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

Should you visit Athens or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik. 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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a historic, charming, and famous coastal town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Dubrovnik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Dubrovnik are popular destinations, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is very popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, and big city activities, while Dubrovnik attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Athens and is known for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its sights and museums.

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.

Many visitors head to Dubrovnik specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Dubrovnik 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, Dubrovnik is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

Is Athens or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

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

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Athens or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is great for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Dubrovnik to choose from. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is a good destination for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Dubrovnik offers a nice beach destination. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the amazing old town areas in both Athens and Dubrovnik.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. 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.

The rich history of Dubrovnik can be explored in its historical center. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Is Athens or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is great for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Dubrovnik?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Dubrovnik both offer plenty of nice 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.

Dubrovnik is a great destination for shopping. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Athens or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Both Athens and Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

Is Athens or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

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

Dubrovnik is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Athens and Dubrovnik are amazing places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Dubrovnik is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

Is Athens or Dubrovnik Better for Students?

Athens is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

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

Athens is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

The public transit in Athens can get you to most places easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Dubrovnik has a few public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Athens or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

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 Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Athens?

How long in Athens or Dubrovnik?

In either Athens or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Dubrovnik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

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

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

One day in Athens or Dubrovnik?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Dubrovnik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Dubrovnik?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Dubrovnik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Dubrovnik?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubrovnik. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Dubrovnik?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Dubrovnik. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Dubrovnik?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Athens is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Dubrovnik. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Athens is generally a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Dubrovnik. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Athens is a little warmer than Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Athens usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Athens