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

Should you visit Athens or Lillehammer?

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 Lillehammer. 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.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a adventure-filled, sporty, and natural city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Athens and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Lillehammer?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Athens than Lillehammer, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Athens is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lillehammer is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Athens is more touristy than Lillehammer and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Lillehammer is well known for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Athens or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

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

Lillehammer draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Athens is not a skiing destination.

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Athens is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Athens or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Athens or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

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

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Athens or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Lillehammer for the hiking trails. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Lillehammer?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Athens or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Both Athens and Lillehammer are great 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.

Lillehammer is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

Is Athens or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

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

Lillehammer is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

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 Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Athens or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Athens is well known for students. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Athens is a great city to visit as a student. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

Athens is well known for its public transit. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Athens or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Athens is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Athens?

How long in Athens or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Athens or Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Lillehammer. 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.

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

Athens is a energetic city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer?

Athens is a ancient big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

Athens is a ancient city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer?

Athens is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Lillehammer. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Lillehammer, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Lillehammer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lillehammer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Lillehammer?

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