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

Should you visit Athens or Budapest?

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 Budapest. 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 energetic, historic, and ancient 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Athens and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Budapest?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Athens than Budapest. While Budapest is larger than Athens, Athens has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Budapest is known for its shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. 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. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Athens are world-renowned. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Athens is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Athens has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Athens or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Athens is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Athens is a must-see party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Athens or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Athens is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Athens has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Budapest?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest Better for Families?

Athens is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Athens or Budapest Better for Couples?

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

Budapest is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Athens and Budapest are first-rate places to visit.

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.

Budapest is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Is Athens or Budapest Better for Students?

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

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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 Budapest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Budapest 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 Budapest can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest 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.

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Athens?

How long in Athens or Budapest?

In either Athens or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

One day in Athens or Budapest?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Budapest. 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 Budapest?

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.

Budapest 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest. 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 Budapest?

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 cultural big city of Budapest. 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 from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Budapest, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Budapest.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Budapest?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Budapest. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Athens is much warmer than Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Budapest. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Budapest. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Budapest. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Athens