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

Should you visit Athens or Antalya?

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 Antalya. 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 ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya

Antalya is a high energy, relaxing, and luxurious vacation spot. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Athens and Antalya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Antalya?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antalya. Although Athens and Antalya are about the same size, Antalya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Antalya is very popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Athens attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Athens and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also well known for Hadrian's Gate. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy.

How is Athens different from Antalya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Antalya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Athens or Antalya Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

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.

Is Athens or Antalya Better for Music?

Antalya is a good destination for its music scene. However, Athens 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.

Athens is not a live music destination.

Is Athens or Antalya Better for Resorts?

Antalya is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Athens 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.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Antalya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens 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.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Antalya Better for Beaches?

Antalya is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Athens 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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Antalya Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Is Athens or Antalya Better for Hiking?

Antalya is great for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Antalya for the hiking trails. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Antalya?

Antalya is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Antalya Better for Families?

Both Athens and Antalya are superb family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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

Is Athens or Antalya Better for Couples?

Antalya is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Antalya is a great vacation spot if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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

Is Athens or Antalya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Antalya. 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.

Is Athens or Antalya Better for Students?

Athens is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya 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.

Antalya is not popular with students.

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

Athens and Antalya both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit in Antalya is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Is Athens or Antalya a more walkable city?

Athens is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Antalya or Athens?

How long in Athens or Antalya?

In either Athens or Antalya, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Antalya because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-5 days is enough time in Antalya.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Antalya 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 Antalya?

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 live music and food when visiting the destination of Antalya. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Antalya?

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.

Antalya 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 Antalya?

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 Antalya. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Antalya?

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 vibrant destination of Antalya. This vacation spot offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 10-Day Tours in Turkey, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Antalya, 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Antalya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Antalya?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Antalya, 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 Antalya?

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 Athens or Antalya in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Antalya. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is around the same temperature as Antalya in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Antalya fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya 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 Antalya during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Antalya receives 376 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives more rain than Antalya. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Antalya in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Antalya. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Antalya in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Athens is around the same temperature as Antalya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Antalya averages at about 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets less sunshine than Antalya. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antalya receives 251 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Antalya. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Antalya in the Winter?

Both Antalya and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Antalya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Antalya. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Antalya fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Athens usually receives less sunshine than Antalya during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Antalya receives 161 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Antalya. In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Antalya. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Antalya in the Spring?

Both Antalya and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. 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 Antalya because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Athens is around the same temperature as Antalya in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Antalya fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antalya. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antalya receives 243 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Antalya and Athens