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

Should you visit Athens or Singapore?

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 Singapore. 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Singapore

Singapore is a diverse, colorful, and glitzy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Athens and Singapore: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Acropolis
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Athens or Singapore?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Singapore than Athens. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Singapore is very popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Athens attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Singapore is famous for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also well known for Merlion Park Waterfront.

How is Athens different from Singapore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens
Singapore

Athens is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Athens on the map. 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.

Many visitors head to Singapore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.


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

Athens
Singapore

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Singapore 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, Singapore is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

Is Athens or Singapore Better for Nightlife?

Athens
Singapore

Athens is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Athens is a world class party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Singapore. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

Is Athens or Singapore Better for Music?

Athens
Singapore

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

Singapore has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Athens is not a live music destination.


Is Athens or Singapore Better for Resorts?

Athens
Singapore

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Singapore for its luxury resorts. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Singapore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Athens
Singapore

Singapore is mediocre for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Most people don't go snorkeling in Singapore. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Singapore Better for Beaches?

Athens
Singapore

Singapore is a good destination for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Singapore offers a nice beach destination. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

Athens is not a beach destination.


Is Athens or Singapore Better for its Old Town?

Athens
Singapore

Athens is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Singapore does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Athens can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Singapore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Singapore?

Athens
Singapore

Singapore 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 Singapore specifically to go shopping. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

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 Singapore Better for Families?

Athens
Singapore

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Singapore is very family-friendly. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

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


Is Athens or Singapore Better for Couples?

Athens
Singapore

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

Singapore is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

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 Singapore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens
Singapore

For backpackers, both Athens and Singapore are amazing 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.

Singapore is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

Is Athens or Singapore Better for Students?

Athens
Singapore

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

Singapore is a very popular place to visit for students. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

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

Athens
Singapore

Singapore 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 Singapore can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

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 Singapore a more walkable city?

Athens
Singapore

Singapore 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.

Singapore is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

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 Singapore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Singapore or Athens?

How long in Athens or Singapore?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Athens or Singapore? Ideal Length of Stay
    Athens 3-7 
    Singapore 2-7

One day in Athens or Singapore?

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 food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Singapore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Athens or Singapore?

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.

Singapore 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 Singapore?

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 Singapore. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Singapore?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the global big city of Singapore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Singapore or Athens?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Singapore is €141. 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 Singapore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Singapore 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Singapore 182
Compare Hotels in Athens and Singapore

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Singapore? 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.

Hotels in Athens


Hotels in Singapore


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Singapore 9.55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    6.40
  • Metro
    1.50
  • Metro
    2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bus Transfer to/from Argos: $14
  • Santorini Private Transfer From or To Airport: $20
  • One way Private Transfer Athens City Center to / from Piraeus Port: $20
  • Private transfer between Athens hotels and Piraeus Port: $23
  • Piraeus Port: Private One-Way Transfer to Athens City Center: $23
  • From Athens Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Rafina Port: $24
  • Athens Private Transfer: Central Athens to Piraeus Cruise Port: $24
  • Athens Private Transfer: Piraeus Cruise Port to Central Athens : $24
  • Private Transfer from Athens City Center to Piraeus Port: $25
  • Piraeus port to Athens hotels Private arrival transfer: $27
  • Piraeus Port Private First Class Vehicle Transfer: $28
  • Athens Airport to Athens City Easy Van and Minibus Transfer: $29

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:


  • Taxi to Airport
    22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:

  • Private Transfer from Seletar Airport (XSP) to Legoland Malasya: $277
  • Singapore to Tioman island (Mersing jetty) - Private Transfer: $270
  • Private Transfer from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Legoland (Malaysia): $258
  • Private Transfer : Singapore Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $250
  • Private Singapore City Tour + Roundtrip Transfers: $191
  • Singapore River Wonders & Night Safari ( Tickets & Transfer ) : $184
  • Singapore Zoo & Night Safari Day ( Tickets & Transfer ) : $184
  • Singapore Bird Paradise & Zoo Full Day (Ticket & Transfer ) : $174
  • Singapore Zoo & River Wonder Day Ticket & Transfer : $174
  • Singapore Bird Park & River Wonder (Tickets & Transfer ) : $174
  • Singapore Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels one way Private Transfer: $174
  • Singapore River & Night Safari-COMBO (Shared Transfer): $172

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Singapore?

Prices for flights to both Singapore 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Athens 37
    Singapore 26
Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    3.00
  • 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: $24
  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $52
  • Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $53
  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $58
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $61
  • Greek Spirits & Meze, Food Tour in Athens: $63
  • Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $64
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $64
  • Ramen & Gyoza - Vegan Cooking Course in Athina: $65
  • Moroccan Cuisine: Vegan Cooking Course in Athina: $65

Typical Food Prices in Singapore

Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:


  • Breakfast
    4.18
  • Sugarcane Juice
    1.37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Singapore.

  • Singapore : Traditional Snacks Cooking Class: $36
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $47
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $48
  • Guided Hawker Culture & Street Food Tour at Night: $65
  • Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings: $65
  • Marina Bay Sands Yacht Cruise with Dinner: $68
  • Singapore Bike and Bites Food Tour: $69
  • Eat Snap Tour - Katong Walking Food Tour: $73
  • Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $73
  • Private Korean Cooking Class in Balmoral Road: $75
  • Zebra Urban Safari Bicycle Tour with Local Dinner and Drinks: $76
  • Little India Hawker Street Food Tour: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Singapore 30

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Self-guided First Discovery Walk and Reading Tour: $3.26
  • Hadrian's Library Skip-the-Line Ticket: $4.42
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour into Byzantine Gems: $4.67
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in Old Plaka: $4.67
  • Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $5.43
  • Skip the Line: War Museum of Athens Entrance Ticket: $6.63
  • Athens Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.63
  • Ancient Agora of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Traditional Greek Food: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Athens: $6.99
  • Ancient Agora of Athens Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Ancient Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.06

Tours and Activities in Singapore

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:

  • SG Adventure Pass with Dukw Tour: $124
  • SG Explorer Pass with Dukw Tour: $67
  • Singapore : Axe Throwing Experience : $40
  • Singapore's Chinatown "Off The Beaten Track" Foodie Tour : $107
  • VIP private Night Tour + Light Show, Night market & more : $155
  • *16 Hrs Tailored Melaka Highlights Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $161
  • *17 or 19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $188
  • *19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur&Melaka Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $185
  • 1-way Singapore hotel pickup (Batam private tour guests only): $120
  • 3 Ethnic Neighborhoods & UNESCO Street Food / Cultural Experience: $151
  • 3 Hour Private Sunset Tour in Singapore: $208
  • 3-Hour Marina Bay Best Spots Walking Tour: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Singapore 25

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Premium Wine Tastings: $36
  • Athens Speakeasy & Alternative Bar Crawl: Discover Hidden Gems: $39
  • Athens Old Town: Wine Tasting based on Ancient Greek Grapes: $40
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
  • Organic and Vegan Indigenous Wine Tasting Private Experience: $44
  • Athens Wine Tasting: $44
  • Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $53
  • Greek food and wine tasting: $54
  • Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $54
  • Wine Tasting with a Sommelier under the Acropolis: $60
  • Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $72
  • Athens Small-Group Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75

Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Singapore:

  • Tour of Tiger Brewery in Singapore: $22
  • Little India Pub Crawl : $23
  • Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $26
  • Little India Pub Crawl: $26
  • Singapore Pub Crawl (SG Pub Crawl): $27
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl:Wildest Nightlife Clubbing: $33
  • Halloween Horror Nightlife PartySingapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $37
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl Wildest Nightlife Experience: $38
  • Enjoy Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting Flight and Singapore Sling Masterclass: $58
  • Tiger Brewery Tour, Swim & Sunset Photo Session at Raffles Marina: $99


When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Singapore, we can see that Singapore 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 Singapore is in Asia, 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 Singapore Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Athens or Singapore?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Singapore, 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.