A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Odense for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Athens or Odense?

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 Athens and Odense. 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.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Athens offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Athens travel costs.

Odense

Odense is a progressive, beautiful, and historic city. It's also popular because of the nightlife and food. See Odense travel costs.

Athens and Odense: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Acropolis
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Athens or Odense?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Odense. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is more touristy than Odense and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Odense is famous for

The Acropolis
The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Odense?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Odense?

Athens
Odense

Athens is terrific for its sights and museums. However, Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Athens on the map. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Athens or Odense? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens
Odense

Athens is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

Is Athens or Odense Better for Nightlife?

Athens
Odense

Athens is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Athens is a must-see party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Odense has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a number of bars and clubs around town. Many are conveniently close together so you can hit up several places in one night. Start your night at a pub before heading out dancing in the club a few hours later.

Is Athens or Odense Better for its Old Town?

Athens
Odense

Athens is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Odense does not have a historic old town.

Athens has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Odense does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Odense?

Athens
Odense

Athens is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Athens to go shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Athens or Odense More Beautiful?

Athens
Odense

Athens is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Odense is not a destination known for its beauty.

Athens offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.

Odense is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Athens or Odense Better for Families?

Athens
Odense

Both Athens and Odense are excellent family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Odense is a very family-friendly place to visit. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.


Is Athens or Odense Better for Couples?

Athens
Odense

Athens is a good destination for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.

Is Athens or Odense Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens
Odense

Athens is terrific for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.

Is Athens or Odense Better for Students?

Athens
Odense

Athens is notable for students. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Plenty of students visit Odense. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.


Is Athens or Odense Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens
Odense

Athens is notable for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

The public transit in Athens can get you to most places easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Odense does not have public transit.

Is Athens or Odense a more walkable city?

Athens
Odense

Athens is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Odense is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Odense or Athens?

How long in Athens or Odense?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Odense. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Odense. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-3 days is enough time in Odense.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Odense 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 Athens.


  • How many days in Athens or Odense? Ideal Length of Stay
    Athens 3-7 
    Odense 2-3

One day in Athens or Odense?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Odense. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Athens or Odense?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Odense is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Odense?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Odense. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Odense?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the European destination of Odense. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark.


Which place is cheaper, Odense or Athens?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Odense is €186. 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 Athens and Odense in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Odense 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Odense 150
Compare Hotels in Athens and Odense

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Odense? 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 Athens


Hotels in Odense


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: Athens Hotel Prices and Odense Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Odense 41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    6.40
  • Metro
    1.50
  • Metro
    2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

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

  • Piraeus Port to and from Athens Airport Private Transfer: $18
  • Mykonos Super Paradise Beach Transfers: $18
  • Santorini Airport Private Transfer: $25
  • Athens Airport (ATH) Private Transfer to Athens Hotels/Piraeus: $26
  • Santorini: Private Airport and Port Transfer Service: $27
  • Athens Airport Private Transfer to Piraeus Port with Meet & Greet: $28
  • Private Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens City: $28
  • Private Transfer from Athens City Center to Piraeus Port: $29
  • Athens Airport to and from Rafina or Lavrio Port Private Transfer: $30
  • AIRPORT TRANSFER to/from hotel (up 14 in a luxurious Minibus ) : $33
  • Athens International Airport (ATH) to Athens hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Arrival/Departure & Point to Point Transfer Services in Mykonos: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Odense?

Prices for flights to both Odense and Athens 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
    Athens 64
    Odense 83
Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    3.00
  • Souvlaki
    2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Athens Greek Wedding Party Dinner Show with Acropolis Views: $42
  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $51
  • Cooking Class at Diamond Roof Garden: $66
  • The Bizarre Food Tour of Athens: $78
  • Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend: $78
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $81
  • Athens Walking Food Tour with Visit to Varvakios Central Market: $82
  • Eat like an Athenian food tour of Athens: $82
  • Traditional Cooking Classes incl. Drinks: $82
  • Taste of Athens Small-Group Food Tour: $84
  • Athens Evening Food Tour: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Odense 27

Tours and Activities in Athens

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

  • A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • Self-Guided Greece Grand Tour with Audio Guide: $7.65
  • The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Athens Interactive City Tour: $8.36
  • Private Self-Guided Audio City-Tour in Athens: $9.56
  • Traditional Greek Food: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Athens: $9.99
  • Secret A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Athens Olympic Museum ticket: $11
  • Ancient Agora of Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $14
  • Athens Museum of Cycladic Art | AdmissionTicket : $14
  • Athens Museum of Illusions Ticket: $15
  • Private Tour and Tasting at Zeginis Winery: $16

Tours and Activities in Odense

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Odense are as follows:

  • Odense Private Guided Walking Tour: $382
  • Craft Beer Walking Tour: $62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Odense 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Greek Honey Tasting Experience at our Old Distillery: $14
  • Polykala Distillery: 128 years of history & liqueur tasting.: $17
  • The NightCrawlers | Athens Bar Hopping | Pub Crawl: $19
  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $19
  • Saturday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Athens, Greece: $25
  • Experience Ouzo Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $26
  • Athens Ultimate Bar Crawl: $48
  • 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $59
  • Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $59
  • Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $59
  • Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store : $67
  • Greek food and wine tasting: $71


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

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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Odense?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Odense. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Odense, 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.