A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Oxford for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lisbon or Oxford?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Oxford? 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.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant, stunning, and picturesque city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Oxford

Oxford is a collegiate, beautiful, and historic college town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Oxford: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Oxford?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Oxford. Lisbon is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lisbon is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford is more popular for its small town charm. Lisbon is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Lisbon different from Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lisbon or Oxford?

Lisbon is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Lisbon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lisbon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Oxford Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is very popular for nightlife. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Lisbon is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

Oxford is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Lisbon or Oxford Better for Music?

Lisbon is very popular for live music. However, Oxford is not a live music destination.

Lisbon is known as a music capital around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Oxford is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Oxford Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

Lisbon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Oxford Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is very popular for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Lisbon has a world-famous historical area. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Oxford?

Lisbon is very popular for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Lisbon. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Lisbon or Oxford Better for Families?

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

Lisbon is a very family-friendly destination. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon or Oxford Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Oxford make for a very good place to visit.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon or Oxford Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Lisbon. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon or Oxford Better for Students?

Oxford is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Lisbon is very popular with students. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

Lisbon is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Lisbon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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.

Is Lisbon or Oxford a more walkable city?

Lisbon is very popular for its walkability. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Oxford Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oxford or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Oxford?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Oxford. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Oxford. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Oxford.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Oxford?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Oxford?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Oxford 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.

Five days in Lisbon or Oxford?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. 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.

A week in Lisbon or Oxford?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week 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 Lisbon and Oxford, we can see that Oxford is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Oxford?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Oxford?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lisbon or Oxford in the Summer?

Both Oxford and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lisbon is a little warmer than Oxford. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Oxford averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Oxford. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Oxford in the Autumn?

Both Oxford and Lisbon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Oxford. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Oxford in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Oxford. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Oxford can be very cold. Lisbon is much warmer than Oxford in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Oxford fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Oxford. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Oxford in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Oxford. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

In the spring, Lisbon is much warmer than Oxford. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Oxford averages at about 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 147 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Oxford. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oxford and Lisbon