A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Alesund for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Athens or Alesund?

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 Alesund. 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 historic, ancient, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Athens travel costs.

Alesund

Alesund is a scenic, laid back, and welcoming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Alesund offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Alesund travel costs.

Athens and Alesund: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Alesund?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Athens than Alesund, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Athens is more touristy than Alesund and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Alesund is well known for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alesund 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 Alesund?

Athens is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. 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.

Alesund offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Alesund has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

Is Athens or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Athens just to party. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is Athens or Alesund Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Alesund does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Athens is revered around the world. 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.

Alesund does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Alesund?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Alesund both offer plenty of notable 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.

Alesund is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Is Athens or Alesund More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of notable scenery and beauty in both Athens and Alesund.

Athens offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.

Alesund is a gorgeous place to visit. The architecture, viewpoints, and nearby fjords make this a great stop off on any Norwegian adventure.

Is Athens or Alesund Better for Families?

Athens is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is 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.

Alesund is a family-friendly city. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

Is Athens or Alesund Better for Couples?

Athens and Alesund both notable 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.

Alesund is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Is Athens or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.

Is Athens or Alesund Better for Students?

Athens is a well-known place for students. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Alesund. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

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

Athens is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Athens can move around easily with public transportation. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Alesund has some public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

Is Athens or Alesund a more walkable city?

Athens is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Alesund is a somewhat walkable place. The city center can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Athens?

How long in Athens or Alesund?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Alesund. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Alesund. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-3 days is enough time in Alesund.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Alesund. 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 Alesund. 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 Alesund 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 Alesund?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Alesund. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Alesund?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Alesund 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 Alesund?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alesund. 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 Alesund?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Alesund. 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Alesund, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Alesund much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alesund would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alesund 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 Alesund.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Alesund?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Alesund, 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 Alesund?

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 Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Athens is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Alesund averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Alesund. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Alesund in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Alesund. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alesund in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Alesund. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Alesund. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Alesund can be very cold during winter. Athens is much warmer than Alesund in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Alesund. Athens usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Alesund in the Spring?

Both Alesund and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Alesund because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

The weather in Alesund can be very cold. In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Alesund averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Alesund. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Alesund and Athens