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

Should you visit Athens or Lisbon?

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 Lisbon. 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Athens offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Athens travel costs.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a picturesque, colorful, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come to Lisbon because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Lisbon travel costs.

Athens and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Lisbon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Athens. While Athens is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Lisbon is famous for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge.

How is Athens different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Lisbon and Athens.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lisbon that are not to be missed. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Lisbon 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.

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

Is Athens or Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is amazing in both Athens and Lisbon.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Lisbon is a world class party destination. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

Is Athens or Lisbon Better for Music?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Athens is not a live music destination.

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Athens is not a live music destination.

Is Athens or Lisbon Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a good destination for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Lisbon offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the amazing old town areas in both Athens and Lisbon.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. 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.

The rich history of Lisbon can be explored in its historical center. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Lisbon?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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 Lisbon More Beautiful?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Lisbon because of it's amazing beauty. With its bright colors and dramatic hills, many people consider it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many spectacular viewpoints that look out over the city.

Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.

Is Athens or Lisbon Better for Families?

Both Athens and Lisbon are superb 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.

Lisbon is a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Is Athens or Lisbon Better for Couples?

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

Lisbon is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Athens and Lisbon are amazing 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.

Lisbon is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Is Athens or Lisbon Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Lisbon are superb places to visit.

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

Lisbon is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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.

Is Athens or Lisbon a more walkable city?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Lisbon is a very easy city to get around on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Athens?

How long in Athens or Lisbon?

Both Athens and Lisbon have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Lisbon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lisbon than Athens. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Athens 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 Lisbon.

One day in Athens or Lisbon?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Lisbon. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Lisbon?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lisbon is a great place to explore. 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 Lisbon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Lisbon?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the colorful big city of Lisbon. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Lisbon?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Lisbon, 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 Lisbon?

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 Lisbon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Lisbon. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is a little warmer than Lisbon in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Lisbon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives more rain than Lisbon. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Lisbon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Lisbon. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Athens is around the same temperature as Lisbon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Lisbon averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Lisbon. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Lisbon in the Winter?

Both Lisbon and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Athens is generally cooler than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Lisbon in the Spring?

Both Lisbon and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Athens is around the same temperature as Lisbon in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Lisbon fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Lisbon. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Athens