A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Interlaken for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

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Should you visit Athens or Interlaken?

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 Interlaken. 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.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Athens and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Athens
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less popular with couples
Interlaken
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular with backpackers


How is Athens different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Athens or Interlaken Better for Food?

Athens
Interlaken

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Interlaken 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Interlaken makes for a great culinary experience. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.


Is Athens or Interlaken Better for Families?

Athens
Interlaken

Both Athens and Interlaken 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Is Athens or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Athens
Interlaken

Couples will find a longer list of romantic activities in Interlaken than Athens.

Interlaken is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens
Interlaken

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

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.

Interlaken is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Athens or Interlaken Better for Public Transit?

Athens
Interlaken

Athens and Interlaken 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 Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.


Is Athens or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Athens
Interlaken

Athens and Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is somewhat walkable. The old town is relatively walkable.

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Athens?

How long in Athens or Interlaken?

In either Athens or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Interlaken because of the overall number of sights and activities.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Athens is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Interlaken is 2-5 days.


  • How many days in Athens or Interlaken? Ideal Length of Stay
    Athens 3-7 
    Interlaken 2-5

One day in Athens or Interlaken?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. 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 Interlaken?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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 Interlaken?

Athens, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the adrenaline-filled destination of Interlaken. This 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.

Which city is cheaper, Interlaken 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 Interlaken is €171. 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 Interlaken in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens €51
    Interlaken €98
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens €102
    Interlaken €196
Compare Hotels in Athens and Interlaken

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Interlaken? 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 Interlaken


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 Interlaken Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens €22
    Interlaken €9.61
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:

  • iMove Transfers Services Athens: $75
  • VIP VAN Piraeus Port Transfer 1 - 8 persons or Alimos Kalamaki Marina to Athens: $61
  • VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 4 persons: $101
  • VIP VAN Airport Transfer 5 - 8 persons: $105
  • VIP Ferry Ticket from Piraeus Port To Mykonos & Private Transfer included: $167
  • VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $174
  • VAN Piraeus Port Transfer 1 - 8 persons or Alimos Kalamaki Marina to Athens: $39
  • Ultra - Private Transfer from Athens City Centre to Piraeus Cruise Port: $9.41
  • Ultra - Athens Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Athens Airport ATH: $9.41
  • Transfers around Athens and city tours: $373
  • Transfers and Guided Tours in all over Greece, sightseeing and Private hire!!: $106
  • Transfer to Loutraki/Corinth from Athens: $166

Typical Local Transportation prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    €61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

Also for Interlaken, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Geneva Airport: $670
  • Private transfer from Interlaken to Zurich Airport: $485
  • Private Transfer from interlaken City to Lucerne City: $174
  • From Lausanne: Transfer to Interlaken Village: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Interlaken?

Prices for flights to both Interlaken 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
    Interlaken €47
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 Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    €30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens €28
    Interlaken €77

Tours and Activities in Athens

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

  • "A Must-See" Anc. Epidaurus, Mycenae & Nafplion Premium Full Day Tour By Locals: $411
  • "Athens city tour": $270
  • "Private tour in Athens": $243
  • ''Tour in Athens'': $118
  • 1 Day Private Tour Corinth, Cave of Lakes at Kalavrita & Journey by Cog Railway: $264
  • 1 Day Private tour to Meteora, visit the Monasteries are lying on the cliffs.: $317
  • 1 Day Saronic Islands Cruise: $168
  • 10 Day Greek Island Tour: Mykonos, Santorini-Volcano, Crete, Delos, Knossos,: $2,457
  • 10 Day Ultimate Ancient Greece Tours Experience: $2,411
  • 10 Day to Explore the Best Historical Gems in Greece and tour in Santorini: $1,798
  • 10 Days Private Tour: North Greece: $2,706
  • 10 Days Private Tour: Peloponnese: $2,706

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Aare River Gorge Walk Private Tour from Interlaken: $238
  • Aare River Gorge Walk Small-Group Tour from Interlaken: $106
  • Aare River Gorge Walk plus Lake Brienz Cruise - Private Tour from Interlaken: $238
  • Best of Bernese Oberland Tour from Interlaken: $689
  • Blue Lake & Öschinen lake - Private day tour from Interlaken: $750
  • Blue Lake and Winter wonderland - Private day tour from Interlaken: $1,328
  • GAILY TOUR in INTERLAKEN - Gay & Lesbian Tour: $187
  • High Ropes Adventure Park Admission in Interlaken: $46
  • Interlaken City Tour plus Harder Mountain (Top of Interlaken) Private Tour: $247
  • Interlaken Private Tour: Mountains Cows, Thun Lake, and Brienz Lake: $421
  • Interlaken Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide: $415
  • 1-Hour Express Discovery Tour: $321

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens €18
    Interlaken €13

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

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Athens or Interlaken?

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 Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Interlaken. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July are around 27°C (81°F), and Interlaken is about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Athens or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Interlaken. 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 Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Athens is generally a little warmer than Interlaken. Temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Interlaken stays around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Interlaken. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Athens or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine.

The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. Athens is much warmer than Interlaken in the winter. The temperature in Athens is usually 10°C (51°F) in January, and Interlaken stays around 3°C (37°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Athens or Interlaken in the Spring?

Both Interlaken and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

In the spring, Athens is a little warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April are around 16°C (60°F), and Interlaken is about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Athens

Athens Interlaken
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)


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Athens vs. Interlaken Travel Comparison

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