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

Should you visit Athens or Belfast?

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 Belfast. 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 historic, ancient, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.

Athens and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Belfast?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Belfast. Athens is bigger than Belfast, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is more touristy than Belfast 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. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Athens is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Athens is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Athens or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Athens or Belfast Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Belfast?

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

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Athens or Belfast Better for Families?

Athens is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Athens or Belfast Better for Couples?

Athens is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Athens or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Athens or Belfast Better for Students?

Athens is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Athens is a great city to visit as a student. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Athens is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Athens or Belfast a more walkable city?

Athens is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Athens?

How long in Athens or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Belfast. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

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

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 shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Belfast?

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.

Belfast 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 Belfast?

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 Belfast. 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 Belfast?

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 nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Belfast. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Belfast?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Belfast, 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 Belfast?

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 Belfast in the Summer?

Both Belfast and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Athens is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Belfast averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Belfast. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Belfast in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Belfast. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Belfast. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Belfast in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Belfast. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. Athens is much warmer than Belfast in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Belfast. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Belfast in the Spring?

Both Belfast and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Belfast averages at about 8°C (46°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Belfast. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Athens