A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Bucharest for Couples, Attractions, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Hydra or Bucharest?

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

Should I visit Hydra 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.

Hydra

Hydra is a quaint, picturesque, and charming island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a cultural, charming, and historical city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Bucharest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Bucharest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Bucharest are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bucharest attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Hydra is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also well known for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Bucharest is famous for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Hydra different from Bucharest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hydra 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 Hydra. For such a small island, there are many local museums and sights. Highlights include the Historical Archives Museum, the Ecclesiastical Museum, the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia, and the Monastery of Prophet Elias.

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 Hydra or Bucharest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Hydra and Bucharest both to be nice destinations.

Hydra offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For such a small island, it really packs in some great restaurants. Head down the side streets to find the best souvlaki. There are also tavernas where you can sample local wine. Fresh caught seafood is a favorite on the island as well.

Bucharest has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Hydra or Bucharest Better for Nightlife?

Bucharest is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Bucharest has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Hydra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small island that is often visited as a day trip, so don't expect a huge party scene. There are about seven places in total that make up the island's nightlife scene. Each is centered around the harbor and many people start their evening at one bar and slowly hop around. They usually have DJs and full bars.

Is Hydra or Bucharest Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a good destination for its resorts. However, Bucharest is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Hydra makes a nice vacation spot. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Bucharest is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Bucharest Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Bucharest Better for Beaches?

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

Hydra offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are usually pebbly with nice blue water. Many people visit the beaches as part of a boat tour, which leaves from the port and tours the island. Some of the most popular beaches are Vlichos, Kaminia, Bisti and Agios Nikolaos.

Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Bucharest Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is well known for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Hydra. With no cars and plenty of charm, the island's old town feels as if you've stepped back in time. Donkey pulled carts and quaint streets give this town its atmosphere.

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.

Is Hydra or Bucharest Better for Hiking?

Hydra is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hydra. The island is filled with walking paths and donkey trails that are fun to explore. Some walk along the sea and offer spectacular views while others take you inland through the hills.

Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Bucharest?

Hydra is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Hydra is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

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.

Is Hydra or Bucharest Better for Families?

Hydra is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Hydra is a very kid-friendly island. The island feels like it's frozen in time. There are no cars allowed here, so kids can run freely without the worry of traffic. They'll be as fascinated as you are by the carts pulled by donkeys. Most things you'll visit are also close together, making accessibility easy. In addition to some interesting museums, there are beaches and kid-friendly food. The whole island really is a playground.

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 Hydra or Bucharest Better for Couples?

Hydra is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Hydra is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful island makes a great honeymoon or couple's destination. Most visitors come as a day trip, but spending a night or two on the island is a unique experience. It has a laid back vibe and is filled with romance. The food is amazing, and the traditional atmosphere will make you feel as if you've traveled back in time.

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 Hydra or Bucharest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Hydra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most people visit the island as a day trip and it doesn't attract nearly as many backpackers as the larger Greek islands. If you visit during the lower season, you might find some affordable accommodation.

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

Bucharest is a great destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bucharest. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hydra. There are sea taxis and beach boats on the island.

Is Hydra or Bucharest a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Hydra on foot is easy. The entire island is car-free and everything that you want to visit is close together and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bucharest or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Bucharest?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hydra or Bucharest?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hydra has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Bucharest, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Hydra or Bucharest?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hydra or Bucharest?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bucharest is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bucharest. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Bucharest?

Hydra 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the less touristy destination of Bucharest. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-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 Hydra and Bucharest, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Hydra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hydra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hydra 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest than you might in Hydra.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Bucharest?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 820 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra 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 Hydra or Bucharest?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hydra or Bucharest in the Summer?

Both Bucharest and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than Bucharest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Bucharest averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Bucharest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 289 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Bucharest. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Bucharest in the Autumn?

Both Bucharest and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Hydra because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and 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.

In October, Hydra is generally much warmer than Bucharest. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Bucharest fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 177 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets more rain in October than Bucharest. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Bucharest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Bucharest. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bucharest. Hydra is much warmer than Bucharest in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Bucharest fluctuates around -1°C (29°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 71 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives more rain than Bucharest. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Bucharest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Bucharest. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Bucharest in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Bucharest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Bucharest averages at about 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 185 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Bucharest. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bucharest and Hydra