A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel. 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. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a religious, historic, and breathtaking island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Athens and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Athens has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Athens is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Athens and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. 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.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel that are not to be missed. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel offers some nice hiking trails. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Athens is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Athens offers some nice shopping areas. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Athens is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Mont-Saint-Michel is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Athens is a great destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Athens and Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is very walkable. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Athens?

How long in Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 9110 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Athens is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Mont-Saint-Michel. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Athens