A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Athens vs. Aegina for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Athens or Aegina?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Aegina. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aegina

Aegina is a active, relaxing, and vibrant island. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Athens and Aegina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Aegina?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Aegina are popular destinations, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Aegina attracts visitors for its beaches and small town charm. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Aegina is famous for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Aegina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Athens on the map. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Athens is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. 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.

Is Athens or Aegina Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Athens has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

The nightlife in Aegina has something for everybody. 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.

Is Athens or Aegina Better for Beaches?

Aegina is a good destination for the beach. However, Athens 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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Aegina Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Athens offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Aegina?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Aegina both offer plenty of nice spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Aegina is a great destination for shopping. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Is Athens or Aegina Better for Families?

Athens is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Aegina offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Athens or Aegina Better for Couples?

Athens and Aegina both nice destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Athens or Aegina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Aegina is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Athens or Aegina Better for Students?

Athens is a great destination for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Aegina is not popular with students.

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

Athens 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.

Athens offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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 Athens or Aegina a more walkable city?

Athens is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Aegina or Athens?

How long in Athens or Aegina?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Aegina to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Aegina because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Aegina.

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

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

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

One day in Athens or Aegina?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Athens or Aegina?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Aegina 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 Athens or Aegina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aegina. 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 Athens or Aegina?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun destination of Aegina. This island 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Aegina, we can see that Athens 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Aegina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Aegina?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Aegina, 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 Athens or Aegina?

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 Athens or Aegina in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Aegina. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aegina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is around the same temperature as Aegina in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Aegina fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aegina. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aegina receives 357 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Aegina. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Aegina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Aegina in the Autumn?

Both Aegina and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Aegina in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Athens is around the same temperature as Aegina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Aegina averages at about 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Aegina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aegina during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Aegina receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aegina. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aegina receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Aegina in the Winter?

Both Aegina and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Aegina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Aegina. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Aegina fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aegina. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aegina receives 143 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Aegina. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Aegina receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Aegina in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Aegina. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Aegina because of the beaches and the small town charm.

Athens is around the same temperature as Aegina in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Aegina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aegina during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Aegina receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aegina. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Aegina receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aegina and Athens