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

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Should you visit Athens or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg. 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 vibrant, energetic, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Athens and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Athens
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Hamburg
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers


How is Athens different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Athens or Hamburg Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Athens
Hamburg

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

Hamburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.


Is Athens or Hamburg Better for Food?

Athens
Hamburg

Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Athens a bit more than Hamburg.

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.

Hamburg offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Athens or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Athens
Hamburg

The vibe at night is comparable in Athens and Hamburg.

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.

Hamburg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Is Athens or Hamburg Better for Shopping?

Athens
Hamburg

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

Hamburg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Is Athens or Hamburg Better for Families?

Athens
Hamburg

Both Athens and Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.


Is Athens or Hamburg Better for Couples?

Athens
Hamburg

Athens and Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Athens or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens
Hamburg

Travelers usually think of Athens as a better destination for backpackers than Hamburg.

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.

Hamburg is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Athens or Hamburg Better for Students?

Athens
Hamburg

For students, both Athens and Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a good city to visit for students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Is Athens or Hamburg Better for Public Transit?

Athens
Hamburg

Athens and Hamburg 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.

Public transit in Hamburg is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.


Is Athens or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Athens
Hamburg

Athens and Hamburg are similar when it comes to walkability.

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.

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Athens?

How long in Athens or Hamburg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Hamburg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Hamburg.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Athens is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Hamburg is 1-3 days.


  • How many days in Athens or Hamburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Athens 3-7 
    Hamburg 1-3

One day in Athens or Hamburg?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hamburg. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Hamburg?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Hamburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, 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 Hamburg?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Hamburg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural destination of Hamburg. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Which city is cheaper, Hamburg 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 Hamburg is €93. 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 Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens €51
    Hamburg €43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens €102
    Hamburg €86
Compare Hotels in Athens and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Hamburg? 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 Hamburg


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 Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens €22
    Hamburg €23
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:

  • ATHENS AIRPORT to ATHENS or vice versa PRIVATE LUXURY TRANSFERS: $62
  • Airport Transfer: $77
  • Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $59
  • Airport pick up taxi and minivans transfers ,tours and trips: $60
  • Airport transfer: $156
  • Ancient Olympia Taxi Transfer from Athens: $539
  • Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Van Athens Rafina Port to Athens City: $100
  • Athens & Sounio Taxi Multiple Destination Transfer: $311
  • Athens Airport Departure Private Transfer. Depart in Style!: $62
  • Athens Airport Departure Transfer (Athens Hotels to Athens Airport): $66
  • Athens Airport Departure Transfer: Athens Hotels to Athens Airport Shuttle Bus: $34
  • Athens Airport Private Departure Transfer: $28

Typical Local Transportation prices in Hamburg

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


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    €1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen: $591
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Hannover Airport to Hamburg City - One Way: $501
  • Round Trip Private Transfer: Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by Luxury Van: $311
  • Airport Transfer Luxury Van 8-seater: $299
  • Round Trip Private Transfer: Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by Luxury Car: $280
  • Deluxe Private Transfer From Hamburg City to Berlin City: $249
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Lübeck Blankensee Airport to Hamburg City - One Way: $236
  • Round Trip Private Transfer: Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by Business Car: $228
  • Airport-Transfer First Class: $198
  • Airport-Transfer Premium Van: $180
  • Airport transfer executive sedan: $148
  • Round Trip Private Transfer: Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by Sedan Car: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg 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
    Hamburg €28
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 Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    €15
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    €5.00
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    €6.00
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    €15
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    €4.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    €6.00
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    €3.50
  • Coffee and Donut
    €4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • Historic Reeperbahn Tour with Optional Dinner in Hamburg: $38
  • St. Georg Hamburg - Food Tour: $45
  • HafenCity & Elbphilharmonie - Food Tour: $50
  • Sternschanze Hamburg - Food Tour: $53
  • St. Pauli - Food Tour: $53
  • Eat Like A Local : Hamburg Private Food Tour With Tastings: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens €28
    Hamburg €31

Tours and Activities in Athens

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

  • Athens virtual History, Philosophy and Democracy Tour: $6.22
  • Skip the Line: Frissiras Museum Entrance Ticket: $7.46
  • Skip the Line: War Museum of Athens Entrance Ticket: $7.46
  • Skip the Line: Temple of Olympian Zeus Entrance Ticket: $8.09
  • Skip the Line: Roman Agora of Athens Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • Athens Museum of Cycladic Art Admission Ticket: $8.71
  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket for Acropolis Museum: $9.33
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus: Self-Guided Audio Tour on your Phone (without ticket): $9.94
  • Skip the Line: Ancient Agora of Athens and Temple of Hephaestus Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Benaki Museum of Islamic Art Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Athens Museum of Illusions Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided City Experience: $12

Typical Entertainment prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    €3.50

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Walking Tour: Hamburg Speicherstadt and HafenCity: $160
  • 5-Day Independent Hamburg to Heidelberg Coach Tour: $486
  • 5-Day Overnight Coach Tour from Hamburg to Munich: $534
  • 5-Day Overnight Coach Tour from Hamburg to Stuttgart: $726
  • Alternative Hamburg Private Alternative Street Art Tour: $274
  • Best of Hamburg - Private tour: $368
  • Bird Watching Adventure Tour in Hamburg, South Africa: $272
  • City Walking Tour DEADLY KIEZ: $22
  • City Walking Tour JEWISH HAMBURG: $22
  • City tour through Hamburg: $24
  • Craft Beer Tastings Tour in Hamburg: $50
  • Discover Hamburg Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens €18
    Hamburg €14

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

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

  • Club and Pub Tour of St. Pauli: $27
  • Corona Pub Crawl with special drinks: $62
  • Private guided Club & Pub tour - Pub Crawl: $358

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Hamburg, we can see that Athens is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Athens or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Hamburg. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Hamburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is much warmer than Hamburg in the summer. The temperature in Athens is usually 27°C (81°F) in July, and Hamburg stays around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hamburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Hamburg. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Athens or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Athens is much warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October are around 19°C (67°F), and Hamburg is about 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Athens or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hamburg can be very cold. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Hamburg. Temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Hamburg stays around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Hamburg. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Athens or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Hamburg. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

Athens is much warmer than Hamburg in the spring. The temperature in Athens is usually 16°C (60°F) in April, and Hamburg stays around 8°C (46°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Athens

Athens Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)


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Athens vs. Hamburg Travel Comparison

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