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

Should you visit Christchurch or London?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or London? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a adventure-filled, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

London

London is a historic, diverse, and iconic 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. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Christchurch and London: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or London?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Christchurch, 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 Christchurch is known for its beaches and hiking. London is more touristy than Christchurch and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Christchurch is popular for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

Big Ben

How is Christchurch different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in London are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Many visitors head to Christchurch specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

Is Christchurch or London Better for Theater?

London is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Christchurch is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in London draw crowds from around the world. 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.

Christchurch is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Christchurch and London.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Christchurch. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Christchurch or London Better for Nightlife?

London is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

London is a must-see 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.

Many people head to Christchurch for the nightlife scene. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Is Christchurch or London Better for Music?

London is terrific for its live music scene. However, Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in London Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Is Christchurch or London Better for Beaches?

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

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

London is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or London Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is a great city for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Christchurch for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or London?

London is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in London make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Christchurch. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Is Christchurch or London Better for Christmas?

London is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Christchurch does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, London is not to be missed. 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.

Christchurch does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Christchurch or London Better for Christmas Markets?

London is terrific for its Christmas markets. However, Christchurch does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in London are not to be missed. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Christchurch does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Christchurch or London Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Christchurch or London.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Christchurch is a very family-friendly destination. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

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.

Is Christchurch or London Better for Couples?

London is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

London makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Christchurch is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

Is Christchurch or London Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is terrific for backpackers. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit London. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Is Christchurch or London Better for Students?

London is terrific for students. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent 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.

Christchurch is very popular with students. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

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

London is terrific for its public transit. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Christchurch or London a more walkable city?

London is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Christchurch is a very walkable destination. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in London or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or London?

Both Christchurch 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 Christchurch. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Christchurch, and 3-7 days is enough time in London.

Families should spend more time in London than Christchurch. 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 Christchurch. 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 Christchurch 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 Christchurch or London?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Christchurch. 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.

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Christchurch or London?

Christchurch 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 fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Christchurch or London?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Christchurch or London?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

London is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, 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 Christchurch and London, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch 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 Christchurch would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Christchurch 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 Christchurch.

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

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or London?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch 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 Christchurch or London in the Summer?

Both London and Christchurch during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the summer, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Londonin July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 195 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Londonin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or London in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and London. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to London in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Christchurch is generally around the same temperature as Londonin October. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than London during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Londonin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Christchurch or London in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as London. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

London can be very cold during winter. Christchurch is a little warmer than London in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and London fluctuates around 4°C (40°F)in January.

In the winter, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Londonin January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 52 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets more rain in July than Londonin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or London in the Spring?

Both London and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to London because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Christchurch is a little warmer than London. Typically, the spring temperatures in Christchurch in October average around 12°C (54°F), and London averages at about 9°C (48°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than London during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of rain as Londonin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for London and Christchurch