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

Should you visit Athens or Copenhagen?

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 Copenhagen. 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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a welcoming, relaxed, and beautiful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Copenhagen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Copenhagen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Athens than Copenhagen. While Copenhagen is larger than Athens, Athens has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Athens is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Copenhagen is known for its shopping and impressive beauty. Athens is more touristy than Copenhagen 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. Copenhagen is popular for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Copenhagen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Copenhagen 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Copenhagen can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

For foodies, Copenhagen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

Is Athens or Copenhagen Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is fantastic in both Athens and Copenhagen.

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.

Copenhagen is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Is Athens or Copenhagen Better for its Old Town?

Athens is renowned for its old town. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Copenhagen specifically to go shopping. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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 Copenhagen Better for Families?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Copenhagen is very family-friendly. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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

Is Athens or Copenhagen Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Copenhagen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Copenhagen is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

Is Athens or Copenhagen Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Copenhagen are very good places to visit.

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

Copenhagen is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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 Copenhagen a more walkable city?

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen is a very easy city to get around on foot. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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 Copenhagen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Copenhagen or Athens?

How long in Athens or Copenhagen?

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

Families should spend more time in Copenhagen than Athens. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Copenhagen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. 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 Copenhagen?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen?

Athens, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Copenhagen. 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 Copenhagen?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the progressive destination of Copenhagen. 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 Adventure Tours to Denmark, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Copenhagen?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Copenhagen, 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 Copenhagen?

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 Copenhagen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Copenhagen. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally much warmer than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Copenhagen. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Copenhagen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Copenhagen. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year.

Athens is much warmer than Copenhagen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Copenhagen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Copenhagen. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Copenhagen in the Winter?

Both Copenhagen and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Copenhagen. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Copenhagen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Copenhagen. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Copenhagen in the Spring?

Both Copenhagen and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Copenhagen in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

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

Typical Weather for Copenhagen and Athens