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

Should you visit Athens or Tromso?

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 Tromso. 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 energetic, historic, and ancient city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Athens offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Athens travel costs.

Tromso

Tromso is a one-of-a-kind, spectacular, and remote town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come to Tromso because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food. See Tromso travel costs.

Athens and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Tromso?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Tromso. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Tromso attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Tromso is famous for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Tromso does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

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

Athens is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tromso makes for a great culinary experience. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

Is Athens or Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Athens or Tromso Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso does not have a historic old town.

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.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Is Athens or Tromso Better for Hiking?

Tromso is great for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Tromso for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Tromso?

Athens is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Athens or Tromso More Beautiful?

Tromso is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Tromso because of it's amazing beauty. It's surrounding Arctic landscape includes fjords and snow-topped mountains.

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 Tromso Better for Families?

Both Athens and Tromso are very good 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.

Tromso is a very family-friendly place to visit. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

Is Athens or Tromso Better for Couples?

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

Tromso is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

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 Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Athens or Tromso Better for Students?

Athens is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Tromso is a good city to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

Athens is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Athens or Tromso a more walkable city?

Athens and Tromso are very good when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Tromso is very walkable. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Athens?

How long in Athens or Tromso?

Both Athens and Tromso have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Athens has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Athens than Tromso. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 4-7 days is enough time in Tromso.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Tromso. 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 Tromso. 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 Tromso 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 Tromso?

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.

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Tromso?

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.

Tromso 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.

Five days in Athens or Tromso?

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 Tromso. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Tromso?

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.

Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Tromso?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

Both Tromso and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is much warmer than Tromso in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Tromso. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Tromso. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the autumn. In the autumn, Athens is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Tromso averages at about 3°C (37°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Tromso in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Tromso. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Tromso. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Tromso. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Tromso in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Tromso can get quite cold in the spring. Athens is much warmer than Tromso in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Tromso. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Athens