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

Should you visit Volos or Bucharest?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Volos and Bucharest can help you decide which place is right for you.

Volos

Volos is a vibrant, youthful, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a charming, historical, and less touristy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Volos and Bucharest: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
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 Volos or Bucharest?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Volos than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Volos, Volos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Volos is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bucharest is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Volos is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty. Also, Volos is famous for The Archaeological Museum of Volos. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Volos different from Bucharest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Volos or Bucharest?

Volos
Bucharest

Bucharest is very good for its museums and history. However, Volos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Bucharest offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Volos offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in town including the Archaeological Museum of Volos.


Is the Food Better in Volos or Bucharest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Bucharest

Volos is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Volos. Greece cuisine is very regional specific, and this area has its own dishes that are very different from elsewhere in the country. Deep fried kolitsianoi (sea anemone), boubari (local sausage), and spetzofai (sausage, tomato, and peppers) are just some of the unique dishes in the area.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Volos or Bucharest Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Bucharest

Volos is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Volos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The universities around town keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are a number of bars and clubs that are fun throughout the year.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. 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 Volos or Bucharest Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Bucharest

Volos 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 Volos. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Volos or Bucharest Better for Beaches?

Volos
Bucharest

Volos is well known for the beache. However, Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Volos for it's beautiful beaches. If you're willing to travel out of town, this region has some of the best beaches in Greece. The summers are cooler than other parts of the country and the winters are milder, so this is both a beautiful and a comfortable place to explore.

Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Is Volos or Bucharest Better for its Old Town?

Volos
Bucharest

Bucharest is very good for its old town. However, Volos 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.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Bucharest?

Volos
Bucharest

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Volos and Bucharest.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Volos. There are shopping malls and shopping centers around town that have a variety of retail options including clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

Many visitors go to Bucharest to go shopping. 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 Volos or Bucharest Better for Families?

Volos
Bucharest

Volos 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 Volos. If your kids are adventurous, they'll enjoy horseback riding or exploring the area's beaches. There's also the Archaeological Museum of Volos and Agios Konstantinos Park.

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 Volos or Bucharest Better for Couples?

Volos
Bucharest

Volos is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Volos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are gardens and outdoor activities that couples can enjoy. There are also museums and beaches.

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 Volos or Bucharest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Bucharest

Bucharest is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Volos is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Bucharest is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Volos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination and you won't find that many hostels in the area.


Is Volos or Bucharest Better for Students?

Volos
Bucharest

Volos is a good destination for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Volos is popular with students. You'll find several universities in town. The port city also offers access to different parts of the country.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

Is Volos or Bucharest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Volos
Bucharest

Bucharest is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Bucharest can get you to some places easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

You'll find some public transit in Volos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that travels around town.

Is Volos or Bucharest a more walkable city?

Volos
Bucharest

Volos is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Volos is a very walkable city. The city is flat and there's a historic district that you can explore on foot.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.


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

Should I spend more time in Bucharest or Volos?

How long in Volos or Bucharest?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Volos and Bucharest. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bucharest than in Volos. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bucharest.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bucharest than Volos 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 Bucharest.


  • How many days in Volos or Bucharest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volos 1-2 
    Bucharest 1-3

One day in Volos or Bucharest?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Volos. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Volos has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Bucharest, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Volos or Bucharest?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the youthful destination of Volos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. 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 Volos or Bucharest?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Volos. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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


A week in Volos or Bucharest?

Volos is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.


Which place is cheaper, Bucharest or Volos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Volos is €95, 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 Volos and Bucharest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Bucharest 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Bucharest 118
Compare Hotels in Volos and Bucharest

Looking for a hotel in Volos 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 Volos


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: Volos Hotel Prices and Bucharest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Bucharest 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volos

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

  • From Volos to Athens Airport / Athens / Piraeus Private Transfer: $283
  • Volos to Athens Easy & Economy Transfer: $532
  • Volos to Athens, Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $260

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Tulcea Bucharest Private Transfer: $175
  • Transfert Privat București: $61
  • Transfer from Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport to Bucharest or Back: $28
  • Transfer from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest: $29
  • Transfer from Bucharest to Brasov - Hotel Pick-up: $176
  • Transfer and Full Access All Day at Therme Spa Bucharest : $110
  • Transfer From Bucharest Airport To Sofia Bulgaria: $294
  • Transfer Bucharest to/from Giurgiu Cruise Port: $142
  • Transfer Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) to/from Brasov: $248
  • Transfer Bucharest Airport to Brasov: $292
  • Transfer Airport Otopeni - Bucharest: $44
  • Transfer & Access for 4.5-Hour at Therme Bucuresti: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Bucharest?

Prices for flights to both Bucharest and Volos 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
    Volos 30
    Bucharest 55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Volos

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

  • Cooking Session "Pelion Flavours": $72
  • Cook like a local Greek Cooking lesson in Mt Pelion Greece: $110

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.
    Volos 17
    Bucharest 14

Tours and Activities in Volos

For Volos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Kayaking Adventure around Pelion Coastline : $33
  • East Pelion - Sea Kayak Tour "Short Paddle": $39
  • Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour "The Secret Cave": $50
  • Volos Pelion Full Day Tour : $188
  • HIKING PELION - Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $199
  • BIKING PELION Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $213
  • From Hidden Sights of Meteora Private Tour: $217
  • Pagasetic Gulf Full-Day Sailboat Experience: $747

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
    Volos 7.86
    Bucharest 8.62

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 Volos and Bucharest, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Volos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Volos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Volos 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest than you might in Volos.

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


Which is Bigger, Volos or Bucharest?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Volos. When comparing the sizes of Volos 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.


When is the best time to visit Volos or Bucharest?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Volos or Bucharest in the Summer?

Both Bucharest and Volos during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Volos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Volos is a little warmer than Bucharest in the summer. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Bucharest fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Volos. In the summer, Volos often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 289 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in July than Bucharest. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Volos or Bucharest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Bucharest. Most visitors come to Volos for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Volos is a little warmer than Bucharest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Volos in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Bucharest averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bucharest during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Volos usually receives more rain than Bucharest. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Volos or Bucharest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volos as well as Bucharest. The winter months attract visitors to Volos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bucharest in the winter. In January, Volos is generally much warmer than Bucharest. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 6°C (42°F), and Bucharest fluctuates around -1°C (29°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 71 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in January than Bucharest. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F)

Should I visit Volos or Bucharest in the Spring?

Both Bucharest and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bucharest for the activities around the city.

Volos is around the same temperature as Bucharest in the spring. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Bucharest fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Bucharest. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bucharest and Volos

Volos Bucharest
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)