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

Should you visit Athens or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier. 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a vibrant, bustling, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Athens and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Montpellier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Montpellier. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Montpellier attracts visitors for its beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Athens is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Athens on the map. 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.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Athens is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Athens or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Athens or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is great for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Athens and Montpellier.

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 Montpellier can be explored in its historical center. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Montpellier?

Montpellier is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Montpellier Better for Families?

Athens is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is known to be 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.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Athens or Montpellier Better for Couples?

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

Montpellier is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

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 Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Athens or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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

Athens and Montpellier both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit in Montpellier is fairly effecient and thorough. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Athens or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Athens and Montpellier are excellent 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.

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Athens?

How long in Athens or Montpellier?

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

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

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

Athens is a ancient 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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Montpellier?

Athens is a energetic 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.

Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

Athens is a vibrant 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 Montpellier. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Montpellier?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Montpellier. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Montpellier?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

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

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Montpellier. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier 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 Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Montpellier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Montpellier in the Spring?

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

Athens is a little warmer than Montpellier in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier 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 Montpellier during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Athens