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

Should you visit Athens or Inverness?

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 Inverness. 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.

Inverness

Inverness is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Inverness: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Inverness?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Inverness are both popular with visitors, Athens has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Inverness is known for its shopping and small town charm. 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. Inverness is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Inverness?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Inverness can be an interesting and educational experience. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

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

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

Athens has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Inverness has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Is Athens or Inverness Better for Nightlife?

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

Athens is a must-see party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Athens or Inverness Better for its Old Town?

Athens is terrific for its old town. However, Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Athens has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Inverness?

Inverness is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Inverness. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Inverness Better for Families?

Athens is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Inverness is a family-friendly city. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Is Athens or Inverness Better for Couples?

Athens and Inverness 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.

Inverness is a nice destination for couples. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Is Athens or Inverness Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is terrific for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city 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.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Athens or Inverness Better for Students?

Athens is a well-known place for students. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Athens is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Athens has some very good public transit options. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Athens or Inverness a more walkable city?

Athens and Inverness 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.

Inverness is very walkable. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Inverness or Athens?

How long in Athens or Inverness?

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

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

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Inverness. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Inverness?

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.

Inverness 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 Inverness?

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 Inverness. 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 Inverness?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the traditional destination of Inverness. 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 London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Inverness?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Inverness, 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 Inverness?

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 Inverness in the Summer?

Both Inverness and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Inverness in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally much warmer than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 147 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Inverness. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Inverness in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Inverness. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Athens is much warmer than Inverness in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Inverness fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Inverness. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Inverness in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Inverness. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Inverness because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Inverness can be very cold. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Inverness. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Inverness averages at about 3°C (38°F).

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

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Inverness. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Inverness in the Spring?

Both Inverness and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Inverness this time of year.

In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Inverness. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Inverness and Athens