A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Sounion vs. Bucharest for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Bucharest?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Bucharest? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is a iconic, impressive, and spectacular destination. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and food.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a cultural, charming, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Bucharest: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Temple of Poseidon
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Bucharest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bucharest. Although Cape Sounion and Bucharest are both popular with visitors, Bucharest has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bucharest is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cape Sounion is known for its museums, beaches, and impressive beauty. Cape Sounion is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. It is also home to The Palace of Parliament.

How is Cape Sounion different from Bucharest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bucharest and Cape Sounion. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Sounion or Bucharest?

Cape Sounion
Bucharest

Cape Sounion is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Cape Sounion are among the most recognizable in the world. The Temple of Poseidon is the main attraction here, but also nearby you'll find the Temple of Athena. The views, history, and connection to mythology fascinates most visitors who consider this to be a spectacular sight.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.


Is the Food Better in Cape Sounion or Bucharest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Sounion
Bucharest

Both Cape Sounion and Bucharest offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

Cape Sounion is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes as well as fine dining restaurants which are mostly located in hotels. Seafood is the cuisine of choice with many delicious Greek dishes available.

Bucharest offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Cape Sounion or Bucharest Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Bucharest

Bucharest is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bucharest. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Cape Sounion is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some bars and lounges that are connected to hotels. If you're spending the night, these are nice places to enjoy a drink in a beautiful setting.

Is Cape Sounion or Bucharest Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Bucharest

Cape Sounion is a good destination for the beache. However, Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Cape Sounion offers a nice beach destination. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Bucharest is not a beach destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Bucharest Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Bucharest

Bucharest is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Bucharest?

Cape Sounion
Bucharest

Bucharest is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Bucharest Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Bucharest

Cape Sounion is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cape Sounion. Kids who like mythology will appreciated a trip to the famed Temple of Poseidon. It dates back to the 5th century and is dedicated to the God of the Sea. Also nearby is the Temple of Athena.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.


Is Cape Sounion or Bucharest Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Bucharest

Cape Sounion is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Cape Sounion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples should definitely stay for the stunning sunset which provides dramatic oranges, pinks, and reds at the sun dips below the horizon.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Cape Sounion or Bucharest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Bucharest

Cape Sounion and Bucharest are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cape Sounion. The Temple of Poseidon is an iconic site about an hour and a half outside of Athens. It appeals to all types of travelers, including backpackers and budget travelers.

Bucharest is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Cape Sounion or Bucharest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Sounion
Bucharest

Bucharest is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you to most places easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

You'll find some public transit in Cape Sounion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel from Athens to Cape Sounion and take between 2 and 3 hours.


Is Cape Sounion or Bucharest a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Bucharest

Cape Sounion and Bucharest are good when it comes to walkability.

Cape Sounion is a somewhat walkable destination. You can walk around the archeological site and the bus stops close enough that it is accessible.

Bucharest is somewhat walkable. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Sounion Worth Visiting? and Is Bucharest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bucharest or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Bucharest?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Sounion and Bucharest. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bucharest than in Cape Sounion. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bucharest.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cape Sounion than Bucharest. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cape Sounion that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bucharest than Cape Sounion 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 Bucharest.


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Bucharest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Bucharest 1-3

One day in Cape Sounion or Bucharest?

You'll find food and museums around the destination of Cape Sounion. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Sounion has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Bucharest, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historical city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Cape Sounion or Bucharest?

You'll find museums and food around the impressive destination of Cape Sounion. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this destination has to offer. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Bucharest is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Cape Sounion or Bucharest?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the impressive destination of Cape Sounion. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the less touristy destination of Bucharest. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cape Sounion or Bucharest?

Cape Sounion is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Bucharest is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.


Which place is cheaper, Bucharest or Cape Sounion?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Sounion is €158, while the average daily cost in Bucharest is €129. 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 Cape Sounion and Bucharest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Bucharest 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Bucharest 118
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Bucharest

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Bucharest? 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.

Hotels in Cape Sounion


Hotels in Bucharest


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bucharest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Bucharest 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Tulcea Bucharest Private Transfer: $172
  • Transfert Privat București: $60
  • Transfers to Danube Port: Bucharest - Navrom Tulcea: $130
  • Transfer from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest: $29
  • Transfer from Bucharest to Brasov: $163
  • Transfer and Full Access All Day at Therme Spa Bucharest : $108
  • Transfer Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) to/from Brasov: $244
  • Transfer Bucharest Airport to Brasov: $286
  • Transfer Airport Otopeni - Bucharest: $43
  • Transfer Aeroport Otopeni: $64
  • Transfer & Access for 4.5-Hour at Therme Bucuresti: $59
  • Therme-entrance ticket and transfer pick-up/drop-off Bucharest: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Bucharest?

Prices for flights to both Bucharest and Cape Sounion 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
    Cape Sounion 41
    Bucharest 54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.

  • Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $53
  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $62
  • Cooking Class traditional food: $65
  • Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $75
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $84
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $86
  • Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $108
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $201
  • Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $227

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Bucharest 14

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bears Sanctuary, Dracula's Castle, Brasov Day Trip Private Tour from Bucharest: $248
  • Bucharest Panoramic Sightseeing - Private City Tour: $92
  • 1 Day 4x4 Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $172
  • 1 Day Castles Tour - Sinaia and Bran: $137
  • 100 Bears Sanctuary and Dracula's Castle, Private Tour: $167
  • 10h Bucharest City Tour & Snagov Monastery (Dracula's Grave): $257
  • 14 Days Private Tour in Romania, Moldova & Transnistria: $4,708
  • 2 Days Private Tour - The Romanian Caves from Bucharest: $556
  • 2 Hour Photoshoot Experience Near Bucharest Architectural Charms: $98
  • 2-Day Medieval Transylvania with Brasov,Sibiu and Sighisoara Tour from Bucharest: $249
  • 2-Day Transylvania Short Tour from Bucharest: $445
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Bucharest: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Bucharest 8.61

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Weekend Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
  • Pub Crawl Bucharest Top experience in Bucharest: $32
  • Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $37
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $42
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
  • From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $45
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
  • Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
  • Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version: $65
  • Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Wine Tasting Tour at First Wine Bar: $85


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Sounion Expensive? and Is Bucharest Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Bucharest?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 1880 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Bucharest, 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 Cape Sounion or Bucharest?

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 Cape Sounion or Bucharest in the Summer?

Both Bucharest and Cape Sounion during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cape Sounion is generally a little warmer than Bucharest. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 27°C (81°F), and Bucharest fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 289 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in July than Bucharest. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Bucharest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Bucharest. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.

Cape Sounion is much warmer than Bucharest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bucharest fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cape Sounion usually receives more rain than Bucharest. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Bucharest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Bucharest. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bucharest. In the winter, Cape Sounion is much warmer than Bucharest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Sounion in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Bucharest averages at about -1°C (29°F).

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 71 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets more rain in January than Bucharest. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Bucharest in the Spring?

Both Bucharest and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bucharest in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Cape Sounion is generally a little warmer than Bucharest. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 16°C (60°F), and Bucharest fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Bucharest. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bucharest and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Bucharest
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)