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

Should you visit Athens or Cork?

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 Cork. 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 historic, ancient, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cork

Cork is a seaside, youthful, and energetic city. 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.

Athens and Cork: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Cork?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Cork. Athens is bigger than Cork, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cork is more popular for its shopping. Athens is more touristy than Cork and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Cork is well known for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Cork?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. 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 Cork. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

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

Athens is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Cork has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

Is Athens or Cork Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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

Cork has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

Is Athens or Cork Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cork does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Athens can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Cork does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Cork?

Cork 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 Cork. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett 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 Cork Better for Families?

Athens is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Cork is a family-friendly city. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Athens or Cork Better for Couples?

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

Cork is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

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 Cork Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cork. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Is Athens or Cork Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Cork 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.

Cork is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

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

Athens is notable for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Athens can move around easily with public transportation. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Athens or Cork a more walkable city?

Athens is notable for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cork or Athens?

How long in Athens or Cork?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Cork. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Cork. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cork.

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

Athens is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cork. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Cork?

Athens is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cork 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 Cork?

Athens is a energetic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Athens is a ancient city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the energetic destination of Cork. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Cork, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Cork much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cork would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cork 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 Cork.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Cork?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cork. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Cork, 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 Cork?

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 Cork in the Summer?

Both Cork and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cork because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Athens is much warmer than Cork. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Cork averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Cork. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 178 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Cork. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cork receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Cork in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Cork. 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cork this time of year.

In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Cork. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Cork fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Cork during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Cork. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cork receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Cork in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Cork. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cork for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Athens is much warmer than Cork in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Cork fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Cork. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 60 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cork. Athens usually gets less rain in January than Cork. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cork receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Cork in the Spring?

Both Cork and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cork in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Cork. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Cork averages at about 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Cork during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Cork. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cork receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cork and Athens