A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mykonos vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Mykonos or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco. 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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and quirky coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Mykonos and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or San Francisco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Mykonos, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. San Francisco is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, hiking, and big city activities, while Mykonos is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Mykonos is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. San Francisco is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge.

How is Mykonos different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco 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 San Francisco are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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 San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Mykonos is not a theatre destination.

San Francisco offers a number of shows and performances. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Mykonos is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Mykonos and San Francisco 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, San Francisco is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Is Mykonos or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

Mykonos has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Mykonos or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Mykonos is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Mykonos is not a live music destination.

Is Mykonos or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Mykonos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or San Francisco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is a great Greek island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Mykonos to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Mykonos and San Francisco both offer great beaches.

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.

San Francisco is considered a top beach destination. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is Mykonos or San Francisco Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its historic old town charm. However, San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Mykonos offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Is Mykonos or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its hiking trails.

San Francisco is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or San Francisco?

Both Mykonos and San Francisco are world-class shopping destinations.

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.

Many people travel to San Francisco specifically to go shopping. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Is Mykonos or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, San Francisco is very family-friendly. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for couples. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Mykonos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Mykonos or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Francisco is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

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

Many students visit San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco is an unbeatable 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.

Visitors in San Francisco can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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 San Francisco a more walkable city?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or San Francisco?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Mykonos than San Francisco. 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Mykonos or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the picturesque destination of Mykonos. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Because San Francisco is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mykonos. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Because San Francisco 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the postcard perfect destination of Mykonos. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This Greek island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Francisco has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mykonos or San Francisco?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful Greek island of Mykonos. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Francisco. Because San Francisco is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Mykonos and San Francisco, 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. Even though Mykonos is in Europe and San Francisco is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or San Francisco?

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