A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Mykonos vs. Athens for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Mykonos or Athens?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mykonos and Athens. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a postcard perfect, glamourous, and party-oriented Greek island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Mykonos and Athens: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Athens?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Mykonos, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Mykonos is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Mykonos is more touristy than Athens and is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Mykonos different from Athens?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mykonos or Athens?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mykonos. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

Is the Food Better in Mykonos or Athens? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Mykonos and Athens can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Mykonos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

For foodies, Athens is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Is Mykonos or Athens Better for Nightlife?

Both Mykonos and Athens are terrific when it comes to partying.

The nightlife in Mykonos is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

Athens is a world class party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Is Mykonos or Athens Better for Resorts?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Mykonos for its luxury resorts. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or Athens Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Athens Better for Beaches?

Mykonos is great for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Mykonos for it's beautiful beaches. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Athens Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Mykonos and Athens.

With a famous historical old-town, Mykonos offers plenty to see. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

The rich history of Athens can be explored in its historical center. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Is Mykonos or Athens Better for Hiking?

Mykonos is mediocre for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Athens?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Mykonos specifically to go shopping. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Mykonos or Athens Better for Families?

Athens is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is a very kid-friendly city. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Is Mykonos or Athens Better for Couples?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Mykonos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Mykonos or Athens Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.

Is Mykonos or Athens Better for Students?

Athens is a well-known place for students. However, Mykonos is not popular with students.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

Is Mykonos or Athens Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Athens has some very good public transit options. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Mykonos has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

Is Mykonos or Athens a more walkable city?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Mykonos is a very easy Greek island to get around on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Mykonos Worth Visiting? and Is Athens Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Athens or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Athens?

Both Mykonos and Athens have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Mykonos. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 3-7 days is enough time in Athens.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Mykonos 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 Athens.

One day in Mykonos or Athens?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Mykonos. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mykonos or Athens?

Mykonos is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Mykonos or Athens?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mykonos. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mykonos or Athens?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the postcard perfect destination of Mykonos. This Greek island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mykonos and Athens, we can see that Mykonos is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Mykonos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mykonos than you might in Athens.

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

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Athens?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Mykonos. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Athens, 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.