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

Should you visit Lagos or London?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and London. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a scenic, adventure-filled, and dramatic resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

London

London is a international, historic, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Lagos and London: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or London?

Visitors will usually find more to do in London than Lagos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. London is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Lagos is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lagos is well known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. London is well known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben.

Big Ben

How is Lagos different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in London that are not to be missed. 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Lagos or London Better for Theater?

London is a must-visit destination for theatre. However, Lagos is not a theatre destination.

London is considered to be a world-class theater destination. 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.

Lagos is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Lagos and London offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

London has a huge number of terrific 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 Lagos or London Better for Nightlife?

London is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

Many people head to Lagos for the nightlife scene. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Lagos or London Better for Music?

London is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Lagos is not a live music destination.

London is a world class music destination. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Lagos is not a live music destination.

Is Lagos or London Better for Resorts?

Lagos is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, London is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Lagos is a perfect choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

London is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or London Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a great resort town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or London Better for Beaches?

Lagos is terrific for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Lagos is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

London is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or London Better for Hiking?

Lagos is a great resort town for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or London?

London is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

London is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Lagos or London Better for Christmas?

London is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Lagos or London Better for Christmas Markets?

London is a must-visit destination for its Christmas markets. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Lagos or London Better for Families?

Both Lagos and London are first-rate family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lagos is very family-friendly. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, London is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Lagos or London Better for Couples?

Lagos and London both first-rate destinations for a couple.

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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.

Is Lagos or London Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos and London are first-rate places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lagos is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

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.

Is Lagos or London Better for Students?

London is a must-visit destination for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

London is a very popular place to visit for students. 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

London is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or London a more walkable city?

London is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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.

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in London or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or London?

Both Lagos 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 Lagos. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 3-7 days is enough time in London.

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lagos. 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. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Lagos or London?

Lagos is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lagos or London?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

London is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lagos or London?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Lagos. This resort town 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.

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, 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 Lagos and London, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Lagos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lagos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lagos 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 Lagos.

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 390 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos or London?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lagos or London in the Summer?

Both London and Lagos during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to London in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lagos is generally a little warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than London. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or London in the Autumn?

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

Lagos is much warmer than London in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than London. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or London in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lagos as well as London. Most visitors come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to London because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in London can be very cold. In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than London. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and London averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than London. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or London in the Spring?

Both London and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to London this time of year.

In April, Lagos is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than London. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for London and Lagos