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

Should you visit Athens or Sibenik?

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 Sibenik. 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.

Sibenik

Sibenik is a local, undiscovered, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Athens and Sibenik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Sibenik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Athens than Sibenik, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Athens is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Sibenik is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and small town charm. Athens is more touristy than Sibenik 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. Sibenik is well known for its photogenic beaches, charming old town, and surrounding natural beauty.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Sibenik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Sibenik 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.

Sibenik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Despite being skipped by many international tourists, the town has a number of historical landmarks such as Sibenik Cathedral, St. Michael's Fortress, and the fascinating the Dalmatian Ethno Village.

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

Athens is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Sibenik. The restaurants are local and delicious. The old town has cafes that spill into the squares, so dining is a truly delightful experience. This is a hidden gem on the Adriatic.

Is Athens or Sibenik Better for Nightlife?

Athens is renowned for nightlife. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Sibenik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the summer months you'll find people filling the terraces and squares at night. There are also a number of festivals in and near town. If you're looking for nightlife, it's best to visit during one of these festivals.

Is Athens or Sibenik Better for Resorts?

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

Sibenik has a few great resort options. The town has gained popularity in recent years and its become a popular summer resort destination for Europeans.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Sibenik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sibenik is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Sibenik. There aren't as many snorkeling trips leaving from this town as other, more popular beach destinations in Croatia.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Sibenik Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Sibenik for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are less crowded than those in the more popular nearby cities, but they are gaining popularity. In town, Banj Beach is a pebbly beach that is easy to access. Nearby Jadrija Beach is considered to be one of the most photogenic in the area and St. Nicholas Beach is one of the more remote.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Sibenik Better for its Old Town?

Athens is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Sibenik. The charming old town is car-free and filled with quaint streets and lovely cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Sibenik?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Sibenik both offer plenty of notable spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Sibenik is a great destination for shopping. You'll find some local shops selling interesting trinkets and souvenirs.

Is Athens or Sibenik Better for Families?

Both Athens and Sibenik 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.

Sibenik is a very family-friendly place to visit. It has grown into a popular summer resort destination. There are many outdoor activities in the area including kayaking, swimming, and boating. You should also take a day trip to Krka National Park to see the waterfalls. There are also some good beaches where families can hang out.

Is Athens or Sibenik Better for Couples?

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

Sibenik is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The town is charming and filled with historic sights. There are also beaches and adventure sports for those looking for an adrenaline-filled 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 Sibenik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sibenik 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.

Sibenik is a great city to visit for backpackers. The town has a large number of hostels to choose from, making this an easy and convenient stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Athens or Sibenik Better for Students?

Athens is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sibenik is not popular with students.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Sibenik is not popular with students.

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

Athens is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Sibenik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a public bus system that can help you get around the area.

Is Athens or Sibenik a more walkable city?

Sibenik 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.

Sibenik is a very easy town to get around on foot. The old town is car-free and easily explored 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 Sibenik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sibenik or Athens?

How long in Athens or Sibenik?

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

Families should spend more time in Sibenik than Athens. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sibenik, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sibenik. 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 Sibenik?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Sibenik 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 Sibenik?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Sibenik. This town 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 from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Sibenik, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Sibenik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sibenik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sibenik 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 Sibenik.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Sibenik?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sibenik. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Sibenik, 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 Sibenik?

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 Sibenik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Sibenik. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sibenik this time of year.

In the summer, Athens is around the same temperature as Sibenik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sibenik averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sibenik 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 Sibenik during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Sibenik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Sibenik. 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 Sibenik for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Sibenik. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Sibenik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sibenik. 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 Sibenik. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 200 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Athens or Sibenik in the Winter?

Both Sibenik and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sibenik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Athens is a little warmer than Sibenik in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Sibenik fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Sibenik during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Sibenik in the Spring?

Both Sibenik and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sibenik for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Athens is around the same temperature as Sibenik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Sibenik averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Sibenik, 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 Sibenik. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 212 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Sibenik. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sibenik and Athens