A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paros vs. Dijon for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Paros or Dijon?

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 Paros and Dijon. 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.

Paros

Paros is a striking, historical, and diverse island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Dijon

Dijon is a culinary, relaxing, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Paros and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Dijon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paros. Although Paros and Dijon are popular destinations, Paros has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paros is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dijon attracts visitors for its big city activities. Paros is famous for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. It is also well known for The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani. Dijon is famous for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards.

How is Paros different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paros or Dijon?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Paros and Dijon.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Paros. There are many interesting archeological sights and museums around the island. Some interesting places to visit are the Venetian Castle in the old port of Naoussa, the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani near Parikia, and the beautiful church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) Detis, which dates back to the 17th century. There's also the Archeological Museum of Paros, which is found in the capital of Parikia.

Dijon offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

Is the Food Better in Paros or Dijon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paros and Dijon.

Eat your way through Paros, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Cheese and wine are mainstays on the island and restaurants in general pride themselves on using locally-sourced, high quality ingredients. Many of the traditional recipes can be found in restaurants, but they're also still prepared in the homes of the residents as well. Seafood, vegetables, and grains are all common ingredients.

For foodies, Dijon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

Is Paros or Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Paros is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Paros has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It doesn't have the hard core party scene that you find on some Greek islands, but it does have plenty of dance clubs, bars, and music venues. There's a wide diversity of options on the island, from quiet local bars to beach clubs that host wild parties, and everything in between.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Paros or Dijon Better for Resorts?

Paros is notable for its resorts. However, Dijon is not a resort destination.

Paros is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The island is relatively large and you'll find everything from local hotels and guesthouses to large resorts and backpacker hostels. Many resorts have pools and great views.

Dijon is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Dijon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Dijon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Paros. The island is filled with caves and interesting rock formations that make for excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. There are a number of tours available that take you to the island's best dive and snorkeling spots. There are also private and group courses available for those who are learning to scuba dive.

Dijon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Dijon Better for Beaches?

Paros is terrific for its beaches. However, Dijon is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Paros. The beaches are clean, diverse, and relatively easy to access. There are a range of options, from quiet hidden gems to beaches with clubs and bars nearby. Favorite beaches on the island include Kolymbithres Beach, Chrissi Akti Beach, and Santa Maria Beach.

Dijon is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or Dijon Better for Hiking?

Paros is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Dijon is not a hiking destination.

Paros is a good destination for hiking. The island has about 35 kilometers of hiking trails that pass by small cottages, stone farm homes, and around the beautiful landscapes. You'll find tucked away windmills and watermills as well as breathtaking views and hidden coves.

Dijon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Dijon?

Paros is notable for shopping. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Paros is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find some of the best shopping in Kastro, which is the old quarter of Parikia. There are shops selling clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and other unique souvenirs. Many shops stay open late into the night, so you'll have plenty of time to browse.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Paros or Dijon Better for Families?

Paros is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Paros is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will appreciate the beautiful beaches, great swimming opportunities, abundance of water sport activities, and child-friendly food options. There's also a folklore museum and several great archeological museums.

Dijon is a family-friendly island. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Paros or Dijon Better for Couples?

Paros is terrific for romance. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Paros makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The island makes a perfect honeymoon destination with its stunning beaches and picturesque villages. There are also many great local hotels and wonderful dining opportunities. If you're looking for an idyllic setting, then this is it.

Dijon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is Paros or Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros is notable for backpackers. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Paros. You'll find some nice hostels and apartments on the island. There's also a decent nightlife scene and the island is more affordable than many Greek islands.

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Paros or Dijon Better for Students?

Dijon is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Paros is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Paros is not popular with students.

Is Paros or Dijon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paros is notable for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Paros can move around easily with public transportation. There's a reliable bus system on the island that has some routes making a loop around the outside of the island and routes traveling inland to the smaller villages.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Paros or Dijon a more walkable city?

Paros and Dijon are nice when it comes to walkability.

Paros is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but it's a large island that requires some form of transportation to explore it in depth.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable island. Most of the inner city is walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Paros Worth Visiting? and Is Dijon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Paros?

How long in Paros or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Paros or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Paros due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paros, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dijon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paros than Dijon 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 Paros.

One day in Paros or Dijon?

In Paros, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this striking destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In Dijon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this culinary destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city 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.

A weekend in Paros or Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paros. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Paros or Dijon?

Paros is a fun place to experience. In Paros, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Dijon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Dijon. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paros or Dijon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the stunning destination of Paros. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Dijon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Paros or Dijon?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros and Dijon, 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.