A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Hamburg for Couples, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Hydra or Hamburg?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Hamburg? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a vibrant, historic, and energetic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Hamburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Hamburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Hamburg is more popular for its nightlife and music. Hydra is well known for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Also, Hydra is famous for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Hamburg is well known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space.

How is Hydra different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Hamburg have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Hydra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Hamburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

Is the Food Better in Hydra or Hamburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Hydra and Hamburg both to be notable 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.

Hamburg has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hydra or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Hamburg is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Hamburg know how to have a good time. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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 Hamburg Better for Music?

Hamburg is a world-class destination for live music. However, Hydra is not a live music destination.

Hamburg is a world class music destination. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Hydra is not a live music destination.

Is Hydra or Hamburg Better for Resorts?

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

Hydra has a few great resort options. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Hamburg is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Hamburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hamburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Hamburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Hamburg Better for Beaches?

Hydra is very good for the beach. However, Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Hydra to enjoy the beach. 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.

Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Hamburg Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Hamburg Better for Hiking?

Hydra is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Hamburg?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hamburg and Hydra.

Hydra is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Hamburg is well-known for its shopping. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Is Hydra or Hamburg Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Hamburg.

Hydra is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hamburg is very family-friendly. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Is Hydra or Hamburg Better for Couples?

Hydra is renowned for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Hydra has plenty to offer. 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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Hydra or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

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 Hamburg Better for Students?

Hamburg is a popular place for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Hamburg is popular with students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

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

Is Hydra or Hamburg a more walkable city?

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

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.

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Hamburg?

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

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Hamburg. 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 Hamburg. 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 Hamburg than Hydra 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 Hamburg.

One day in Hydra or Hamburg?

Hydra is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Hamburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this energetic destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This port 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 Hamburg?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hydra has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. 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 Hamburg?

Hydra is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hamburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hamburg. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Hamburg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Since Hydra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Hamburg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 760 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

Both Hamburg and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hydra is generally much warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Hamburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hamburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hydra is much warmer than Hamburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Hamburg. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Hamburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Hamburg. Many visitors come to Hydra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hamburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Hamburg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Hamburg. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the natural beauty.

In April, Hydra is generally much warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°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 Hamburg. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Hamburg. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Hydra