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

Should you visit Athens or Honfleur?

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 Honfleur. 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a serene, picturesque, and scenic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Honfleur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Honfleur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Athens than Honfleur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Athens is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Honfleur is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Athens is more touristy than Honfleur and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Honfleur is well known for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Honfleur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Athens from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Honfleur 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, Honfleur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

Is Athens or Honfleur Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Athens or Honfleur Better for Beaches?

Honfleur is adequate for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

The beach in Honfleur is worth checking out. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Honfleur Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

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.

Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Honfleur?

Athens is very good for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Athens. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Athens or Honfleur Better for Families?

Athens is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Honfleur. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Is Athens or Honfleur Better for Couples?

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

Honfleur is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

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 Honfleur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

Is Athens or Honfleur Better for Students?

Athens is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Honfleur is not popular with students.

Athens is very popular with students. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Honfleur is not popular with students.

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

Athens is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

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 generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Athens or Honfleur a more walkable city?

Athens and Honfleur are high quality 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.

Honfleur is very walkable. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Honfleur or Athens?

How long in Athens or Honfleur?

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

Families should spend more time in Athens than Honfleur. 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.

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

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Athens or Honfleur?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Honfleur 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 Honfleur?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honfleur. Don't miss the food, 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 Honfleur?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Honfleur. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Honfleur, we can see that Honfleur 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 Honfleur would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honfleur 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 Honfleur Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Honfleur?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Honfleur, 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.