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

Should you visit Athens or Prague?

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 Prague. 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 historic, ancient, and vibrant 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Prague

Prague is a historical, beautiful, and festive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Athens and Prague: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Prague?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Prague than Athens, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Prague is more popular for its music, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Athens is known for its food. Prague is more touristy than Athens and is popular for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. It is also home to The Prague Castle. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy.

How is Athens different from Prague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Prague 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 Prague that are not to be missed. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum.

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

Athens is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Athens or Prague Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is terrific in both Athens and Prague.

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.

Prague is a world class party destination. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

Is Athens or Prague Better for Music?

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

Prague has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well.

Athens is not a live music destination.

Is Athens or Prague Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Prague can be explored in its historical center. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Prague?

Prague 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 Prague. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy.

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 Prague Better for Families?

Both Athens and Prague are excellent 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.

Prague is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

Is Athens or Prague Better for Couples?

Prague is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Prague is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

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 Prague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Athens and Prague are terrific 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.

Prague is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

Is Athens or Prague Better for Students?

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

Prague is a very popular place to visit for students. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.

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

Prague 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 Prague can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

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 Prague a more walkable city?

Prague 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.

Prague is a very easy city to get around on foot. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

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 Prague Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Prague or Athens?

How long in Athens or Prague?

Both Athens and Prague have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Prague has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Prague than Athens. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-7 days is enough time in Prague.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Prague 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 Prague.

One day in Athens or Prague?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Prague. 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 Prague?

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.

Prague 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 Prague?

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 Prague. 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 Prague?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the festive big city of Prague. 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 Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Prague, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Prague much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Prague would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Prague 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Prague.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Prague Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Prague?

Prague has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Prague, 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 Prague?

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 Prague in the Summer?

Both Prague and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Prague this time of year.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Prague. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Prague fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Prague, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Prague. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 216 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Prague. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Prague receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Prague in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Prague. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Prague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Athens is much warmer than Prague in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Prague fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Prague during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives more rain than Prague. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Prague in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Prague. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Prague in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Prague can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Prague. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Prague averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Prague. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 49 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Prague. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Prague in the Spring?

Both Prague and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Prague for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Prague. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Prague fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Prague during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Prague. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Prague receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Prague and Athens