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

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Should you visit Athens or Venice?

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 Venice. 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.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. Many visitors also come here because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

How is Athens different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Athens or Venice better for Museums and Historical Sights?

You'll find a number of museums and attractions in both Venice and Athens.

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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.


Is Athens or Venice better for Food?

Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Athens a bit more than Venice.

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.

Venice is becoming an appealing option for foodies. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Athens or Venice better for Nightlife?

Most visitors prefer the nightlife in Athens.

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.

Venice doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Athens or Venice better for Shopping?

Venice is generally considered to be a more popular shopping destination.

Many people travel to Venice specifically to go shopping. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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.

Is Athens or Venice better for Families?

Both Athens and Venice are 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.


Is Athens or Venice better for Couples?

Couples will find a longer list of romantic activities in Venice than Athens.

Venice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Venice better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Athens and Venice are fairly comparable places to visit.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Athens is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Venice is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Athens or Venice better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Venice are fairly comparable places to visit.

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Is Athens or Venice better for Public Transit?

Athens and Venice both offer public transit to get you around.

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.

With a huge network, the transit system in Venice can get you around easily. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.


Is Athens or Venice a more walkable city?

Athens and Venice are similar 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.

Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

Athens and Venice: Pros and Cons

Athens
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
Venice
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Should I spend more time in Venice or Athens?

How long in Athens or Venice?

Both Athens and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Athens is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Venice is 2-7 days.


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

One day in Athens or Venice?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. 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 Venice?

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.

Venice 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 Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Venice. 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.


A week in Athens or Venice?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Venice. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Venice or Athens?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €103, while the average daily cost in Venice is €181. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Venice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens €51
    Venice €93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens €102
    Venice €186

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens €22
    Venice €22
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:

  • Private Transfer from Αthens City to Igoumenitsa Port: $1,763
  • Private Transfer from Athens City to Syvota: $1,203
  • Private City Transfer From Athens To Pilos: $970
  • Private City Transfer From Athens to Kranidi: $970
  • Transfer to Corfu from Athens including visit to Delphi: $964
  • Athens to Corfu Luxury Private Transfer: $890
  • Private Transfer to/ from Lefkada Marina to/ from Athens Airport or City Centre: $759
  • Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $678
  • Private Transfer from Athens to Nafplio: $666
  • Transfer to Lefkada - The Safest and most Convinient way: $605
  • Delphi Private Full Day Luxury Transfers From Athens: $597
  • Private Transfer from Athens-Pireaus-ATH to Igoumenitsa-Parga-Sivota-Ioannina: $592

Typical Local Transportation prices in Venice

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


  • Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass
    €16
  • Vaporetto Ride
    €6.50
  • 1 Day Travel Card
    €18
  • 7 Day Transport Card (for Two)
    €101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice

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

  • Venice - Milan / Private Transfer + Water Taxi (up to 8 pass.): $1,359
  • Venice - Milan / Private Transfer + Water Taxi (up to 3 pass.): $1,214
  • Luxury / vip transfer Venice to Zagreb: $1,158
  • Venice - Florence / Private Transfer + Water Taxi (up to 8 pass.): $1,105
  • Private Transfer from Venezia to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $1,091
  • Venice - Florence / Private Transfer + Water Taxi (up to 3 pass.): $1,033
  • Transfer from Airport to Trieste Cruise Terminal: $908
  • Private Transfer: Civitavecchia Port to Venice or vice versa: $845
  • Private Transfer: Ciampino Airport (CIA) to Venice or vice versa: $839
  • Gardaland full Day private transfers from Mestre area and viceversa up8pax: $746
  • Venice - Verona / Private Transfer + Water Taxi (up to 8 pass.): $707
  • Exclusive Private Transfer VCE M Polo Airport to Venice City Center 4Pax: $691

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Venice?

Prices for flights to both Venice 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 €30
    Venice €52
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:

  • Online 1hr Cooking Class: Santorini Tomato Fritters: $6.22
  • Greek Meatballs Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Athens Private Food Tour with a Local: $42
  • Online Cooking Class: Greek mini cheese pies: $45
  • Street Culture & Food Tour: $56
  • Afternoon Food Tour: $56
  • Athens walking and tasting food tour.: $60
  • 4-Hour Cooking Class with Market Visit: $69
  • Homemade Gyros cooking class and dinner in Athens for private groups: $75
  • The Classic Food Tour: $76
  • Taste of Half-Day Small Group Food Tour: $77
  • Greek Phyllo and Pie Cooking Class in Athens: $77

Typical Food prices in Venice

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


  • Panini Sandwich
    €4.00
  • Gelato
    €6.00
  • Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza
    €7.90
  • Expresso
    €1.95
  • Slice of Pizza
    €2.23
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    €79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice

For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 Hour Online Live Carbonara Cooking Class With Italian Chef: $37
  • Online Tiramisu Cooking Class With Italian Chef At Home: $37
  • 2.5-Hour Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $48
  • 2-Course Dinner in a Typical Venetian Restaurant: $74
  • Venice Food Tour: Rialto Market and Cicchetti Tasting: $84
  • Traditional Home Dinner in Venice with a Chef: $87
  • Cooking Show with a Famous Local Chef: $90
  • Venice Carnival 4-Hour Grand Ball Gala Dinner and Show: $102
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $103
  • Private Food Tour: Cicheti & Wine: $106
  • Private Market Tour and Cooking Class in Central Venice with a Fun Loving Local: $106
  • Interpreti Veneziani Ensemble Baroque Concert with Dinner: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens €28
    Venice €80

Tours and Activities in Athens

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

  • "A Must-See" Anc. Epidaurus, Mycenae & Nafplion Premium Full Day Tour By Locals: $411
  • "Athens city tour": $270
  • "Private tour in Athens": $243
  • ''Tour in Athens'': $118
  • 1 Day Private Tour Corinth, Cave of Lakes at Kalavrita & Journey by Cog Railway: $264
  • 1 Day Private tour to Meteora, visit the Monasteries are lying on the cliffs.: $317
  • 1 Day Saronic Islands Cruise: $168
  • 10 Day Greek Island Tour: Mykonos, Santorini-Volcano, Crete, Delos, Knossos,: $2,457
  • 10 Day Ultimate Ancient Greece Tours Experience: $2,411
  • 10 Day to Explore the Best Historical Gems in Greece and tour in Santorini: $1,798
  • 10 Days Private Tour: North Greece: $2,706
  • 10 Days Private Tour: Peloponnese: $2,706

Typical Entertainment prices in Venice

For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Venice Boat Ride
    €15
  • Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee
    €8.00
  • Gondola Ride (for Group)
    €80
  • Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace
    €16
  • The Jewish Museum Admission
    €3.00
  • The Glass Museum in Murano
    €8.00

Tours and Activities in Venice

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

  • 'More, 'ndemo a bacari? - A food and wine experience (tour to Murano included): $305
  • 3 hour Venice walking tour: $711
  • 3-Days Private tour among Venice, Verona and Treviso with a Top Guide: $1,493
  • 3hours Venice walking tour: $93
  • 8-Hour Prosecco Wine and Tastings Tour from Venice or Padua: $453
  • A bit of Venetian art and architecture (free tour to Murano included): $330
  • A day in the life of Venice - Private tour with a local: $249
  • A full taste of Venice - the very best in one day (free tour to Murano included): $1,400
  • Accessible a barrier free private tour: $71
  • An Architectural insight of Venice on a Private Tour with a local: $124
  • Best Price: Book Doge's Palace skip the line ticket with audio-guide: $9.95
  • Best of Venice Half Day Tour: $265

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens €18
    Venice €19

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

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

  • Athens Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $37
  • Virtual Greek Wine Tasting: $87
  • Athens Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $96
  • Wine tasting tour: $131
  • Wine Tasting and Athens Trikke Combo Tour: $133
  • The Best Winery & Tasting Tour in Nemea.Enjoy a unique all day wine tasting tour: $140
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience of Greek Awarded Wines in Athens: $148
  • Premium Wine Tour in Peloponnese -Ancient Corinthos, Nemea - the Land of Myth: $148
  • Athens Private Wine Tasting Tour - Dionysian Grapes: $149
  • Ancient Corinth & Nemea Wine Tasting (up to 15 in a Luxurious Mercedes Minibus): $151
  • Greek Private Wine Tasting: $166
  • Mercedes Private Full-Day Tour, Nafplio, Corinth Canal and Wine Tasting: $168

Typical Alcohol prices in Venice

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:


  • 1/2 Liter Wine
    €5.20
  • Beer
    €4.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Venice

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

  • Venice Wine Tasting Tour: $30
  • Online Live Wine Tasting from Venice: $37
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $40
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $62
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $67
  • A Relaxing Evening at The Hot Springs (with wine tastings): $75
  • Natural wine tasting with a Bacaro owner in Venice: $76
  • Venice in 3 Wines: Exclusive Wine Tasting with an Expert & Food Pairing: $136
  • Taste Food and Wine Tour of the Rialto Markets: $147
  • Full-Day Prosecco Wine Tour and Tasting: $204
  • Amarone Wine Tasting from Venice by Train: $210
  • Amarone-Soave wine tour. Visit Verona. From Venice: $291

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Athens.

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Athens vs. Venice Travel Comparison

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