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

Should you visit Athens or Valencia?

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 Valencia. 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. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Valencia

Valencia is a cultural, historic, and architectural coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Valencia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Valencia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valencia. Although Athens and Valencia are roughly the same size, Valencia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Valencia is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Athens is known for its museums. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Valencia is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also home to La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.

How is Athens different from Valencia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Valencia 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, Valencia is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

Is Athens or Valencia Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is world-class in both Athens and Valencia.

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.

Valencia is a world class party destination. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Is Athens or Valencia Better for Resorts?

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

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Valencia Better for Beaches?

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

Valencia offers a nice beach destination. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Valencia Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Athens and Valencia.

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 Valencia can be explored in its historical center. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Is Athens or Valencia Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a good destination for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Valencia offers some nice hiking trails. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Valencia?

Valencia is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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 Valencia Better for Families?

Both Athens and Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

Is Athens or Valencia Better for Couples?

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

Valencia is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

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 Valencia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Valencia. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Is Athens or Valencia Better for Students?

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

Valencia is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

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

Athens is well known for its public transit. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Athens has some very good public transit options. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

While Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Athens or Valencia a more walkable city?

Athens and Valencia are great 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.

Valencia is very walkable. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Valencia or Athens?

How long in Athens or Valencia?

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

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

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

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

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Valencia. 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 Valencia?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Valencia 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 Valencia?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly big city of Valencia. This coastal 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Valencia, 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 Valencia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Valencia?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Valencia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Valencia. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Valencia for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Valencia. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Valencia. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 303 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Valencia. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Valencia in the Autumn?

Both Valencia and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Valencia because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Athens is around the same temperature as Valencia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Valencia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valencia during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Valencia. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Valencia in the Winter?

Both Valencia and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Valencia this time of year.

In the winter, Athens is cooler than Valencia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Valencia averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets less sunshine than Valencia. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 162 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in January than Valencia. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Valencia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Valencia. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Valencia. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia 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 Valencia during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Valencia. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valencia and Athens