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

Should you visit Heraklion or York?

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 York 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 historic, vibrant, and accessible city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and York: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or York?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Heraklion. Although Heraklion and York are popular destinations, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is very popular for its beaches and big city activities, while York attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. Heraklion is famous for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

How is Heraklion different from York?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Heraklion and York.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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

York is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in York have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Dining out in Heraklion is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Heraklion or York Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and York.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

York is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Heraklion or York Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a well-known place for its beaches. However, York is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is considered a top beach destination. 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.

York is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or York Better for its Old Town?

York is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. 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.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or York?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Heraklion and York.

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 York to go 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 Heraklion or York Better for Families?

York is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

York is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

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.

Is Heraklion or York Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and York are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit York frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Heraklion or York Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion and York are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

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

York is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Heraklion or York Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Heraklion and York.

Heraklion has some public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

You'll find some public transit in York, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is Heraklion or York a more walkable city?

Heraklion 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.

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

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 Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is York Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in York or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or York?

It's fun to spend time in either Heraklion or York. Generally, people tend to spend more time in York due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-4 days is enough time in York.

Families should spend more time in York than Heraklion. 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.

One day in Heraklion or York?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of York. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or York?

Heraklion is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fanciful destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 York?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Heraklion. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fanciful city of York. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or York?

The vibrant city of Heraklion offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

York is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours from London, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and York, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or York?

York has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or York in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as York. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to York in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Heraklion is generally much warmer than York. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and York fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than York. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while York receives 196 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than York. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while York receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or York in the Autumn?

Both York and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to York for the shopping scene during these months.

Heraklion is much warmer than York in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and York fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than York during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while York receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than York. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or York in the Winter?

Both York and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to York because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in York can be very cold. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than York. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and York averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than York. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while York receives 61 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than York. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while York receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or York in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and York. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Heraklion is generally much warmer than York. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and York fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than York during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while York receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than York. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for York and Heraklion