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

Should you visit Athens or Auxerre?

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 Auxerre. 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 energetic, historic, and ancient 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a undiscovered, authentic, and under-rated town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Athens and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Auxerre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Auxerre are popular destinations, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre attracts visitors for its small town charm. Athens is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Auxerre is famous for its food, wine, and art history.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Athens has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Athens or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination 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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Athens or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Auxerre?

Athens is very good for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Athens or Auxerre Better for Families?

Athens is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Athens or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Athens and Auxerre 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.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Athens or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination 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.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Athens or Auxerre Better for Students?

Athens is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with students.

Athens is very popular with students. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

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

Athens is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

The public transit in Athens can get you to most places easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Athens or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Athens is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Athens?

How long in Athens or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Auxerre 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 Auxerre.

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

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 food when visiting the destination of Auxerre. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Auxerre?

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.

Auxerre 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 Auxerre?

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 Auxerre. 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 Auxerre?

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 food and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Auxerre. This town 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Auxerre?

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

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 Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Auxerre in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is a little warmer than Auxerre in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Auxerre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Auxerre in the Autumn?

Both Auxerre and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Auxerre averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Auxerre. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Auxerre. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Auxerre can be very cold. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Auxerre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Auxerre. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

Athens is much warmer than Auxerre in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Auxerre. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Athens