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

Should you visit Athens or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore. 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. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Baltimore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Baltimore, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Baltimore is known for its shopping. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Athens or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Athens or Baltimore Better for its Old Town?

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

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Baltimore?

Baltimore is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore Better for Families?

Both Athens and Baltimore are high quality 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.

Baltimore is a very family-friendly place to visit. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Athens or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Athens and Baltimore both good 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.

Baltimore is a nice destination for couples. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Athens or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Athens or Baltimore Better for Students?

Athens is well known for students. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Athens and Baltimore both offer high quality 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 Baltimore is fairly effecient and thorough. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Is Athens or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Athens and Baltimore are high quality when it comes to 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.

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Athens?

How long in Athens or Baltimore?

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

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

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A weekend in Athens or Baltimore?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Baltimore. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Baltimore is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Baltimore?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

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 Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Baltimore. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Baltimore in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Baltimore. Athens usually gets less rain in July than Baltimore. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Baltimore in the Autumn?

Both Baltimore and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Athens is a little warmer than Baltimore in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Baltimore during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Baltimore averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In the winter, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baltimore. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Baltimore. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Baltimore in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Baltimore. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

In April, Athens is generally a little warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore 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 Baltimore during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Athens