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

Should you visit Athens or Innsbruck?

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 Innsbruck. 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 historic, ancient, and vibrant 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a youthful , adventurous, and high energy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Athens and Innsbruck: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Innsbruck?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Innsbruck, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Innsbruck is known for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Innsbruck is more touristy than Athens and is popular for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. Athens 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.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Innsbruck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Athens or Innsbruck Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is great for skiing. However, Athens is not a skiing destination.

Innsbruck draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Athens is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Innsbruck?

Athens is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Athens is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Innsbruck has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

Is Athens or Innsbruck Better for Nightlife?

Athens is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Athens is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Innsbruck has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

Is Athens or Innsbruck Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the fantastic old town areas in both Athens and Innsbruck.

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 Innsbruck can be explored in its historical center. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

Is Athens or Innsbruck Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Innsbruck for the hiking trails. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Innsbruck?

Athens is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Athens offers some nice shopping areas. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Athens or Innsbruck Better for Families?

Both Athens and Innsbruck are very good 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.

Innsbruck is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

Is Athens or Innsbruck Better for Couples?

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

Innsbruck is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

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 Innsbruck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is very popular for backpackers. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Innsbruck. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

Is Athens or Innsbruck Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Innsbruck are very good places to visit.

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

Innsbruck is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

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

Athens and Innsbruck both offer very good 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 Innsbruck is fairly effecient and thorough. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

Is Athens or Innsbruck a more walkable city?

Athens and Innsbruck are very good 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.

Innsbruck is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Innsbruck or Athens?

How long in Athens or Innsbruck?

It's fun to spend time in either Athens or Innsbruck. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Athens due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-4 days is enough time in Innsbruck.

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

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

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 nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Innsbruck. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Innsbruck?

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.

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck?

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 Innsbruck. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Innsbruck?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Innsbruck. This city 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Innsbruck, we can see that Innsbruck 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Innsbruck?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Innsbruck, 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.