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

Should you visit Athens or Avignon?

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 Avignon. 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.

Avignon

Avignon is a quaint, charming, and scenic town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Athens and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Avignon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Avignon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is very popular for its nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Avignon attracts visitors for its 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. Avignon is famous for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Avignon and Athens.

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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Avignon that are not to be missed. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Avignon 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, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

Is Athens or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Athens is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Athens or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Athens and Avignon.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. 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.

The rich history of Avignon can be explored in its historical center. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Avignon?

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

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Athens or Avignon Better for Families?

Athens is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Athens or Avignon Better for Couples?

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

Avignon is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

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 Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Athens or Avignon Better for Students?

Athens is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Athens is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Athens or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Avignon is a very easy town to get around on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Athens?

How long in Athens or Avignon?

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

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

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

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.

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Avignon?

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.

Avignon 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Avignon, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon than you might in Athens.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Avignon?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Avignon. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

Athens is a little warmer than Avignon in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Avignon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon 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 Avignon during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Avignon. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Avignon. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Avignon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Avignon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Avignon. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Avignon. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Avignon. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Avignon. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the small town charm during these months.

Athens is a little warmer than Avignon in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Avignon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Avignon, 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 Avignon. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Athens