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

Should you visit Athens or Urbino?

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 Urbino. 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. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Urbino

Urbino is a historic, undiscovered, and authentic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Urbino: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Acropolis
Pros
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular old town
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Athens or Urbino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Urbino are popular destinations, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Urbino attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Athens is more touristy than Urbino and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Urbino is famous for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

The Acropolis
The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens
Urbino

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Urbino is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.


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

Athens
Urbino

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Urbino 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, Urbino makes for a great culinary experience. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

Is Athens or Urbino Better for Nightlife?

Athens
Urbino

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Athens has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

Is Athens or Urbino Better for its Old Town?

Athens
Urbino

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its historic old town.

Athens offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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 go to Urbino to see the historical old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.


Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Urbino?

Athens
Urbino

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Urbino both offer plenty of nice 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.

Urbino is a great destination for shopping. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Athens or Urbino Better for Families?

Athens
Urbino

Athens is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Athens or Urbino Better for Couples?

Athens
Urbino

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

Urbino is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

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 Urbino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens
Urbino

Athens is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination 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.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Athens or Urbino Better for Students?

Athens
Urbino

For students, both Athens and Urbino are very good places to visit.

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

Urbino is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

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

Athens
Urbino

Athens is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Urbino is not a good destination 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.


Is Athens or Urbino a more walkable city?

Athens
Urbino

Athens is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its 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.

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Urbino or Athens?

How long in Athens or Urbino?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Urbino to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Urbino because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Urbino.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Urbino. 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 Urbino. 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 Urbino 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.


  • How many days in Athens or Urbino? Ideal Length of Stay
    Athens 3-7 
    Urbino 1-2

One day in Athens or Urbino?

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 destination of Urbino. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Urbino?

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.

Urbino 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino. 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 Urbino?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Urbino. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Urbino 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 Urbino is €118. 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 Urbino in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Urbino 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Urbino 106
Compare Hotels in Athens and Urbino

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Urbino? 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 Urbino


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 Urbino Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Urbino 44
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:

  • From Paros: Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands or Athens: $2,695
  • From Meteora Private Day Trip with Transfer: $1,048
  • From Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Private Transfer: $461
  • Private Transfer to/from Volos: $449
  • From Private Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Transfer: $299
  • Transfer from Athens airport to Epidavros up to 4 customers: $298
  • Athens Airport to Kyllini Transfer or from Kyllini to Athens: $291
  • Private Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $284
  • Private Transfer From Athens To Meteora - Kalabaka: $273
  • Private Transfer through Athens Attractions at Night: $273
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
  • Private Transfer From Athens To Ancient Olympia: $262

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Urbino

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

  • Private Transfer from Borgo Maggiore to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Urbino?

Prices for flights to both Urbino 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
    Urbino 39
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
  • Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $51
  • Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
  • Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
  • Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
  • Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Urbino 15

Tours and Activities in Athens

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

  • Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
  • Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
  • Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
  • Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
  • EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
  • Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
  • Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
  • Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
  • Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
  • Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
  • Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
  • "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168

Tours and Activities in Urbino

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

  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • From Montefeltro Tour with Truffle Lunch: $396
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • San Marino: Food Tasting Tour: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Urbino 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

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

  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
  • Greek Wine Tasting: $23
  • Premium Wine Tastings: $35
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
  • Athens Wine Tasting: $44
  • Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
  • Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
  • 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
  • Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
  • Greek food and wine tasting: $53
  • Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
  • Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60


When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Urbino, 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Urbino?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Urbino. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Urbino, 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino in the Summer?

Both Urbino 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 Urbino because of the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is a little warmer than Urbino in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Urbino fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Urbino. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Urbino 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Athens or Urbino in the Autumn?

Both Urbino 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. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Urbino this time of year.

In the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Urbino. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Urbino averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Urbino. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Urbino 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Athens or Urbino in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Urbino. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Urbino. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Athens usually receives more rain than Urbino. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Urbino 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Athens or Urbino in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Urbino. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Urbino in the spring for the natural beauty.

Athens is a little warmer than Urbino in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Urbino fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Urbino. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Urbino 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Urbino and Athens

Athens Urbino
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)