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

Should you visit Hydra or Paris?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Paris? 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 picturesque, charming, and accessible island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Hydra and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris. Although Hydra and Paris are both popular with visitors, Paris has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paris is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hydra is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Paris is more touristy than Hydra and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. Hydra is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Hydra different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Paris that are not to be missed. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Many visitors head to Hydra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Is Hydra or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Hydra is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Hydra is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Hydra has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Hydra or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

People head to Paris just to party. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

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

Paris is a world class music destination. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Hydra is not a live music destination.

Is Hydra or Paris Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Paris is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Paris is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Paris Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hydra has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Paris Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a popular place for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Hydra is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is great for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Paris Better for Hiking?

Hydra is great for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hydra for the hiking trails. 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.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Paris?

Paris is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Paris is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Hydra is well-known for its shopping. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Is Hydra or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Hydra does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Hydra does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Hydra or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hydra is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Hydra or Paris Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hydra and Paris make for a first-rate place to visit.

Hydra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

For those traveling as a couple, Paris has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Is Hydra or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paris is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris Better for Students?

Paris is a world-class destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Paris is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Paris can get you around easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Hydra or Paris a more walkable city?

Hydra is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Paris is a very walkable island. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Paris?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hydra or Paris?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hydra or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hydra or Paris?

Hydra is a fun place to experience. Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Paris is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hydra or Paris?

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 940 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Hydra or Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

Hydra is a little warmer than Paris in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Paris. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Paris. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Paris. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hydra is a little warmer than Paris. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Paris averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Paris during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Paris. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Paris in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Paris. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Paris can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hydra is generally much warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Paris. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Paris. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Hydra is a little warmer than Paris in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Paris during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Paris. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Hydra