Hubby and I have 2/3 nights to visit either place, without our 2 year son.

We're looking for a break where we enjoy the coffee culture/wine, some good food, see a few sights and walk around some nice neighbourhoods/parts of town.

We are drawn to both Athens or Verona.

For those who have been to both, which did you prefer?

X

I can't think of two more disparate places. It's like asking would you prefer Chester, Vermont, or New York City. I also don't think of either place as being a mecca for "coffee culture" or wine.

I have been to both, but could never compare them and say which I preferred. They are incomparable, IMO.

What is it that got your sights narrowed down to these two places?

I've been to both and more than once and agree, totally, with St. Cirq.

"We're looking for a break where we enjoy the coffee culture/wine, some good food, see a few sights and walk around some nice neighbourhoods/parts of town."

No need to go to Athens for that. All historic Italian towns (there are dozens of them) would match your wishes.

What time of year are you going?
We have never been to Athens, but we did love Verona. It's just about the right size for a 2 to 3 day visit, relaxing with coffee and/or wine in the piazzas. It is the city of Romeo and Juliet, and Piazza del'Erbe looks like the setting for a Shakespearian play, very beautiful at night.

It seems to me that to see what is interesting in Athens would be a very busy 2-3 days. So I guess it depends what appeals to you.

I like meat. I also like fish.
Same with Verona or Athens.
(I don t know Chester)

OK, IMO, and since I have been to both, if you want to "see a few sights" it depends on the kind of sights you want to see and that would not be some fake balcony. Verona certainly has other far more authentic venues and you might find the place much more laid back than Athens.

A Verona visit is going to be at least somewhat impacted by the Opera Festival which runs, basically, mid-June to the end of the summer. During that time there will be many more visitors (remember that the arena where performances occur can hold up to 15,000 spectators).

Where are you flying from? For such a short trip flight time would weigh heavily on my decision. Also time changes.

I have been to both and they really are apples and oranges, but I enjoyed them both!

Speaking of Athens, this is an amazing video i just discovered that shows some of the best sides of Athens.


https://vimeo.com/163462654