Comparison · Athens vs Rome · Greece / Italy
Athens vs Rome
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andrew Parlette, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Athens for Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and beaches; choose Rome for Colosseum and Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Athens is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,051 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,051 km
- Less expensive
- Athens
- Best time for Athens
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Rome
- April–May and September–October
Side by side
| Athens | Rome | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Greece | Italy |
| Known for | Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and Acropolis Museum | Colosseum, Vatican and Sistine Chapel and Ancient ruins |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | April–May and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $140–$260 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 33°C (91°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 13°C (55°F) | January, 12°C (54°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Edem Beach, Palaio Faliro | — |
| Airports | ATH | FCO, CIA |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Athens for…
Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and beaches. Athens wraps a sprawling modern capital around the Acropolis, whose Parthenon is visible from rooftops all over the centre. Most visitors stay in the walkable historic core of Plaka, Monastiraki, Koukaki and Syntagma, where the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient…
Choose Rome for…
Colosseum and Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Rome layers nearly 3,000 years of history into a walkable centre: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Pantheon, Baroque piazzas such as Navona and, across the Tiber, Vatican City with St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Most sights lie inside the…
Top sights compared
| # | Athens | Rome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acropolis and Parthenon | Colosseum |
| 2 | Acropolis Museum | Roman Forum and Palatine Hill |
| 3 | Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus | Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel |
| 4 | Plaka and Anafiotika | St Peter's Basilica |
| 5 | Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch | Pantheon |
Food compared
| Athens | Rome |
|---|---|
| Souvlaki and gyros | Spaghetti alla carbonara |
| Greek salad | Cacio e pepe |
| Moussaka | Bucatini all'amatriciana |
| Koulouri | Supplì |
Which is cheaper?
Athens is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $140–$260 per person there, against $170–$300 in Rome (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Athens on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,051 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 8 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Athens or Rome cheaper?
Athens is usually less expensive: about $140–$260 a day mid-range against $170–$300 (estimates).
+Is Athens or Rome better for a first trip?
Pick Athens for Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and beaches, or Rome for Colosseum and Vatican and Sistine Chapel.
+How far is Athens from Rome?
About 1,051 km in a straight line.