Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Athens or Quebec City?
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 Quebec City. 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Athens travel costs.
Quebec City
Quebec City is a charming, historical, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Quebec City attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Quebec City travel costs.
Athens and Quebec City: Pros and Cons
Athens
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Home to the Acropolis
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
Quebec City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
Is there more to do in Athens or Quebec City?
You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Quebec City. Athens is bigger than Quebec City, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Quebec City is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Quebec City is well known for its charming streets and classic Old Town.
The Acropolis
How is Athens different from Quebec City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Quebec City 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 Quebec City?
Athens
Quebec City
You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Quebec City 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 Quebec City that are not to be missed. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
Is the Food Better in Athens or Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Athens
Quebec City
Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Quebec City can be an enjoyable experience.
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.
For foodies, Quebec City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.
Is Athens or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?
Athens
Quebec City
Athens is very popular for nightlife. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.
Athens is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
The nightlife in Quebec City has something for everybody. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.
Is Athens or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?
Athens
Quebec City
Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Athens and Quebec City.
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 Quebec City can be explored in its historical center. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.
Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Quebec City?
Athens
Quebec City
Quebec City 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 Quebec City specifically to go shopping. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.
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 Quebec City More Beautiful?
Athens
Quebec City
Quebec City is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.
With stunning beauty, Quebec City attracts visitors from all around. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.
Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.
Is Athens or Quebec City Better for Families?
Athens
Quebec City
Both Athens and Quebec City are great 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.
Quebec City is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.
Is Athens or Quebec City Better for Couples?
Athens
Quebec City
Quebec City is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Quebec City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.
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 Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Athens
Quebec City
Athens is very popular for backpackers. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.
Many backpackers visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.
Is Athens or Quebec City Better for Students?
Athens
Quebec City
Athens is a great destination for students. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Athens is a great city to visit as a student. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.
It's common for students to visit Quebec City. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.
Is Athens or Quebec City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Athens
Quebec City
Athens is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
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.
While Quebec City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and ferries around town.
Is Athens or Quebec City a more walkable city?
Athens
Quebec City
Quebec City 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.
Quebec City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.
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 Quebec City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Athens?
How long in Athens or Quebec City?
It's fun to spend time in either Athens or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Athens due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.
Families should spend more time in Quebec City than Athens. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Quebec City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Quebec City than Athens. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Quebec City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Quebec City 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.
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How many days in Athens or Quebec City? Ideal Length of StayAthens 3-7Quebec City 2-4
One day in Athens or Quebec City?
Athens is a energetic 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 Quebec City. 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 Quebec City?
Athens is a vibrant 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.
Quebec City 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 Quebec City?
Athens is a energetic 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 Quebec City. 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 Quebec City?
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 historical destination of Quebec City. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.
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Athens Prices
Greece PricesQuebec City Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €154Quebec City €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Quebec City is €135. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Quebec City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Quebec City €64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Quebec City €128
Compare Hotels in Athens and Quebec City
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Quebec City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Athens Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Quebec City €14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Athens Airport Transfer: $115
- Transfer from Athens-Pireaus-Athens Airport to Corinth-Loutraki-Agioi Theodoroi: $232
- "Luxurious Transfer": $55
- "Private Airport Transfer: Athens Airport to/from Piraeus Port": $80
- Accessible Private Transfer WAV from Athens Airport to Port Rafina: $45
- Aegean Wonders Santorini Transfers: $32
- Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $73
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $92
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $142
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Business Car: $92
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Car: $142
- Airport transfer: $197
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quebec City
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Quebec City are as follows:
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Parking in Quebec City€3.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quebec City
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quebec City:
- Québec Jean Lesage International Airport transfer to Club Med: $298
- Private Transfer from Quebec City Airport (YQB) to Saguenay Port: $253
- Private Transfer from Quebec City Hotels to Saguenay Cruise Port: $253
- Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Quebec: $243
- Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
- Quebec to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Departure Private Transfer: $173
- Le Terminal Quebec Port to Quebec city - Arrival Private Transfer: $173
- Quebec Airport (YQB) to Downtown private transfer: $117
- Québec city to Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $116
- Private transfer from YQB (QUEBEC) Airport to downtown: $111
- Private Transfer from Québec City to Jean Lesage Airport (YQB): $110
- Private Transfer from Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec City: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Quebec City?
Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAthens €64Quebec City €56
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
- No Diet Club - Unique local Food Tour in Athens!: $47
- "A Night in Dinner and Music Under the Stars": $57
- Cooking Class at Diamond Roof Garden: $58
- Authentic Athens Food Tour: $58
- Cooking Class at Diamond Roof Garden: $58
- Greek Street Food Tour: $62
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $63
- Signature Morning Walking Food Tour in Athens: $68
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $69
- Delicious food tour for families 15+ iconic Greek foods: $71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quebec City
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quebec City.
- Quebecois Aperitif Food Tour in Quebec City: $62
- Quebecois Aperitif Food Tour in Quebec City: $63
- Québec City: 3 or 5-Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $128
- Progressive Dinner on Grande-Allée and History Tour: $206
- Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour: $206
- Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City: $211
- Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $211
- 5-course Progressive Dinner on Grande-Allée and History Tour: $211
- Private Street Food Tour in Quebec With A Local Guide : $256
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Quebec City €21
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Self Guided Tour In Athens With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.47
- Self Guided Walking Tour in Athens Hidden Gems: $3.47
- Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $6.93
- The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- Ancient Agora: Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $8.07
- Athens Interactive City Tour: $8.07
- Athens Olympic Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $8.08
- Athens Interactive City Tour: $8.12
- Athens Olympic Museum ticket: $8.13
- Ancient Myth & History Puzzle Adventure: $8.42
- Acropolis: 3D representations & audiovisual self-guided tour: $9.23
- Acropolis Self-Guided Audiovisual Tour w/ 3D Models: $9.23
Tours and Activities in Quebec City
Here are a few actual costs in Quebec City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Magnificent Montmorency Falls E-Bike Tour: $168
- Private Québec City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour: $219
- 2-Hour Christmas Magic Tour in Old Quebec: $29
- 4 Hour Scooter Rental in Quebec City Self Guided Urban Adventure: $96
- A Taste of History Walking Tour: $71
- Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec: $21
- Best of Panoramic Bus Tour with Local Guide: $42
- Best of Panoramic Bus Tour with Local Guide: $39
- Beyond the Walls E-Bike Tour: $202
- Electric Fatbike Tour in Québec City: $112
- Electric Scooter Guided Tour of Quebec City: $106
- Golden Hour E-Scooter Guided Tour of Old Quebec & Beach Break: $94
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Quebec City €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Polykala Distillery: 128 years of history & liqueur tasting.: $16
- The NightCrawlers | Athens Bar Hopping | Pub Crawl: $19
- Saturday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Athens, Greece: $25
- Athens Party Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks & Club Access: $25
- Athens Ultimate Bar Crawl: $35
- Athens Ultimate Bar Crawl: $40
- Wine Tasting in Rare Grape Varieties of Greece: $40
- Small-Group Rooftop & Offbeat Nightlife Gems Pub Crawl: $41
- Santorini Wine Tasting at Brettos Bar in Plaka: $45
- Acropolis Wine Tasting with Cheese and Olives: $57
- Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $57
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $57
Sample the Local Flavors in Quebec City
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Quebec City:
- Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting: $21
- Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour: $50
- Island of Orleans Wine Tour: $95
- Montmorency Falls and Microbrewery eBike Tour: $97
- Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans: $97
- Montmorency Falls and Microbrewery eBike Tour: $126
When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Quebec City, 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. Even though Athens is in Europe and Quebec City is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Quebec City?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Quebec City, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.