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

Should you visit Athens or Austin?

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 Austin. 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. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Athens travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping. See Austin travel costs.

Athens and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Austin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Austin are roughly the same size, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Austin is more popular for its music and hiking. Athens is more touristy than Austin 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. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Austin can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Is Athens or Austin Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is world-class in both Athens and Austin.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Austin is a world class party destination. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Is Athens or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Athens is not a live music destination.

Austin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Athens is not a live music destination.

Is Athens or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Austin 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.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Athens or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Austin?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Austin 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.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Athens or Austin More Beautiful?

Athens is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its scenery and beauty.

Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Is Athens or Austin Better for Families?

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

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Athens or Austin Better for Couples?

Athens and Austin 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.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Athens or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Athens or Austin Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Austin are great places to visit.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Austin is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Athens is a great destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Athens or Austin a more walkable city?

Athens is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options 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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Athens?

How long in Athens or Austin?

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

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

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Austin. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Austin?

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.

Austin 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 Austin?

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 Austin. 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 Austin?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting the unconventional destination of Austin. 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 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Austin, we can see that Athens 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. Even though Athens is in Europe and Austin is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Austin?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Austin, 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 Austin?

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 Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Austin. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Athens is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Austin. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Austin. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Athens is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Austin. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

Athens is around the same temperature as Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Athens often gets less sunshine than Austin. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Austin. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Austin. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Athens is cooler than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Austin. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Athens