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

Should you visit Athens or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. 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.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a historical, elegant, and charming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Bordeaux?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Bordeaux, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Bordeaux is known for its shopping and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Athens and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. 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.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Bordeaux 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, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Is Athens or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Athens or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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 Bordeaux Better for Families?

Athens is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Athens or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

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

Bordeaux is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Athens or Bordeaux Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Bordeaux are superb places to visit.

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

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Athens and Bordeaux both offer superb 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 Bordeaux is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Athens or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Athens and Bordeaux are superb 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.

Bordeaux is very walkable. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Athens?

How long in Athens or Bordeaux?

In either Athens or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Bordeaux because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Athens or Bordeaux?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Bordeaux?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Bordeaux?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Bordeaux. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Bordeaux?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Bordeaux. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Bordeaux. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Athens is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Athens