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

Should you visit Athens or York?

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 York. 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and York: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or York?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than York. Athens is bigger than York, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. York is well known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from York?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. 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.

Many visitors head to York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and York 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, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Is Athens or York Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Athens just to party. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

York has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Is Athens or York Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the amazing old town areas in both Athens and York.

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 York can be explored in its historical center. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or York?

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

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is Athens or York Better for Families?

York is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Is Athens or York Better for Couples?

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

York is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Many backpackers visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Is Athens or York Better for Students?

Athens is a well-known place for students. However, York 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Athens is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is Athens or York a more walkable city?

Athens is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in York or Athens?

How long in Athens or York?

It's fun to spend time in either Athens or York. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Athens due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-4 days is enough time in York.

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

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

Athens is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of York. 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 York?

Athens is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 York?

Athens is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 York?

Athens is a energetic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fanciful destination of York. This 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 10-Day Tours from London, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or York?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of Athens and York, 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 York?

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 York in the Summer?

Both York 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to York for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Athens is much warmer than York. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and York averages at about 16°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than York. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while York receives 196 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than York. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while York receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or York in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and York. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Athens is generally much warmer than York. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and York fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than York during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while York receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives around the same amount of rain as York. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or York in the Winter?

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

York can be very cold during winter. Athens is much warmer than York in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and York fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than York. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while York receives 61 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than York. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while York receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or York in the Spring?

Both York 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.

In the spring, Athens is much warmer than York. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and York averages at about 8°C (46°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than York during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while York receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than York. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for York and Athens