Comparison · Athens vs Tel Aviv · Greece / Israel
Athens vs Tel Aviv
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 lower day-to-day costs; choose Tel Aviv for Beaches, Bauhaus White City and free sights. Athens is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,200 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,200 km
- Less expensive
- Athens
- Best time for Athens
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Tel Aviv
- April–June and September–November
Side by side
| Athens | Tel Aviv | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Greece | Israel |
| Known for | Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and Acropolis Museum | Beaches, Bauhaus White City and Old Jaffa |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | April–June and September–November |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $140–$260 | $200–$350 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 33°C (91°F) | August, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 13°C (55°F) | January, 18°C (64°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 15 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Edem Beach, Palaio Faliro | Metzitzim Beach |
| Airports | ATH | TLV |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Athens for…
Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and lower day-to-day costs. 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…
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Choose Tel Aviv for…
Beaches, Bauhaus White City and free sights. Tel Aviv runs for about 14 km along the Mediterranean, with a continuous seafront promenade linking the old port city of Jaffa in the south to the Tel Aviv Port and Yarkon Park in the north. Its centre is the White City, a UNESCO-listed ensemble of some…
Top sights compared
| # | Athens | Tel Aviv |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acropolis and Parthenon | Old Jaffa |
| 2 | Acropolis Museum | Jaffa Port |
| 3 | Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus | Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk HaPishpeshim) |
| 4 | Plaka and Anafiotika | Carmel Market |
| 5 | Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch | White City Bauhaus architecture |
Food compared
| Athens | Tel Aviv |
|---|---|
| Souvlaki and gyros | Hummus |
| Greek salad | Sabich |
| Moussaka | Falafel |
| Koulouri | Shakshuka |
Which is cheaper?
Athens is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $140–$260 per person there, against $200–$350 in Tel Aviv (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Athens on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,200 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 8 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Athens or Tel Aviv cheaper?
Athens is usually less expensive: about $140–$260 a day mid-range against $200–$350 (estimates).
+Is Athens or Tel Aviv better for a first trip?
Pick Athens for Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and lower day-to-day costs, or Tel Aviv for Beaches, Bauhaus White City and free sights.
+How far is Athens from Tel Aviv?
About 1,200 km in a straight line.