A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Oxford for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Lagos or Oxford?

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 Oxford. 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 adventure-filled, dramatic, and vibrant resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos and Oxford: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Oxford?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lagos. Although Lagos and Oxford are both popular with visitors, Lagos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lagos is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Oxford is known for its museums and small town charm. Lagos is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to Ponta da Piedade. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Lagos different from Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Oxford 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 Oxford?

Oxford is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Oxford. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lagos is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lagos. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Lagos or Oxford Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and Oxford.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Oxford for the nightlife scene. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Is Lagos or Oxford Better for Resorts?

Lagos is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Oxford is not a resort destination.

Lagos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Oxford is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Oxford Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oxford is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Oxford is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Oxford Better for Beaches?

Lagos is very popular for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Lagos are among the best in the world. 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.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Oxford Better for Hiking?

Lagos is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lagos. 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.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Oxford?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Oxford and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Lagos or Oxford Better for Families?

Lagos is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is an amazing family-friendly resort town to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Lagos or Oxford Better for Couples?

Lagos is very popular for romance. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Lagos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Is Lagos or Oxford Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Lagos. 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Lagos or Oxford Better for Students?

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

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Oxford is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

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 Oxford a more walkable city?

Oxford is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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 Oxford Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oxford or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Oxford?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lagos and Oxford. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than in Oxford. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Oxford.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lagos than Oxford 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 Lagos.

One day in Lagos or Oxford?

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.

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or Oxford?

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 Oxford. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lagos or Oxford?

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.

Oxford is a fun place to experience. Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Oxford?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful 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.

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Oxford, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Oxford?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Oxford, 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 Oxford?

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 Oxford in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Oxford. Many visitors come to Lagos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lagos is a little warmer than Oxford in the summer. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Oxford fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

Should I visit Lagos or Oxford in the Autumn?

Both Oxford and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Oxford because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lagos is much warmer than Oxford. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lagos in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Oxford averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Oxford. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Oxford in the Winter?

Both Oxford and Lagos during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lagos because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. In January, Lagos is generally much warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 27°C (81°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

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

Should I visit Lagos or Oxford in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Oxford. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Lagos is much warmer than Oxford in the spring. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Oxford fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Oxford. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oxford and Lagos