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

Should you visit Athens or Houston?

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 Houston. 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. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Athens and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Houston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Athens than Houston. While Houston is larger than Athens, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Houston is known for its music and big city activities. Athens is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Athens or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Athens just to party. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Athens or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a good destination for its music scene. However, Athens is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Athens is not a live music destination.

Is Athens or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Athens is revered around the world. 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.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Houston?

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

Houston is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Athens or Houston Better for Families?

Both Athens and Houston are excellent 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.

Houston is a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Athens or Houston Better for Couples?

Athens and Houston both good 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.

Houston is a nice destination for couples. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Athens or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Athens or Houston Better for Students?

Athens is well known for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

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

Athens is well known for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Athens or Houston a more walkable city?

Athens is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Athens?

How long in Athens or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Houston. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 big city destination of Houston. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Houston?

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. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Houston 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 Houston?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Houston. 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 Houston?

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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the sprawling big city of Houston. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Houston. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In July, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Athens usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Athens is cooler than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Houston. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Athens is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Houston. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Athens is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Houston. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Houston and Athens