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

Should you visit Ios or Bucharest?

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

Should I visit Ios 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.

Ios

Ios is a backpacker-friendly, historical, and party-oriented island. 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 nightlife.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a cultural, charming, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ios and Bucharest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Bucharest?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ios than Bucharest, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ios is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bucharest is more popular for its historical sights and big city activities. Ios is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. Also, Ios is famous for Skarkos Archeological Site. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Ios different from Bucharest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Ios and Bucharest.

Ios offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

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 Ios or Bucharest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ios 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 Ios. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

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 Ios or Bucharest Better for Nightlife?

Ios is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Ios is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

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 Ios or Bucharest Better for Resorts?

Ios is well known for its resorts. However, Bucharest is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ios to choose from. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Bucharest is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Bucharest Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios 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 Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Bucharest Better for Beaches?

Ios is renowned for the beache. However, Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Ios offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Bucharest Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest is a popular place for its old town. However, Ios does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bucharest to see the old town. 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.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Bucharest Better for Hiking?

Ios is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

Ios offers some nice hiking trails. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Bucharest?

Both Ios and Bucharest are notable shopping destinations.

Ios offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

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 Ios or Bucharest Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Ios or Bucharest as a family destination.

Ios is not the most family-friendly destination. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Bucharest is not always a place people visit with their families. 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 Ios or Bucharest Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ios frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

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 Ios or Bucharest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Ios. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

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

Both Ios and Bucharest offer superb public transit options.

Ios has some very good public transit options. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you to most places easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Is Ios or Bucharest a more walkable city?

Ios and Bucharest both are notable when exploring on foot.

Ios is a somewhat walkable place. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bucharest or Ios?

How long in Ios or Bucharest?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ios or Bucharest?

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Ios. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ios has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With nightlife and food around the undiscovered destination of Bucharest, there's plenty to do. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Bucharest?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant destination of Ios. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Bucharest for a weekend. With food and shopping around the less touristy city of Bucharest, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Bucharest?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the striking island of Ios. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The destination of Bucharest offers shopping and museums. It offers something for everyone. Five days 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.

A week in Ios or Bucharest?

Ios is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-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 Ios and Bucharest, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Ios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ios 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 Ios.

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Bucharest?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 1040 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.