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

Should you visit Athens or Le Mans?

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 Le Mans. 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 energetic, historic, and ancient 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the nightlife and museums.

Athens and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Le Mans?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Le Mans. Athens is bigger than Le Mans, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Le Mans is more popular for its small town charm. Athens is more touristy than Le Mans and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Le Mans is well known for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Athens from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Athens or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

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

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Athens or Le Mans Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Le Mans?

Athens is very good for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Athens. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Athens or Le Mans Better for Families?

Athens is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

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

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Athens or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Athens and Le Mans both notable 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.

Le Mans is a nice destination for couples. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Athens or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Le Mans. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

Is Athens or Le Mans Better for Students?

Athens is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not popular with students.

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

Athens is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Is Athens or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Athens is great for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Athens?

How long in Athens or Le Mans?

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

Families should spend more time in Athens than Le Mans. 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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans 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 Le Mans?

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

A weekend in Athens or Le Mans?

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.

Le Mans 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 Le Mans?

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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans?

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 museums when visiting the quaint destination of Le Mans. This town 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 Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Le Mans, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Le Mans.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Le Mans?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Le Mans. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Le Mans, 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 Le Mans?

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 Le Mans in the Summer?

Both Le Mans and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Le Mans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Le Mans averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Le Mans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Le Mans during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Le Mans in the Autumn?

Both Le Mans and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Le Mans for the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Le Mans. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Athens or Le Mans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Le Mans. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Le Mans can be very cold. Athens is much warmer than Le Mans in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Le Mans fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Le Mans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Le Mans. 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 Le Mans this time of year.

In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Le Mans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Le Mans averages at about 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Le Mans. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Le Mans. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Athens