Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Coimbra?
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 Coimbra. 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.
Where Should I go: Athens or Coimbra?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Coimbra €103
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is €103. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Coimbra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Coimbra €44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Coimbra €88
Compare Hotels in Athens and Coimbra
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Coimbra? 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.
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 Coimbra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Coimbra €11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- VipTransfer From /To Athens Airport - Lavrio Port : $208
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
- VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 8 persons: $142
- VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 4 persons: $89
- VIP Transfer services from/to Athens airport : $71
- VIP High Class Limos & Chauffeurs Transfer to Athens: $66
- VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $250
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens HTL-APT (ATH): $63
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens APT-HTL (ATH): $63
- Transfers and Guided Tours in all over Greece, sightseeing and Private hire!!: $93
- Transfer services from/to Athens Airport: $105
- Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens city centre hotel: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $146
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Coimbra?
Prices for flights to both Coimbra 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
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Food Meals for one dayAthens €37Coimbra €48
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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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:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $64
- Eat like an Athenian food tour of Athens: $64
- Oriental Kitchen Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Coimbra €18
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $181
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $151
- Athens Gems & Charms for the First Time Cruiser: $75
- Athens Private Day Tour Best place to visit: $273
- EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $174
- Essential Athens Highlights Half-Day Private Tour with Flexible Options: $260
- Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
- Highlights Athens History Tour: $36
- Private Full Day Tour in Delphi: $213
- Private Tour in Athens : $191
- Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $119
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $69
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coimbra: $76
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $76
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $130
- Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $133
- Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $253
- Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $43
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.42
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
- Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Coimbra €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Polykala Distillery showroom. A125 years of history along with liqueur tasting.: $15
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Athens Speakeasy & Alternative Bar Crawl: Discover Hidden Gems: $38
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- 1 Hour Private Four Greek Wine Tasting and Food Pairing in Athens: $44
- Organic and Vegan Indigenous Wine Tasting Private Experience: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $54
- Greek food and wine tasting: $54
- Wine Tasting with a Sommelier under the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Wine Tasting Experience in Portugal: $27
- Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $65
- Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $174
- Full-Day Private Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour from Coimbra: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Coimbra, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Coimbra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Coimbra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Coimbra 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 Coimbra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Coimbra?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Coimbra, 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 Coimbra?
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 Coimbra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Coimbra. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year.
Athens is a little warmer than Coimbra in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Coimbra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Coimbra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Athens or Coimbra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Coimbra. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Athens is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Coimbra averages at about 18°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Coimbra. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Coimbra 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Athens or Coimbra in the Winter?
Both Coimbra 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.
In January, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Athens usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Coimbra 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Athens or Coimbra in the Spring?
Both Coimbra 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.
Athens is around the same temperature as Coimbra in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Coimbra fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in April than Coimbra. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Coimbra 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Coimbra and Athens
| Athens | Coimbra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.