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

Should you visit Athens or Nashville?

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 Nashville. 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Athens and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Nashville?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Nashville. Athens is bigger than Nashville, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nashville is more popular for its music and resorts. Athens is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Athens from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Athens or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nashville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Is Athens or Nashville Better for Music?

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

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Athens is not a live music destination.

Is Athens or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Nashville Better for its Old Town?

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

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Nashville?

Athens is a city with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Athens. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Athens or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a good destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Athens does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville worth visiting during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Athens does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Athens or Nashville Better for Families?

Athens is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Athens is a very family-friendly destination. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Athens or Nashville Better for Couples?

Athens and Nashville both notable destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Nashville is a nice destination for couples. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Athens or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Is Athens or Nashville Better for Students?

Athens is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

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

Athens is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors to Athens can move around easily with public transportation. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Athens or Nashville a more walkable city?

Athens is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options 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.

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Athens?

How long in Athens or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Nashville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Nashville. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nashville.

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

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

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nashville. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Nashville?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nashville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, 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 Nashville?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. Don't miss the live music, 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 Nashville?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the country music lovers destination of Nashville. This city 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Nashville?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Nashville. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Nashville, 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 Nashville?

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 Nashville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Nashville. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Athens is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Nashville averages at about 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Nashville during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Nashville. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Nashville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Nashville. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

In October, Athens is generally a little warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. 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 Nashville. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Nashville. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Nashville in the Winter?

Both Nashville and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nashville. Athens is much warmer than Nashville in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Nashville. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Nashville in the Spring?

Both Nashville and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nashville in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Athens is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (16°C).

In Nashville, 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 Nashville. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun.

Nashville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in April than Nashville. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nashville and Athens