Which place is cheaper, Bucharest or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Bucharest for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife
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Should you visit Santorini or Bucharest?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Bucharest, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Santorini
Santorini is a historic, romantic, and stunning island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Bucharest
Bucharest is a historical, less touristy, and undiscovered city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.
Santorini and Bucharest: Pros and Cons
Santorini
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
Bucharest
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with couples
Is there more to do in Santorini or Bucharest?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santorini than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Santorini, Santorini has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santorini is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bucharest is more popular for its historical sights and big city activities. Santorini is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for it's beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Also, Santorini is famous for The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.
How is Santorini different from Bucharest?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bucharest and Santorini. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santorini or Bucharest?
Santorini
Bucharest
Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Santorini and Bucharest.
Santorini offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.
Is the Food Better in Santorini or Bucharest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Santorini
Bucharest
Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Bucharest can be an enjoyable experience.
Santorini has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Bucharest area. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).
Is Santorini or Bucharest Better for Nightlife?
Santorini
Bucharest
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Santorini and Bucharest.
If you're looking for night time activities Santorini has a few options to choose from. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bucharest. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.
Is Santorini or Bucharest Better for Resorts?
Santorini
Bucharest
Santorini is renowned for its resorts. However, Bucharest is not a resort destination.
Vacationers flock to Santorini for its luxury resorts. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.
Bucharest is not a resort destination.
Is Santorini or Bucharest Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Santorini
Bucharest
Santorini is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Santorini. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.
Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Santorini or Bucharest Better for Beaches?
Santorini
Bucharest
Santorini is a good destination for the beache. However, Bucharest is not a beach destination.
Santorini offers a nice beach destination. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.
Bucharest is not a beach destination.
Is Santorini or Bucharest Better for its Old Town?
Santorini
Bucharest
Bucharest is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.
Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bucharest. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.
Santorini does not have a historic old town.
Is Santorini or Bucharest Better for Hiking?
Santorini
Bucharest
Santorini is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bucharest is not a hiking destination.
Santorini offers some nice hiking trails. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.
Bucharest is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Bucharest?
Santorini
Bucharest
Santorini is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
Santorini is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.
Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.
Is Santorini or Bucharest Better for Families?
Santorini
Bucharest
Santorini is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santorini. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.
For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.
Is Santorini or Bucharest Better for Couples?
Santorini
Bucharest
Santorini is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.
Santorini is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.
Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.
Is Santorini or Bucharest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Santorini
Bucharest
For backpackers, both Santorini and Bucharest are notable places to visit.
It's common for backpackers to visit Santorini. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.
Bucharest is a good island to visit for backpackers. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.
Is Santorini or Bucharest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Santorini
Bucharest
Bucharest is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.
The public transit in Bucharest can get you around easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.
Santorini has a few public transit options. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.
Is Santorini or Bucharest a more walkable city?
Santorini
Bucharest
Santorini and Bucharest are notable when it comes to walkability.
Santorini is a somewhat walkable place. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.
Bucharest is a somewhat walkable island. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.
Should I spend more time in Bucharest or Santorini?
How long in Santorini or Bucharest?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santorini and Bucharest. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than in Bucharest. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bucharest.
Families should spend more time in Santorini than Bucharest. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santorini, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Santorini than Bucharest. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santorini that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santorini than Bucharest 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 Santorini.
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How many days in Santorini or Bucharest? Ideal Length of StaySantorini 3-7Bucharest 1-3
One day in Santorini or Bucharest?
You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint island of Santorini. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bucharest. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bucharest has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Santorini or Bucharest?
You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the romantic destination of Santorini. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bucharest. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Santorini or Bucharest?
You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the stunning island of Santorini. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Bucharest. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
A week in Santorini or Bucharest?
Santorini is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santorini, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Bucharest is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €175Bucharest €129
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Bucharest is €129. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santorini and Bucharest in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €93Bucharest €59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €186Bucharest €118
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Bucharest
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Bucharest? 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.
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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Bucharest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €28Bucharest €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Round-trip Transfer from Santorini Thira Airport (JTR) to Kamari,Greece: $50
- "Santorini Airport to Port Transfers: Fast, Easy, and Economic: $49
- 3 Islands Caldera Cruise in Santorini with transfer: $74
- Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Minibus: $45
- Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Sprinter: $32
- Arrival Private Transfer from Santorini Airport JTR to Santorini by Sedan Car: $18
- Arrival Shared Transfer in Santorini Island: $22
- Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini: $15
- Best of Santorini Private Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with transfer and meal: $1,462
- Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $37
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR by Sedan Car: $18
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Van: $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Varna: $1,064
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Bucharest: $866
- Private Transfer from Bucharest to Sofia (BG) with Van, Price/Car 1-8 Seat: $866
- Private Transfer from Bucharest to Budapest price/car 1-4 seat: $819
- Private transfer from Bucharest to Istanbul price/car 1-4 seat: $819
- Private Transfer from Bucharest to Tirana Albania Price/Car 1-4 Seats: $819
- Bucharest to Chisinau - Private Guided Transfer - Driver and CAR: $758
- Bucharest (Romania) to Budapest (Hungary) - Private Transfer Driver and Car : $758
- Private Transfer from Bucharest to Mamaia SUNWAVES NEVERSEA Festivals 1-8 Seat: $704
- Private Transfer from Bucharest to Skopje, Macedonia de Nord Price/Car 1-4 Seats: $585
- Private Transfer from Bucharest to Thessaloniki Salonic GR Price/Car 1-4 Seats: $585
- Bucharest to Oradea - Private Guided Transfer - Car and Driver: $541
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Bucharest?
Prices for flights to both Bucharest and Santorini 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
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Food Meals for one daySantorini €48Bucharest €55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Virtual Cooking Class Live Experience from Santorini: $22
- Virtual Private Cooking Class Live from Santorini: $22
- Live Virtual Cooking Class: $24
- Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $54
- Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $69
- Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $69
- Santorini Caldera Evening Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $74
- Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $76
- Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $93
- Santorini Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Nea Kameni Visit: $94
- Cooking Class with Private Chef - prepare & enjoy local menu: $103
- Greek Cuisine Cooking Class in Santorini: $103
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Mystical beliefs, traditions & history - Walking Food Tour: $65
- Cooking Class traditional food: $65
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $73
- Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $75
- Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Walking Food Tour: $81
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $84
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $86
- Cooking traditional dishes with locals: $103
- Private Bucharest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $128
- The 10 Tastings of Bucharest Private Food Tour : $132
- Walking Food Tour in the Old Town of Bucharest: $174
- Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €36Bucharest €14
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Authentic A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oia: $5.99
- The Lost Atlantis 9D Experience: $15
- Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $15
- E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $15
- Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $16
- Skip the Line: Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $17
- Admission Ticket for Akrotiri Archaeological Site : $18
- Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour: $27
- Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
- Caldera Half Day Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $32
- Santorini Volcano Tour: $37
- Royalty Volcano & Hot Springs Tour: $38
Tours and Activities in Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bears Sanctuary, Dracula's Castle, Brasov Day Trip Private Tour from Bucharest: $217
- Bucharest Panoramic Sightseeing - Private City Tour: $81
- Dracula Day Trip - Executive Shared Tour (max 5 PAX) from Bucharest: $162
- Dracula's Castle & Peles Palace Tour from Bucharest Including Brasov Old Town: $184
- Private Tour Bucharest to Transfagarasan Road Poenari Castle Vidraru Dam by Van: $920
- 1 Day 4x4 Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $146
- 1 Day ATV Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $206
- 1 Day Castles Tour - Sinaia and Bran: $136
- 10 Days Private Tour in Romania from Bucharest: $2,707
- 10 days Small Group Balkans Tour from Bucharest with Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia: $1,841
- 10 h Ceausescu Communism Private Tour in Bucharest plus Dracula's Grave : $168
- 10 hours Private Apiary Tour in Romania - From Bucharest: $271
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €26Bucharest €8.62
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Ftelos Brewery Santorini Beer tastings: $27
- Santorini Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tastings: $38
- Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $65
- Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $70
- Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting & Sunset in Oia: $73
- Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $76
- 2 Hours Private Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini With Pick Up: $87
- Santorini Private Sightseeing Tour with Wine tasting: $97
- Santorini Private Oia Tour & 7 Wine Tasting with Local Delicacies: $97
- Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $97
- Santorini Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira (small group up to 10): $103
Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $23
- Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
- Bar Crawling: $27
- Private Bucharest Pub Crawl: $32
- Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $34
- Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $42
- Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
- Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $47
- Private Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $50
- Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $51
- Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $58
- Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version: $67
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Bucharest, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Bucharest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bucharest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bucharest 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini than you might in Bucharest.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Bucharest?
Bucharest is bigger, and its population is about 3.1 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the population of Santorini vs. Bucharest, 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 and the activities that interest you.
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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