A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Bucharest for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

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

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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • 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 its 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Bucharest Worth Visiting?.

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.


  • How many days in Santorini or Bucharest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Bucharest 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 stunning 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 historical 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 historic 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 undiscovered 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.


Which place is cheaper, Bucharest or Santorini?

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

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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Bucharest 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Bucharest 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.

Hotels in Santorini


Hotels in Bucharest


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Bucharest 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Minibus: $46
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Santorini Airport JTR to Santorini by Sedan Car: $23
  • Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini: $15
  • Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $38
  • Blue Dome and Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $39
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorni to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Sprinter: $46
  • Departure Transfer To Santorini Airport: $18
  • Departure Transfer To Santorini Port: $33
  • Economy Departure Transfers To Santorini Airport: $15
  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,800
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Santorini Port To All Destinations: $110
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Santorini Airport: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Bucharest to Sofia - Private Transfer: $587
  • Bucharest to Sofia Private Transfer: $455
  • Bucharest to Mihail Kogalniceanu - Private Transfer: $348
  • Mihail Kogalniceanu to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $348
  • Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo - Private Transfer: $326
  • Bucharest to Fetesti - Private Transfer: $326
  • Bucharest to Craiova - Private Transfer: $304
  • Transfer From Bucharest Airport To Sofia Bulgaria: $294
  • Transfer Bucharest Airport to Brasov: $292
  • Bucharest to Mihail Kogalniceanu Airport Constanta - Private Guided Transfer : $286
  • Bucharest (Romania) to Veliko Tarnavo (Bulgaria) - Private Guided Transfer : $286
  • Bucharest to Tulcea - Private Guided Transfer - Driver and Car : $286

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Santorini 48
    Bucharest 55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Live Virtual Cooking Class: $25
  • Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $55
  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Virtual Private Cooking Class Live from Santorini: $72
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $81
  • Santorini Caldera Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine: $88
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $92
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $98
  • Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $109
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $121
  • Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $122

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

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

  • Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $54
  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Walking Food Tour: $61
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $67
  • Bucharest Historical Food Tour in Old Center: $72
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $73
  • Mystical beliefs, traditions & history - Walking Food Tour: $83
  • Private Bucharest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $130
  • Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $142
  • Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $184
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $205

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Bucharest 14

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $8.58
  • Megalochori: Lost Atlantis 9D Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $15
  • Oia Sunset Daily Tour: $17
  • Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $28
  • The Beer Tasting and Pairing Experience: $28
  • Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
  • Kayak Rental Adventure in Watersports Santorini: $33
  • Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $33
  • The Beer And The History semi private Experience: $39
  • Mesa Gonia, Pyrgos and Oia Tour: $45
  • Ferry Ticket to Paros or Naxos with Hotel Pickup: $46
  • Discover Best Of Santorini with Locals Small Group Half Day Tour : $50

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: $252
  • Bucharest Panoramic Sightseeing - Private City Tour: $94
  • Transylvania Heritage Tour at Peles Bran and Cantacuzino Castles: $94
  • 1 Day 4x4 Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $175
  • 1 Day ATV Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $209
  • 10h Bucharest City Tour & Snagov Monastery (Dracula's Grave): $261
  • 14 Days Private Tour in Romania, Moldova & Transnistria: $4,783
  • 2 Days Private Tour - The Romanian Caves from Bucharest: $528
  • 2 Hour Photoshoot Experience Near Bucharest Architectural Charms: $99
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Bucharest City: $71
  • 2-Day Medieval Transylvania with Brasov,Sibiu and Sighisoara Tour from Bucharest: $253
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour to Dracula's Castle, Rasnov Fortress, Peles Castle, Sighisoara and Libearty Brown Bear Sanctuary with Overnight in Brasov: $205

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Bucharest 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:

  • Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $61
  • Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $61
  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $70
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $76
  • Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $105
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $106
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $110
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $119
  • Santorini Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries with Wine Tastings, Sunset: $133
  • Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries and 12 Wine Tastings: $157
  • Three Wineries and One Brewery Tour with Tastings: $163
  • Wine Tasting Tour & Sunset Viewing: $163

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
  • Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
  • Pub Crawl Bucuresti Experientã de top în Bucuresti: $33
  • Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $38
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
  • Bar Crawling: $44
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $44
  • Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $45
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $48
  • Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $52
  • Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59


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.

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Bucharest?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.