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bucharest is more popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Aegina is known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and small town charm. Aegina is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. It is also home to The Palace of Parliament.

How is Aegina different from Bucharest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Bucharest?

Aegina
Bucharest

Aegina is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Aegina. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.


Is the Food Better in Aegina or Bucharest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aegina
Bucharest

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Aegina and Bucharest can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Aegina area. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bucharest. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Aegina or Bucharest Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Bucharest

Aegina is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Aegina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Aegina or Bucharest Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Bucharest

Aegina is a good destination for the beache. However, Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Aegina offers a nice beach destination. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Bucharest is not a beach destination.


Is Aegina or Bucharest Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Bucharest

Bucharest is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Bucharest offers a nice historic old town area. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Bucharest?

Aegina
Bucharest

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bucharest and Aegina.

Many visitors go to Aegina to go shopping. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bucharest. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Aegina or Bucharest Better for Families?

Aegina
Bucharest

Aegina is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aegina. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.


Is Aegina or Bucharest Better for Couples?

Aegina
Bucharest

Aegina is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Aegina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Aegina or Bucharest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Bucharest

Aegina and Bucharest are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aegina. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Bucharest is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Aegina or Bucharest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aegina
Bucharest

Bucharest is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Bucharest offers a very effecient public transportation network. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

While Aegina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.


Is Aegina or Bucharest a more walkable city?

Aegina
Bucharest

Aegina and Bucharest both are good when exploring on foot.

Aegina is a somewhat walkable island. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

Bucharest is somewhat walkable. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Bucharest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bucharest or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Bucharest?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aegina and Bucharest. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bucharest than in Aegina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bucharest.

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

Couples should spend more time in Aegina than Bucharest. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aegina that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aegina than Bucharest 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 Aegina.


  • How many days in Aegina or Bucharest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Bucharest 1-3

One day in Aegina or Bucharest?

You'll find shopping and museums around the island of Aegina. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aegina has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bucharest. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Aegina or Bucharest?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Aegina. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Bucharest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Aegina or Bucharest?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing island of Aegina. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Aegina or Bucharest?

Aegina is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Bucharest. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.


Which place is cheaper, Bucharest or Aegina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aegina is €92, while the average daily cost in Bucharest is €129. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aegina and Bucharest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Bucharest 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Bucharest 118
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Bucharest

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Bucharest? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aegina


Hotels in Bucharest


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aegina Hotel Prices and Bucharest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Bucharest 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Bucharest to Drobeta Turnu Severin - Private Transfer - Driver and Car: $207
  • ATV Adrenaline Race in Carpathian with Private Transfer: $141
  • Airport Bucharest Transfer: $54
  • Airport Henri Coanda (Otopeni) to Bucharest - Private Transfer - Driver: $43
  • Airport Private Transfer - to or from any Bucharest hotel: $64
  • Airport Transfer Bucharest - Brasov ,Brasov- Bucharest: $65
  • Airport to Bucharest - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda Airport OTP Otopeni : $43
  • Airport to Bucharest /Private Transfer from OTP Henri Coanda: $39
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bucharest Airport OTP to Brasov in Business Car: $147
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Bucharest Airport OTP to Bucharest City: $65
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Bucharest Airport OTP to Bucharest City: $51
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Bucharest Airport OTP to Bran Castle of Dracula: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Bucharest?

Prices for flights to both Bucharest and Aegina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aegina 34
    Bucharest 54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.

  • Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $53
  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
  • Cooking Class traditional food: $65
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
  • Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $75
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $84
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $86
  • Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $98
  • Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $141
  • Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $182
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Bucharest 14

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour Reyes y Palacios Bucarest: $11
  • Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $13
  • Communism Walking Tour from Lenin to Ceausescu in Bucharest: $13
  • A Tale of Bucharest Old Town Walking Tour: $16
  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $17
  • Calea Victoriei and Old Town Highlights Tour: $19
  • Parliament Palace Skip-the-line Ticket: $20
  • Palace of Parliament Bucharest 1 Hour Guided Tour: $21
  • Virtual Reality Experience: $21
  • Buchaest: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, & Brasov Old Town Tour: $21
  • Guided Tour at museum Casa Storck: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Bucharest 8.61

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
  • Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
  • From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $37
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
  • Romanian Wine Tasting: $49
  • Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $51
  • Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $57
  • Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
  • Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $84


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aegina and Bucharest, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Aegina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aegina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aegina 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest than you might in Aegina.

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


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Bucharest?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Bucharest, 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 Aegina or Bucharest?

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 Aegina or Bucharest in the Summer?

Both Bucharest and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aegina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Bucharest. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 27°C (81°F), and Bucharest fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Bucharest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 289 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aegina usually receives less rain than Bucharest. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Bucharest in the Autumn?

Both Bucharest and Aegina during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Aegina because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.

Aegina is much warmer than Bucharest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bucharest fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the autumn, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 177 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets more rain in October than Bucharest. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Bucharest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Bucharest. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bucharest. In the winter, Aegina is much warmer than Bucharest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aegina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Bucharest averages at about -1°C (29°F).

Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 71 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aegina usually receives more rain than Bucharest. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Bucharest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Bucharest. Many travelers come to Aegina for the beaches and the small town charm. Additionally, many visitors come to Bucharest in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Bucharest. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Bucharest fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the spring, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 185 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Bucharest. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bucharest and Aegina

Aegina Bucharest
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)