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

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Should you visit Athens or Dubai?

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 Dubai. 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubai

Dubai is a opulent, modern, and glamorous 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Athens and Dubai: Pros and Cons

Athens
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less popular for shopping
Dubai
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


How is Athens different from Dubai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dubai and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Athens or Dubai Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Athens
Dubai

You'll find a number of museums and attractions in both Dubai and Athens.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Dubai offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.


Is Athens or Dubai Better for Food?

Athens
Dubai

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Dubai 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Athens or Dubai Better for Nightlife?

Athens
Dubai

The vibe at night is comparable in Athens and Dubai.

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.

Dubai is a world class party destination. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Is Athens or Dubai Better for Shopping?

Athens
Dubai

Dubai is generally considered to be a more popular shopping destination.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai Better for Families?

Athens
Dubai

Both Athens and Dubai are 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.

Dubai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.


Is Athens or Dubai Better for Couples?

Athens
Dubai

Athens and Dubai both fun 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.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Athens or Dubai Better for Students?

Athens
Dubai

For students, both Athens and Dubai are fairly comparable places to visit.

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

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Is Athens or Dubai Better for Public Transit?

Athens
Dubai

Athens and Dubai both offer public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Athens or Dubai a more walkable city?

Athens
Dubai

Athens is more walkable than Dubai.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.


Should I spend more time in Dubai or Athens?

How long in Athens or Dubai?

Both Athens and Dubai have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Athens is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Dubai is 3-7 days.


  • How many days in Athens or Dubai? Ideal Length of Stay
    Athens 3-7 
    Dubai 3-7

One day in Athens or Dubai?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Dubai. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Dubai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Dubai is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Dubai?

Athens is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Dubai?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the glamorous big city of Dubai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Which city is cheaper, Dubai or Athens?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €103, while the average daily cost in Dubai is €191. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Dubai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens €51
    Dubai €130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens €102
    Dubai €260
Compare Hotels in Athens and Dubai

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Dubai? 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.

Hotels in Athens


Hotels in Dubai


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 Dubai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens €22
    Dubai €9.88
Typical Local Transportation prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    €6.40
  • Metro
    €1.50
  • Metro
    €2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    €8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    €35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Αthens City to Igoumenitsa Port: $1,763
  • Private Transfer from Athens City to Syvota: $1,203
  • Private City Transfer From Athens To Pilos: $970
  • Private City Transfer From Athens to Kranidi: $970
  • Transfer to Corfu from Athens including visit to Delphi: $964
  • Athens to Corfu Luxury Private Transfer: $890
  • Private Transfer to/ from Lefkada Marina to/ from Athens Airport or City Centre: $759
  • Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $678
  • Private Transfer from Athens to Nafplio: $666
  • Transfer to Lefkada - The Safest and most Convinient way: $605
  • Delphi Private Full Day Luxury Transfers From Athens: $597
  • Private Transfer from Athens-Pireaus-ATH to Igoumenitsa-Parga-Sivota-Ioannina: $592

Typical Local Transportation prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:


  • Taxi Ride
    €12
  • Airport Taxi
    €12
  • Sea Taxi
    €0.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai

Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Versace VIP Spa Journey- chauffeur transfer, gourmet food and champagne: $1,524
  • VIP Desert Safari Package with Stretch Limousine Transfers: $999
  • BollyWood Parks Family Package With Private Transfer for 1 to 6 people: $924
  • Ferrari World Trip with Private Transfer: $868
  • Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi with Private Transfer From Dubai for 1 to 6 people: $808
  • Dubai Wild Wadi Water Park With Private Transfers for 1 to 6 people: $685
  • 2 Hours Buggy Can Am X3 with Transfers for 2 Persons: $654
  • IMG Theme Park Dubai with 2 way Private Transfer for 1 to 5 people: $654
  • Private Night Vintage Land Rover Desert Safari & Astronomy with Dubai transfers: $622
  • Exclusive Yacht with Private Transfer: $597
  • Overnight Camping in Ras Al Khaimah- transfer from Dubai/Sharjah/Ajman: $542
  • La Perle by Dragone Dubai VIP with Transfers: $480

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Dubai?

Prices for flights to both Dubai 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Athens €30
    Dubai €43
Typical Food prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    €3.00
  • 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:

  • Online 1hr Cooking Class: Santorini Tomato Fritters: $6.22
  • Greek Meatballs Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Athens Private Food Tour with a Local: $42
  • Online Cooking Class: Greek mini cheese pies: $45
  • Street Culture & Food Tour: $56
  • Afternoon Food Tour: $56
  • Athens walking and tasting food tour.: $60
  • 4-Hour Cooking Class with Market Visit: $69
  • Homemade Gyros cooking class and dinner in Athens for private groups: $75
  • The Classic Food Tour: $76
  • Taste of Half-Day Small Group Food Tour: $77
  • Greek Phyllo and Pie Cooking Class in Athens: $77

Typical Food prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:


  • French bread
    €0.91
  • Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice
    €9.93
  • Lemon Mint Tea
    €4.18
  • Coffee & Cake
    €6.27
  • Smoothie
    €5.23
  • Shawarma
    €1.83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai

For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Romantic Dhow Creek Dinner Cruise With Live Shows and International Buffet: $17
  • Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
  • Dubai Deira Cruise with International Buffet Dinner with Live Shows: $19
  • Cruising with Dinner and Live Shows at Dubai Creek: $20
  • Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $20
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise at Dubai Creek (Without Transfers): $20
  • Sail along the Dubai Creek Dhow cruise with a delectable Dinner from AED 60: $21
  • Sightseeing Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $21
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai: $22
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner on Dubai Creek: $22
  • Evening Dhow Dinner Cruise in Dubai: $22
  • Dubai Creek 2-Hour Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens €28
    Dubai €15

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • "A Must-See" Anc. Epidaurus, Mycenae & Nafplion Premium Full Day Tour By Locals: $411
  • "Athens city tour": $270
  • "Private tour in Athens": $243
  • ''Tour in Athens'': $118
  • 1 Day Private Tour Corinth, Cave of Lakes at Kalavrita & Journey by Cog Railway: $264
  • 1 Day Private tour to Meteora, visit the Monasteries are lying on the cliffs.: $317
  • 1 Day Saronic Islands Cruise: $168
  • 10 Day Greek Island Tour: Mykonos, Santorini-Volcano, Crete, Delos, Knossos,: $2,457
  • 10 Day Ultimate Ancient Greece Tours Experience: $2,411
  • 10 Day to Explore the Best Historical Gems in Greece and tour in Santorini: $1,798
  • 10 Days Private Tour: North Greece: $2,706
  • 10 Days Private Tour: Peloponnese: $2,706

Typical Entertainment prices in Dubai

For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Visit to the Dubai Museum
    €0.78

Tours and Activities in Dubai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.

  • "Glimps of History"-4 Hrs Dubai city tour: $163
  • 04 Days Best of Dubai With Desert Safari, Dhow Cruise and City Tour: $305
  • 1 Day 2 Tours Combo: $76
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour of Dubai Atlantis: $153
  • 1 Hour Private 800cc Buggy Tour Good for 2 persons: $220
  • 1 Hour Private Jet Ski Tour in Dubai: $195
  • 1 hour Mina Seyahi Jetski Tour: $160
  • 1.5-Hours Dubai Historic Old Town Walking Tour: Covid-19 safe & PRIVATE tour: $60
  • 1001 Adventure Tour: $71
  • 12 Hours Dubai Stopover Tour: $350
  • 12-Minute Dubai Helicopter Tour: $176
  • 2 Days TRIO-Dubai City Tour with Desert Safari and Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour.: $136

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens €18
    Dubai €17

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Athens Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $37
  • Virtual Greek Wine Tasting: $87
  • Athens Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $96
  • Wine tasting tour: $131
  • Wine Tasting and Athens Trikke Combo Tour: $133
  • The Best Winery & Tasting Tour in Nemea.Enjoy a unique all day wine tasting tour: $140
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience of Greek Awarded Wines in Athens: $148
  • Premium Wine Tour in Peloponnese -Ancient Corinthos, Nemea - the Land of Myth: $148
  • Athens Private Wine Tasting Tour - Dionysian Grapes: $149
  • Ancient Corinth & Nemea Wine Tasting (up to 15 in a Luxurious Mercedes Minibus): $151
  • Greek Private Wine Tasting: $166
  • Mercedes Private Full-Day Tour, Nafplio, Corinth Canal and Wine Tasting: $168

Typical Alcohol prices in Dubai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:


  • A Couple Drinks
    €24

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Dubai, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Dubai is in Middle East, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Athens.


When is the best time to visit Athens or Dubai?

Athens has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a tropical climate with fairly warm weather most of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Dubai in the Summer?

Both Dubai 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. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. Athens is cooler than Dubai in the summer. The temperature in Athens is usually 27°C (81°F) in July, and Dubai stays around 35°C (95°F).

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Dubai. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Dubai 35°C (95°F)

Should I visit Athens or Dubai in the Autumn?

Both Dubai 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. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Athens is cooler than Dubai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October are around 19°C (67°F), and Dubai is about 29°C (84°F).

Athens usually gets more rain in October than Dubai. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Dubai 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Athens or Dubai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Dubai. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

In January, Athens is generally much colder than Dubai. Temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Dubai stays around 19°C (66°F).

In January, Athens usually receives more rain than Dubai. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Dubai 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Athens or Dubai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Dubai. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.

Athens is much colder than Dubai in the spring. The temperature in Athens is usually 16°C (60°F) in April, and Dubai stays around 26°C (79°F).

Athens usually gets more rain in April than Dubai. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Dubai 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Dubai and Athens

Athens Dubai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)


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Athens vs. Dubai Travel Comparison

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