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

Should you visit Athens or Bucharest?

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 Bucharest. 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a undiscovered, cultural, and charming 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.

Is there more to do in Athens or Bucharest?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Athens than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Athens, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is more touristy than Bucharest 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. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Bucharest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest 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 Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

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

Athens is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Athens or Bucharest Better for Nightlife?

Athens is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Athens or Bucharest Better for its Old Town?

Athens is renowned for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in 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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Bucharest?

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

Bucharest is a great destination for shopping. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Athens or Bucharest Better for Families?

Athens is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Athens or Bucharest Better for Couples?

Athens is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Athens makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Athens or Bucharest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bucharest 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Athens or Bucharest Better for Students?

Athens is well known for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

Athens and Bucharest both offer excellent 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 Bucharest is fairly effecient and thorough. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Is Athens or Bucharest a more walkable city?

Athens is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Athens is a very walkable city. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Bucharest or Athens?

How long in Athens or Bucharest?

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

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

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 Bucharest. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Bucharest?

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.

Bucharest 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 Bucharest?

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 Bucharest. 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 Bucharest?

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 undiscovered destination of Bucharest. 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 Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Bucharest, we can see that Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Bucharest?

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

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 Bucharest in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Bucharest. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Bucharest. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Bucharest fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bucharest. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 289 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Bucharest. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Bucharest in the Autumn?

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

Athens is much warmer than Bucharest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bucharest 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 Bucharest during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives more rain than Bucharest. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Bucharest in the Winter?

Both Bucharest and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bucharest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bucharest can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Bucharest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Bucharest averages at about -1°C (29°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 71 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in January than Bucharest. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Bucharest in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Bucharest. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bucharest for the activities around the city during these months.

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

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Bucharest. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bucharest and Athens