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

Should you visit Athens or Lagos?

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 Lagos. 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant, beautiful, and scenic resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Lagos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Lagos?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Athens than Lagos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Athens is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Lagos is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lagos is more touristy than Athens and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Lagos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Athens is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lagos 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.

Lagos has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Is Athens or Lagos Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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

Many people head to Lagos for the nightlife scene. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Athens or Lagos Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Lagos for its luxury resorts. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Lagos Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Lagos Better for Beaches?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Lagos Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Athens can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Athens or Lagos Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Lagos?

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

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Athens or Lagos Better for Families?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lagos is very family-friendly. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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

Is Athens or Lagos Better for Couples?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Athens and Lagos are terrific places to visit.

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.

Lagos is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

Is Athens or Lagos Better for Students?

Athens is well known for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

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

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 mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Athens or Lagos a more walkable city?

Athens is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable city. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Lagos or Athens?

How long in Athens or Lagos?

In either Athens or Lagos, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Lagos because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 3-5 days is enough time in Lagos.

Families should spend more time in Lagos than Athens. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lagos, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lagos. 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 Lagos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Lagos is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Lagos?

Athens is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the dramatic destination of Lagos. This resort 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.

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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Lagos, we can see that Athens 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 Lagos Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Lagos?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Lagos, 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 Lagos?

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 Lagos in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Athens is around the same temperature as Lagos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Lagos averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. Athens usually gets less rain in July than Lagos. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Lagos in the Autumn?

Both Lagos 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 Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Athens is generally cooler than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Lagos. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Lagos in the Winter?

Both Lagos 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 Lagos in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Athens is much colder than Lagos in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Lagos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Athens usually gets more rain in January than Lagos. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Lagos in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Athens is much colder than Lagos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Lagos averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Lagos. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lagos and Athens