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

Should you visit Antalya or Bucharest?

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

Should I visit Antalya 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a vibrant, high energy, and relaxing vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Bucharest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Bucharest?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Antalya than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Antalya, Antalya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Antalya is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bucharest is known for its big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Antalya different from Bucharest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antalya 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 Antalya. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

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 Antalya or Bucharest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Antalya is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Antalya. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Antalya or Bucharest Better for Nightlife?

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

Antalya is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

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 Antalya or Bucharest Better for Music?

Antalya is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Bucharest is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Bucharest is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Bucharest Better for Resorts?

Antalya is renowned for its resorts. However, Bucharest is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Antalya for its luxury resorts. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Bucharest is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Bucharest Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Bucharest Better for Beaches?

Antalya is renowned for the beache. However, Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Antalya offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Bucharest Better for its Old Town?

Antalya is well known for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Is Antalya or Bucharest Better for Hiking?

Antalya is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Bucharest?

Antalya is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Antalya make it a world-class shopping destination. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Antalya or Bucharest Better for Families?

Antalya is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Antalya is a very kid-friendly vacation spot. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

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 Antalya or Bucharest Better for Couples?

Antalya is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Antalya frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

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 Antalya or Bucharest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya is well known for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Antalya is a great vacation spot to visit for backpackers. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. 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 Antalya or Bucharest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Antalya and Bucharest.

Antalya offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bucharest. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Is Antalya or Bucharest a more walkable city?

Antalya and Bucharest are good when it comes to walkability.

Antalya is a somewhat walkable vacation spot. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bucharest or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Bucharest?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antalya and Bucharest. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Antalya than in Bucharest. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bucharest.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya 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 Antalya.

One day in Antalya or Bucharest?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vacation spot of Antalya. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Bucharest, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Antalya or Bucharest?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Antalya. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation spot has to offer. This vacation spot offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Bucharest, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bucharest has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Bucharest?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the cultural vacation spot of Antalya. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this vacation spot makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation spot has to offer.

Bucharest is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Bucharest?

Antalya is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bucharest. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Turkey, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.

When comparing the travel costs between Antalya and Bucharest, we can see that Antalya 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 Antalya Expensive? and Is Bucharest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Bucharest?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Antalya. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya or Bucharest?

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 Antalya or Bucharest in the Summer?

Both Bucharest and Antalya during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, 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, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Bucharest. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 28°C (83°F), and Bucharest fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the summer, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 289 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Bucharest. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Bucharest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Bucharest. The autumn months attract visitors to Antalya because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.

Antalya is much warmer than Bucharest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Bucharest fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during autumn. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antalya usually receives more rain than Bucharest. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antalya or Bucharest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Bucharest. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, 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, Antalya is much warmer than Bucharest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antalya in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Bucharest averages at about -1°C (29°F).

In the winter, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 71 hours of full sun.

Antalya receives a lot of rain in the winter. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Bucharest. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Bucharest in the Spring?

Both Bucharest and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bucharest in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Bucharest. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 16°C (62°F), and Bucharest fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during spring. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antalya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bucharest. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bucharest and Antalya