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

Should you visit Athens or Canberra?

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 Canberra. 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 ancient, vibrant, and energetic 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Athens and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Canberra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Canberra, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Canberra is known for its hiking. Athens is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Canberra is popular for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Many visitors head to Canberra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

Athens is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Athens is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Dining out in Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Athens or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Athens is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Athens or Canberra Better for its Old Town?

Athens is terrific for its old town. However, Canberra does not have a historic old town.

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.

Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Is Athens or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Canberra is a good destination for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Canberra offers some nice hiking trails. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Canberra?

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

Canberra is a great destination for shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Athens or Canberra Better for Families?

Both Athens and Canberra are superb family-friendly destinations.

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.

Canberra is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Athens or Canberra Better for Couples?

Athens and Canberra both good 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.

Canberra is a nice destination for couples. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Athens or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Athens is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Athens or Canberra Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Canberra 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.

Canberra is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

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

Athens is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Athens has some very good public transit options. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

You'll find some public transit in Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Athens or Canberra a more walkable city?

Athens is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Athens?

How long in Athens or Canberra?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Canberra. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Canberra. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-3 days is enough time in Canberra.

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

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 Canberra. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Canberra?

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.

Canberra 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 Canberra?

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 Canberra. 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 Canberra?

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 under-rated destination of Canberra. 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 Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Canberra, 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. Even though Athens is in Europe and Canberra is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Canberra?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Athens has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Athens or Canberra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Canberra. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Canberrain January. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Canberrain January. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Canberra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Canberra. 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 Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Athens is a little warmer than Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Canberra. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Canberrain April. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Canberra in the Winter?

Both Canberra and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Athens is around the same temperature as Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

In January, Athens usually receives around the same amount of rain as Canberrain July. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. 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 Canberra because of the activities around the city.

In April, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Canberrain October. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Athens