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

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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

Mykonos
Pros
  • Good for shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Athens
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples


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.

Is Mykonos or Athens Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Mykonos
Athens

Interesting museums and landmarks can be found in both Mykonos and Athens, but many consider Athens to be a step above.

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 Mykonos or Athens Better for Food?

Mykonos
Athens

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?

Mykonos
Athens

Both Mykonos and Athens are comparable 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 Shopping?

Mykonos
Athens

Mykonos is generally considered to be a more popular shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Mykonos make it a world-class shopping destination. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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?

Mykonos
Athens

Families may find more to do in Athens than Mykonos.

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
Athens

While Athens and Mykonos are both popular destinations, overall Mykonos is considered to be a more popular choice.

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 good Greek island for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Mykonos or Athens Better for Public Transit?

Mykonos
Athens

Both Mykonos and Athens offer public transit options.

Mykonos has a few 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.

The public transit in Athens can get you to most places easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Is Mykonos or Athens a more walkable city?

Mykonos
Athens

Mykonos and Athens both are comparable when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Mykonos on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

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

Which city is cheaper, Athens or Mykonos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €119, while the average daily cost in Athens is €103. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mykonos and Athens in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos €59
    Athens €51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos €118
    Athens €102
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Athens

Looking for a hotel in Mykonos or Athens? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Mykonos


Hotels in Athens


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mykonos Hotel Prices and Athens Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos €19
    Athens €22
Typical Local Transportation prices in Mykonos

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Mykonos:


  • Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)
    €5.60
  • Taxi to Kalafatis
    €13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:

  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Kalo Livadi area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Kalafatis area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Ftelia area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Elia area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Paraga area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Paradise area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Tagoo area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Super Paradise area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Ano Mera area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Agios Sostis area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Glastros area up to 6 customers: $98
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Vryssi area up to 6 customers: $98

Typical Local Transportation prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    €6.40
  • Metro
    €1.50
  • Metro
    €2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    €8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    €35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ultra - Private Transfer from Athens City Centre to Piraeus Cruise Port: $9.41
  • Ultra - Athens Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Athens Airport ATH: $9.41
  • Mercedes Luxury Private Transfer Athens - Piraeus: $16
  • Athens Port Private Transfer: $16
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Athens - Piraeus: $17
  • Athens Private Transfer Service: Athens Hotel to Piraeus Port: $19
  • Athens Airport Shuttle Bus Transfer: $21
  • Athens Private Transfer: Piraeus Cruise Port to Central Athens: $22
  • Athens Private Transfer: Central Athens to Piraeus Cruise Port: $22
  • Athens hotels to Piraeus port Private departure transfer: $22
  • Piraeus port to Athens hotels Private arrival transfer: $22
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Athens Airport: $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Athens?

Prices for flights to both Athens and Mykonos change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mykonos €38
    Athens €30
Typical Food prices in Mykonos

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mykonos are as follows:


  • Two Ice cream Cones
    €4.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mykonos.

  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $74
  • Mykonos Cooking Class: $159

Typical Food prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    €3.00
  • Souvlaki
    €2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Online 1hr Cooking Class: Santorini Tomato Fritters: $6.22
  • Greek Meatballs Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Athens Private Food Tour with a Local: $42
  • Online Cooking Class: Greek mini cheese pies: $45
  • Street Culture & Food Tour: $56
  • Afternoon Food Tour: $56
  • Athens walking and tasting food tour.: $60
  • 4-Hour Cooking Class with Market Visit: $69
  • Homemade Gyros cooking class and dinner in Athens for private groups: $75
  • The Classic Food Tour: $76
  • Taste of Half-Day Small Group Food Tour: $77
  • Greek Phyllo and Pie Cooking Class in Athens: $77

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mykonos €18
    Athens €28

Tours and Activities in Mykonos

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mykonos are as follows:

  • Best of Mykonos island, 4 hours private tour: $281
  • Delos Tour 3 to 5 customers: $505
  • Delos Tour 6 to 10 customers: $329
  • From 6.5-Hour Cruise to Delos and Rhenia: $100
  • Mykonos Shore Excursion: City & Island Tour: $250
  • Mykonos Walking Tour: $40
  • Discover Authentic Mykonos Tour: $51
  • Full-Day Catamaran Cruise with Fresh Lunch: $318
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Lunch: $159
  • Half-Day City Walking Tour and Island Bus Tour: $44
  • Little Venice Sunset Cruise: $57
  • South Coast Beach Hopping Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch: $139

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Athens virtual History, Philosophy and Democracy Tour: $6.22
  • Skip the Line: Frissiras Museum Entrance Ticket: $7.46
  • Skip the Line: War Museum of Athens Entrance Ticket: $7.46
  • Skip the Line: Temple of Olympian Zeus Entrance Ticket: $8.09
  • Skip the Line: Roman Agora of Athens Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • Athens Museum of Cycladic Art Admission Ticket: $8.71
  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket for Acropolis Museum: $9.33
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus: Self-Guided Audio Tour on your Phone (without ticket): $9.94
  • Skip the Line: Ancient Agora of Athens and Temple of Hephaestus Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Benaki Museum of Islamic Art Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Athens Museum of Illusions Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided City Experience: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mykonos €16
    Athens €18

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Athens Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $37
  • Virtual Greek Wine Tasting: $87
  • Athens Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $96
  • Wine tasting tour: $131
  • Wine Tasting and Athens Trikke Combo Tour: $133
  • The Best Winery & Tasting Tour in Nemea.Enjoy a unique all day wine tasting tour: $140
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience of Greek Awarded Wines in Athens: $148
  • Premium Wine Tour in Peloponnese -Ancient Corinthos, Nemea - the Land of Myth: $148
  • Athens Private Wine Tasting Tour - Dionysian Grapes: $149
  • Ancient Corinth & Nemea Wine Tasting (up to 15 in a Luxurious Mercedes Minibus): $151
  • Greek Private Wine Tasting: $166
  • Mercedes Private Full-Day Tour, Nafplio, Corinth Canal and Wine Tasting: $168

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Mykonos and Athens, we can see that Mykonos is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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Mykonos vs. Athens Travel Comparison

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