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

Should you visit Kos or Paris?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Paris 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.

Kos

Kos is a party-hard, vibrant, and beautiful island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Kos and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris. Although Kos and Paris are both popular with visitors, Paris has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paris is more popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kos is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Paris is more touristy than Kos and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. Kos is popular for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Kos different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kos or Paris?

Spend time exploring the terrific sights and museums in either Kos or Paris.

Travelers visit Kos from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Is Kos or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is very popular for theatre. However, Kos is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Kos is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Kos and Paris offer terrific local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Kos have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

Eat your way through Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Is Kos or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Paris is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

The people in Kos know how to have a good time. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

Is Kos or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is very popular for live music. However, Kos is not a live music destination.

Paris is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Kos is not a live music destination.

Is Kos or Paris Better for Resorts?

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

Kos has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Paris is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Paris Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Kos a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Paris Better for Beaches?

Kos is terrific for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Kos. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Paris Better for Hiking?

Kos is a popular place for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

Kos is a good destination for hiking. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Paris?

Paris is very popular for shopping. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. 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.

Kos offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Is Kos or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Kos does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Paris draws large crowds. 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.

Kos does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Kos or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kos. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

Is Kos or Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is very popular for romance. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Paris is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Couples visit Kos frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Is Kos or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Paris. 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.

Kos is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

Is Kos or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

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

Kos is not popular with students.

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

Paris is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Paris has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

The public transit in Kos can get you around easily. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

Is Kos or Paris a more walkable city?

Kos and Paris are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Kos is very walkable. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

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 Kos Worth Visiting? and Is Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Kos?

How long in Kos or Paris?

Both Kos 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 Kos. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

Families should spend more time in Paris than Kos. 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 Kos. 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 Kos 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 Kos or Paris?

In Kos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this party-hard destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island 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.

When visiting Paris, people usually allow for lots of time. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kos. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people visit Paris for a weekend. When visiting Paris, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Kos or Paris?

Kos is a fun place to experience. In Kos, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

When visiting Paris, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Kos or Paris?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Kos. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to 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 Kos and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Kos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kos 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 Kos.

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

Which is Bigger, Kos or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos 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.