A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. London for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Auckland or London?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and London can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a cosmopolitan , adventurous, and adrenaline-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

London

London is a diverse, iconic, and global city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Auckland and London: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or London?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Auckland, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Auckland is known for its beaches and hiking. London is more touristy than Auckland and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Auckland is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment.

Big Ben

How is Auckland different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auckland or London?

London is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in London are world-renowned. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Is Auckland or London Better for Theater?

London is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Auckland is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in London is world-class. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Auckland is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Auckland or London? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Auckland and London offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Auckland has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Dining out in London is an experience not to be missed. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

Is Auckland or London Better for Nightlife?

London is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

London is a world class party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

The people in Auckland know how to have a good time. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

Is Auckland or London Better for Music?

London is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Auckland is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in London. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Auckland is not a live music destination.

Is Auckland or London Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a great city for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

London is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or London Better for Hiking?

Auckland is very good for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Auckland. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or London?

London is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, London draws large crowds to its stores. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Is Auckland or London Better for Christmas?

London is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Auckland does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, London draws large crowds. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Auckland does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Auckland or London Better for Christmas Markets?

London is a must-visit destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Auckland does not offer Christmas markets.

The active Christmas markets during the holiday season make London very popular during this season. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Auckland does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Auckland or London Better for Families?

London is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

London is one of the most popular family destinations. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

Auckland is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Is Auckland or London Better for Couples?

London is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, London has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

Couples visit Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Is Auckland or London Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, London is extremely popular for backpackers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Auckland is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Is Auckland or London Better for Students?

London is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Auckland is a great city to visit as a student. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Is Auckland or London Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

London is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

London has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Auckland or London a more walkable city?

London is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in London. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is London Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in London or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or London?

Both Auckland and London have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in London than in Auckland. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 3-7 days is enough time in London.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Auckland 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 London.

One day in Auckland or London?

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of London offers shopping and museums. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or London?

Auckland 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.

London is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or London?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

London is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in London, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or London?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Auckland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that London has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Auckland or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and London, 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.

When is the best time to visit Auckland or London?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but London has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or London in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and London. The summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year.

In the summer, Auckland is around the same temperature as London. Typically, the summer temperatures in Auckland in January average around 20°C (68°F), and London averages at about 18°C (64°F)in July.

In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auckland usually receives more sunshine than London during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Auckland usually receives more rain than Londonin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or London in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as London. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Auckland is generally a little warmer than Londonin October. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 16°C (61°F), and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Londonin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 107 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Londonin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or London in the Winter?

Both London and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to London in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

London can get quite cold in the winter. Auckland is much warmer than London in the winter. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and London fluctuates around 4°C (40°F)in January.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than London during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Londonin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or London in the Spring?

Both London and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Auckland is much warmer than London. Typically, the spring temperatures in Auckland in October average around 14°C (58°F), and London averages at about 9°C (48°F)in April.

In the spring, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Londonin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 147 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Londonin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for London and Auckland