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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Rome?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Rome? 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 impressive, spectacular, and iconic destination. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and beaches.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Rome: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Temple of Poseidon
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Colosseum


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome. Although Cape Sounion and Rome are popular destinations, Rome has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rome is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its beaches. Rome is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

The Colosseum
The Colosseum

How is Cape Sounion different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Sounion
Rome

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Rome and Cape Sounion.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Cape Sounion has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Rome that are not to be missed. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.


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

Cape Sounion
Rome

Rome is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Cape Sounion offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Cape Sounion or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Rome

Rome is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

Rome is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome Better for Music?

Cape Sounion
Rome

Rome is very popular for its music scene. However, Cape Sounion is not a live music destination.

Rome has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Cape Sounion is not a live music destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Rome Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Rome

Cape Sounion is a destination with good options for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Sounion. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Rome?

Cape Sounion
Rome

Rome is very popular for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Rome specifically to go shopping. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Rome Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Rome

Rome is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rome. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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.


Is Cape Sounion or Rome Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Rome

Rome is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Rome makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Cape Sounion is a nice destination for couples. Couples should definitely stay for the stunning sunset which provides dramatic oranges, pinks, and reds at the sun dips below the horizon.

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

Cape Sounion
Rome

Rome is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Rome, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Cape Sounion is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Cape Sounion or Rome Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Rome

Rome is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.


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

Cape Sounion
Rome

Rome is very popular 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.

Rome has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Rome a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Rome

Rome is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rome or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Rome?

Both Cape Sounion and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Cape Sounion. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cape Sounion, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome 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 Rome.


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Rome? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Rome 3-7

One day in Cape Sounion or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Cape Sounion. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Cape Sounion or Rome?

Cape Sounion is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Rome is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Rome?

You'll find museums and food around the iconic destination of Cape Sounion. This destination offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Cape Sounion or Rome?

The iconic destination of Cape Sounion offers food and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Rome is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome 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 Rome is €170. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Rome 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Rome 178
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Rome? 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 Rome


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: Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Rome 21

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    2.00
  • Train to the Airport
    15
  • Taxi to Airport
    45
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • private transfer from Rome to Fiumicino airport: $55
  • Welcome in airport Transfer with welcome box: $89
  • Verona Airport (VRN) : One-Way Private Transfer to Ravenna: $706
  • Van transfer service from / to airports in Rome: $131
  • VIP Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome or Vice Versa: $51
  • VIP Experience Private Transfer from the Civitavecchia Port to Rome: $191
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Rome HTL-APT (FCO): $160
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Rome HTL-APT (CIA): $61
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Rome APT-HTL (CIA): $61
  • Trieste Port: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Rome Hotels: $2,535
  • Transfers from Airports to Rome city or Rome city to Airports: $63
  • Transfers From Fiumicino to Terracina: $154

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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
    Rome 47

Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    14
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    2.99
  • Cafe e doce
    4.00
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    2.65
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    32
  • Cheese and bread
    10
  • Espresso
    2.00
  • Dinner
    58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

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

  • Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $16
  • Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $31
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
  • Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
  • Guided Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings: $33
  • Roman Master Chef Cooking Class with Wine: $36
  • Roman Dinner & History Tour: An Epic Journey Through Time: $37
  • Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $40
  • Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
  • Rome Food Tour : Street Food Testings with Local Guide: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Food Tour at Vatican and Trionfale Farmers: $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Rome 36

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    69
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    33
  • Roma Pass
    30
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    20
  • Segway Tour
    75

Tours and Activities in Rome

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

  • Appian Way and Aqueducts Electric Bike Tour: $82
  • Castel Sant Angelo Skip the Line Tickets: $39
  • Colosseum Arena Floor Guided Tour with Ancient Rome Access : $195
  • Colosseum Gladiator Arena Floor Complete Guided Tour : $206
  • Colosseum Tour With Kids: $195
  • Colosseum and Ancient Rome Tour with Circus Maximus and Forums: $16
  • Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill Professional Guided Tour: $161
  • Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour: $184
  • Complete St Peters Basilica Tour with Dome Climb and Crypt: $43
  • Cruise into Rome?! Full-Day Rome Discovery from Civitavecchia : $96
  • Fast Track Colosseum with Arena and afternoon Vatican Museums Tour: $191
  • Golf Cart Driving Tour: Rome City Highlights in 2.5 hrs: $104

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Rome 18

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    6.50
  • Pint of Beer
    6.34
  • Beer
    10

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
  • Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $32
  • Vatican Food and Wine Tasting Tour next to the Sistine Chapel: $32
  • Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
  • Vatican Quarter and Trionfale Farmers Market Food and Wine Tour: $43
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $52
  • Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl In Rome With Local Guide : $53
  • Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $55
  • Frascati Wine Tasting Experience & Vineyards Tour : $61
  • Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $68
  • E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $68
  • Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $71


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Sounion and Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Cape Sounion Expensive? and Is Rome Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 2560 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Cape Sounion during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Rome in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in July than Rome. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Rome. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Rome. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Rome 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Rome in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Rome. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In January, Cape Sounion is generally a little warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 10°C (51°F), and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Rome. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Rome in the Spring?

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

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Rome in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Rome during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Rome. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)