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

Should you visit Heraklion or Bucharest?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Bucharest can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a accessible, bustling, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a less touristy, undiscovered, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Bucharest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Bucharest?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and beaches, while Bucharest is more popular for its historical sights. Heraklion is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Heraklion different from Bucharest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Heraklion or Bucharest?

Heraklion is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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 Heraklion or Bucharest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Heraklion. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Heraklion or Bucharest Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Heraklion is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Heraklion or Bucharest Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for the beache. However, Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Heraklion for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Bucharest Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest is a city with good options for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bucharest. 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.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Bucharest?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Heraklion and Bucharest.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Many visitors go to Bucharest to go shopping. 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.

Is Heraklion or Bucharest Better for Families?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

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 Heraklion or Bucharest Better for Couples?

Heraklion is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Heraklion frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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 Heraklion or Bucharest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is well known for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heraklion is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. 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 Heraklion or Bucharest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bucharest is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Bucharest has some very good public transit options. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Bucharest a more walkable city?

Heraklion is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bucharest or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Bucharest?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Bucharest. In our opinion, Heraklion has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Heraklion than Bucharest. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Bucharest?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Heraklion. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heraklion has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A weekend in Heraklion or Bucharest?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the accessible destination of Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Heraklion or Bucharest?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling city of Heraklion. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the less touristy city of Bucharest. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Bucharest?

Heraklion is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Bucharest, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Bucharest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Bucharest?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Bucharest in the Summer?

Both Bucharest and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Bucharest in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Bucharest fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 289 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Bucharest. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Bucharest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Bucharest. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Bucharest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Heraklion is much warmer than Bucharest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Bucharest averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Bucharest. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Bucharest in the Winter?

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

Bucharest can be very cold during winter. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Bucharest. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Bucharest fluctuates around -1°C (29°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 71 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Bucharest. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Bucharest in the Spring?

Both Bucharest and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the activities around the city.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Bucharest in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Bucharest fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Bucharest. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bucharest and Heraklion