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

Should you visit Athens or Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza. 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.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a authentic, cultural, and historical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Zaragoza: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Zaragoza?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Zaragoza are roughly the same size, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Zaragoza attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Athens is more touristy than Zaragoza 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. Zaragoza is famous for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Zaragoza. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Athens is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zaragoza. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Athens or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Athens has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Athens or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Athens offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Zaragoza is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

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 Zaragoza Better for Families?

Athens is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is known to be 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.

Zaragoza is a family-friendly city. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Athens or Zaragoza Better for Couples?

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

Zaragoza is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

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 Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Athens or Zaragoza Better for Students?

Athens is notable for students. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Athens is a great city to visit as a student. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Plenty of students visit Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

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

Athens and Zaragoza both offer great 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.

Public transit in Zaragoza is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams around the city.

Is Athens or Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Athens and Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is very walkable. The city center is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Athens?

How long in Athens or Zaragoza?

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

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

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

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 destination of Zaragoza. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Zaragoza?

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.

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza?

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 cultural destination of Zaragoza. 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Zaragoza?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Zaragoza. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza in the Summer?

Both Zaragoza and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zaragoza for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Athens is around the same temperature as Zaragoza in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Zaragoza, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Zaragoza. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Zaragoza. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Zaragoza in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza this time of year.

In January, Athens is generally a little warmer than Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Zaragoza. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in January than Zaragoza. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Zaragoza in the Spring?

Both Zaragoza and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zaragoza for the natural beauty.

Athens is around the same temperature as Zaragoza in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Zaragoza. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Zaragoza. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Athens