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

Should you visit Athens or Villach?

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 Villach. 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 historic, ancient, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Villach

Villach is a nature-filled, outdoorsy, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Athens and Villach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Villach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Villach. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Villach attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Athens is more touristy than Villach and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Villach is famous for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Villach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Athens on the map. 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.

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

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

Athens is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

For foodies, Athens is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Athens or Villach Better for Nightlife?

Athens is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Athens is a must-see party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

Is Athens or Villach Better for its Old Town?

Athens is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town.

Athens has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Is Athens or Villach Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Villach for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Villach?

Athens is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town for shopping.

Many visitors go to Athens to go shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Athens or Villach Better for Families?

Both Athens and Villach are superb 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.

Villach is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

Is Athens or Villach Better for Couples?

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

Villach is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

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 Villach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is terrific for backpackers. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Villach is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

Is Athens or Villach Better for Students?

Athens is notable for students. However, Villach is not popular with students.

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.

Villach is not popular with students.

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

Athens is notable for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Athens offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Athens or Villach a more walkable city?

Athens is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre 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.

Villach is generally not a very walkable city. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Villach or Athens?

How long in Athens or Villach?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Villach. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Villach. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-3 days is enough time in Villach.

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

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Villach. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Villach?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Villach 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 Villach?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Villach. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Villach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Villach. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Villach?

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

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 Villach in the Summer?

Both Villach and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Villach for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is a little warmer than Villach in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Villach fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Villach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Villach. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 288 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Villach. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Villach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Villach. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Villach in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Villach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Villach averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Villach during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Villach. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Villach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Villach. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Villach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Villach. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Villach fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Villach. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 96 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Villach. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Villach in the Spring?

Both Villach and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Villach because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Athens is a little warmer than Villach in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Villach fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Villach during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Villach. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Villach and Athens