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

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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

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.

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.

Is Athens or Bucharest Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Athens
Bucharest

Interesting museums and landmarks can be found in both Bucharest and Athens, but many consider Athens to be a step above.

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.

Bucharest is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Athens or Bucharest Better for Food?

Athens
Bucharest

Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Athens a bit more than Bucharest.

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 offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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
Bucharest

Most visitors prefer the nightlife in Athens.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bucharest. 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 Shopping?

Athens
Bucharest

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Bucharest both offer plenty of 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
Bucharest

Families may find more to do in Athens than Bucharest.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Bucharest is not the most family-friendly destination. 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
Bucharest

Athens and Bucharest both fun 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.

Bucharest is not the best destination for a couple to visit. 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
Bucharest

Travelers usually think of Athens as a better destination for backpackers than Bucharest.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Bucharest is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Public Transit?

Athens
Bucharest

Athens and Bucharest both offer 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
Bucharest

Athens and Bucharest are similar 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.

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


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 Bucharest.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Athens is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Bucharest is 1-3 days.


  • How many days in Athens or Bucharest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Athens 3-7 
    Bucharest 1-3

One day in Athens or Bucharest?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. 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. 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. 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. 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 less touristy destination of Bucharest. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Which city is cheaper, Bucharest or Athens?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €103, while the average daily cost in Bucharest is €104. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Bucharest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens €51
    Bucharest €48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens €102
    Bucharest €96
Compare Hotels in Athens and Bucharest

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Bucharest? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Athens


Hotels in Bucharest


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Athens Hotel Prices and Bucharest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens €22
    Bucharest €20
Typical Local Transportation prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    €6.40
  • Metro
    €1.50
  • Metro
    €2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    €8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    €35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ATHENS AIRPORT to ATHENS or vice versa PRIVATE LUXURY TRANSFERS: $62
  • Airport Transfer: $77
  • Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $59
  • Airport pick up taxi and minivans transfers ,tours and trips: $60
  • Airport transfer: $156
  • Ancient Olympia Taxi Transfer from Athens: $539
  • Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Van Athens Rafina Port to Athens City: $100
  • Athens & Sounio Taxi Multiple Destination Transfer: $311
  • Athens Airport Departure Private Transfer. Depart in Style!: $62
  • Athens Airport Departure Transfer (Athens Hotels to Athens Airport): $66
  • Athens Airport Departure Transfer: Athens Hotels to Athens Airport Shuttle Bus: $34
  • Athens Airport Private Departure Transfer: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Private Transfer to from Bucharest to Vienna City Austria Price/Car 1-8 Seats: $1,555
  • Private transfer from Bucharest to Istanbul price/car 1-4 seat: $941
  • Private Transfer from Bucharest to Budapest price/car 1-4 seat: $941
  • Private Transfer from Bucharest to Tirana Albania Price/Car 1-4 Seats: $941
  • Private Transfer to Budapest (Hungary) from Bucharest: $746
  • Private Transfer from Bucharest to Budapest: $684
  • Private Transfer from Bucharest to Thessaloniki Salonic GR Price/Car 1-4 Seats: $672
  • Private Transfer from Bucharest to Skopje, Macedonia de Nord Price/Car 1-4 Seats: $672
  • Private Transfer: Bucharest to Bucharest B. A. V. International Airport (BBU): $622
  • Private Transfer from Bucharest to Cluj City Untold and Electric Castle 1-8 Seat: $605
  • Private Transfer from Bucharest to Sofia (BG) with Van, Price/Car 1-8 Seat: $537
  • Private Transfer to Bucharest from Sofia (BG) with Van, Price/Car 1-8 Seat: $537

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Bucharest?

Prices for flights to both Bucharest and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Athens €30
    Bucharest €44
Typical Food prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    €3.00
  • Souvlaki
    €2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Online 1hr Cooking Class: Santorini Tomato Fritters: $6.22
  • Greek Meatballs Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Athens Private Food Tour with a Local: $42
  • Online Cooking Class: Greek mini cheese pies: $45
  • Street Culture & Food Tour: $56
  • Afternoon Food Tour: $56
  • Athens walking and tasting food tour.: $60
  • 4-Hour Cooking Class with Market Visit: $69
  • Homemade Gyros cooking class and dinner in Athens for private groups: $75
  • The Classic Food Tour: $76
  • Taste of Half-Day Small Group Food Tour: $77
  • Greek Phyllo and Pie Cooking Class in Athens: $77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.

  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $80
  • Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $199
  • Walking Food Tour in the Old Town of Bucharest: $199
  • Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $223
  • Private Dracula Castle Tour by night and Romanian traditional dinner: $331

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens €28
    Bucharest €11

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Athens virtual History, Philosophy and Democracy Tour: $6.22
  • Skip the Line: Frissiras Museum Entrance Ticket: $7.46
  • Skip the Line: War Museum of Athens Entrance Ticket: $7.46
  • Skip the Line: Temple of Olympian Zeus Entrance Ticket: $8.09
  • Skip the Line: Roman Agora of Athens Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • Athens Museum of Cycladic Art Admission Ticket: $8.71
  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket for Acropolis Museum: $9.33
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus: Self-Guided Audio Tour on your Phone (without ticket): $9.94
  • Skip the Line: Ancient Agora of Athens and Temple of Hephaestus Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Benaki Museum of Islamic Art Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Athens Museum of Illusions Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided City Experience: $12

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day - 4x4 Private Tour in Transylvania: $200
  • 1 Day 4x4 JEEP Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $129
  • 1 Day ATV and Buggy Tour Carpathian Mountains: $181
  • 1 Day Castles Tour - Sinaia and Bran: $149
  • 1 Day Communist Experience: $168
  • 1 Day Private Tour-Slanic Salt Mine, Mud Vulcanos & Wine Testing From Bucharest: $160
  • 1 Day Private Tour-Slanic Salt Mine, Mud Vulcanos - From Bucharest: $187
  • 1 day Cycling Tour from Bucharest - Biking The Roads Of History: $196
  • 1-Day Private Guided Tour: The Story of 40 Years of Communism in Romania: $158
  • 1-Day Private Tour - In the Footsteps of Communism - Execution Museum Included: $188
  • 1-Day Private Tour Constanta: The Ancient City of Tomis, Seaside Tour Included: $222
  • 10 days Small Group Balkans Tour from Bucharest with Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia: $2,115

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens €18
    Bucharest €6.95

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Athens Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $37
  • Virtual Greek Wine Tasting: $87
  • Athens Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $96
  • Wine tasting tour: $131
  • Wine Tasting and Athens Trikke Combo Tour: $133
  • The Best Winery & Tasting Tour in Nemea.Enjoy a unique all day wine tasting tour: $140
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience of Greek Awarded Wines in Athens: $148
  • Premium Wine Tour in Peloponnese -Ancient Corinthos, Nemea - the Land of Myth: $148
  • Athens Private Wine Tasting Tour - Dionysian Grapes: $149
  • Ancient Corinth & Nemea Wine Tasting (up to 15 in a Luxurious Mercedes Minibus): $151
  • Greek Private Wine Tasting: $166
  • Mercedes Private Full-Day Tour, Nafplio, Corinth Canal and Wine Tasting: $168

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $23
  • Wine Tasting Tour of Bucharest Old Town: $61
  • Wine Tasting Tour at First Wine Bar: $61
  • Private Wine Tasting at Bucharest's First Wine Bar: $65
  • Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting – 2.5 hours: $88
  • Traditions in Village Museum & Wine Tasting: $93
  • Bike & Wine tour in Dealu Mare wineland: $96
  • Wine tasting at the mansion, Dracula's grave from Snagov & Mogosoaia Palace: $100
  • Traditions in Village Museum and Wine Tasting Tour: $100
  • Romanian Wine Tasting: $106
  • Romanian Wine Tasting Experience: $113
  • Lacerta Crama Wine Tasting: $113

About these numbers

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.


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. Temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Bucharest stays 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F)

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 temperature in Athens is usually 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bucharest stays 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F)

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 are around 10°C (51°F), and Bucharest is 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F)

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. Temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Bucharest stays 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bucharest and Athens

Athens Bucharest
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)


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Athens vs. Bucharest Travel Comparison

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