Which place is cheaper, Venice or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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 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.
Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. Many visitors also come to Venice 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. See Venice travel costs.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Venice. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is very popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Venice attracts visitors for its shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Venice is more touristy than Athens and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. 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.
The Acropolis
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Venice and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
You'll find a number of first-rate 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.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Venice that are not to be missed. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
Athens is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Athens has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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, Venice makes for a great culinary experience. 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. Many of the restaurants are excellent, but head into the local neighborhoods for the best options.
Athens is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.
People head to Athens just to party. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. 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.
Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Athens and Venice.
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 Venice can be explored in its historical center. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.
Venice 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 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 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.
Venice 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 Venice because of it's amazing beauty. The city's beautiful canals, architecture, and gondolas make it among the most stunning and unique places to visit in the world.
Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.
Both Athens and Venice are high quality 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.
Venice is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Venice is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
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 nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.
Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Venice. 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.
Venice is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.
Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. 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.
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.
Venice 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 Venice can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.
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.
Venice 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.
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 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 Venice Worth Visiting?.
Both Athens and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Venice has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Venice than Athens. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.
Couples should spend more time in Venice than Athens. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Venice 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Venice is €276. 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 Venice in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Venice? 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.
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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:
Also for Venice, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:
For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Venice Expensive?.
Athens has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Venice, 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.
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.
Both Venice and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Athens is a little warmer than Venice in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Venice. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Venice during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Venice. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Venice and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Venice averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Venice. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in October than Venice. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Venice. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Venice because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Venice can be very cold. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Athens usually receives more sunshine than Venice during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Venice. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Venice. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Venice this time of year.
Athens is a little warmer than Venice in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Venice. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in April than Venice. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Athens | Venice | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.7 in) |
Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 50 mm (1.9 in) |