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

Should you visit Athens or Boston?

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 Boston. 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.

Boston

Boston is a traditional, classic, and proud city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Athens and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Boston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Boston than Athens. While Athens is larger than Boston, Boston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boston is better known for its theatre productions, music, beaches, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Athens is more popular for its food and nightlife. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Boston is well known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail.

How is Athens different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Boston 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 Boston that are not to be missed. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Is Athens or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is great for its shows and theatre. However, Athens is not a theatre destination.

Boston offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Athens is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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.

Boston has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Athens or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Boston 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.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Athens or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is a good destination for its music scene. However, Athens is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Athens is not a live music destination.

Is Athens or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is adequate for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Boston Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Boston can be explored in its historical center. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Boston?

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

Boston is a great destination for shopping. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Athens or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Athens does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is a very popular destination during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Athens does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Athens or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Athens does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston has a large number of Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Athens does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Athens or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Boston is very family-friendly. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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.

Is Athens or Boston Better for Couples?

Athens and Boston both notable 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.

Boston is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Athens or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Athens or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Boston is a very popular place to visit for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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

Boston is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Boston can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Is Athens or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston 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.

Boston is a very easy city to get around on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored 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 Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Athens?

How long in Athens or Boston?

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

Families should spend more time in Boston than Athens. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Boston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Boston?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Boston is a great place to explore. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Boston?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the traditional big city of Boston. This city 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 United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Boston?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Boston, 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 Boston?

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 Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Boston. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Boston. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Boston. 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. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Boston during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Boston. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Boston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Boston. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Boston can get quite cold in the winter. Athens is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

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

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Boston during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Boston. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Boston and Athens