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

Should you visit Athens or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown. 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Athens travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a active, adventure-filled, and outdoorsy city. With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Queenstown travel costs.

Athens and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Queenstown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Athens than Queenstown, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Athens is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Queenstown is more popular for its skiing, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Queenstown is well known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Athens or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Athens is not a skiing destination.

Queenstown is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Athens is not a skiing destination.

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. 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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Queenstown can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

For foodies, Queenstown is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

Is Athens or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Athens just to party. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Queenstown has a large number of nightlife venues. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Athens or Queenstown Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Athens is revered around the world. 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.

Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

Is Athens or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Queenstown is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Queenstown?

Queenstown is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Queenstown. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Queenstown is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.

Is Athens or Queenstown Better for Families?

Both Athens and Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Athens or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Queenstown is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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

Is Athens or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Athens and Queenstown are terrific places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Queenstown is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

Is Athens or Queenstown Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Queenstown are excellent places to visit.

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

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

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

Athens is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Athens or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Athens and Queenstown are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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.

Queenstown is very walkable. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Athens?

How long in Athens or Queenstown?

Both Athens and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Queenstown has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Queenstown than Athens. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

One day in Athens or Queenstown?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Queenstown. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Queenstown?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Queenstown 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 Queenstown?

Athens, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

A week in Athens or Queenstown?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the bustling destination of Queenstown. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Queenstown, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Queenstown is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Queenstown.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Queenstown?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Queenstown, 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.