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

Should you visit Athens or Bergamo?

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 Bergamo. 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. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a beautiful, under-rated, and historical city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Bergamo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Bergamo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more touristy than Bergamo and 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. Bergamo is popular for its historical buildings and beautiful squares.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergamo. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Bergamo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

Is Athens or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergamo. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Is Athens or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bergamo has an old town worth visiting. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Bergamo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Bergamo both offer plenty of good 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.

Bergamo is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Is Athens or Bergamo Better for Families?

Athens is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Bergamo is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is a very kid-friendly city. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is Athens or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Athens and Bergamo 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.

Bergamo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Is Athens or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Bergamo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Is Athens or Bergamo Better for Students?

Athens is notable for students. Also, Bergamo 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 Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

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

Athens is notable for its public transit. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Athens has some very good public transit options. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Bergamo has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

Is Athens or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Athens and Bergamo are great 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.

Bergamo is very walkable. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Athens?

How long in Athens or Bergamo?

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

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

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

A weekend in Athens or Bergamo?

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.

Bergamo 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 Bergamo?

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 Bergamo. 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 Bergamo?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Bergamo. 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 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Bergamo?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bergamo. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Bergamo, 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 Bergamo?

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 Bergamo in the Summer?

Both Bergamo 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. Also, most visitors come to Bergamo for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Bergamo. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Bergamo fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Bergamo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Bergamo. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 286 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Bergamo. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Bergamo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Bergamo. 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 Bergamo because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Bergamo during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bergamo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Bergamo. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Bergamo in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Bergamo in the winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Bergamo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Bergamo averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Bergamo. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 98 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Bergamo. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Bergamo in the Spring?

Both Bergamo 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 Bergamo for the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally a little warmer than Bergamo. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergamo fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Bergamo during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Bergamo. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergamo and Athens