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

Should you visit Athens or Montreal?

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 Montreal. 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. 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Athens travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a colorful, cultural, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Athens and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Athens. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montreal is very popular for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Athens attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Montreal is famous for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Athens different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Montreal 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 Montreal that are not to be missed. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.

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

Athens is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

Is Athens or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is first-rate in both Athens and Montreal.

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.

Montreal is a world class party destination. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

Is Athens or Montreal Better for Music?

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

Montreal has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

Athens is not a live music destination.

Is Athens or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Athens is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Athens has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Montreal?

Montreal 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 Montreal specifically to go shopping. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

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 Montreal More Beautiful?

Athens is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Athens offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Athens or Montreal Better for Families?

Both Athens and Montreal are high quality 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.

Montreal is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

Is Athens or Montreal Better for Couples?

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

Montreal is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

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 Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Montreal. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Is Athens or Montreal Better for Students?

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

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for students. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

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 Montreal Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens and Montreal both offer high quality 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 Montreal is fairly effecient and thorough. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Is Athens or Montreal a more walkable city?

Athens and Montreal 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.

Montreal is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Athens?

How long in Athens or Montreal?

In either Athens or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Montreal because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

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

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

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Montreal. 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 Montreal?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal 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 Montreal?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the colorful big city of Montreal. 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 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Montreal is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Montreal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montreal 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 Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Montreal, 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 Montreal?

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 Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal 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 Montreal in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Montreal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Montreal. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal 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 Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Athens is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Montreal in the Winter?

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

The weather in Montreal can be very cold. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Athens or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Montreal. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

Athens is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°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 Montreal. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Athens