A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom London vs. Aberdeen for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit London or Aberdeen?

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 London and Aberdeen can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a historic, diverse, and iconic 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.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a authentic, historic, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

London and Aberdeen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Aberdeen?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Aberdeen. London is bigger than Aberdeen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Aberdeen is more popular for its historical sights. London is more touristy than Aberdeen and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Aberdeen is well known for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities.

Big Ben

How is London different from Aberdeen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Many visitors head to Aberdeen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Is London or Aberdeen Better for Theater?

London is an unbeatable place for theatre. However, Aberdeen 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.

Aberdeen is not a theatre destination.

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

London is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, London makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is London or Aberdeen Better for Nightlife?

London is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in London is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is London or Aberdeen Better for Music?

London is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Aberdeen is not a live music destination.

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

Aberdeen is not a live music destination.

Is London or Aberdeen Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, London does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Aberdeen?

London is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is London or Aberdeen Better for Christmas?

London is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Aberdeen does not offer Christmas activities.

London is a world class destination during the Christmas season. 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.

Aberdeen does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Aberdeen Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an unbeatable place for its Christmas markets. However, Aberdeen does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in London. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Aberdeen does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Aberdeen Better for Families?

London is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Aberdeen is very family-friendly. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Is London or Aberdeen Better for Couples?

London is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is London or Aberdeen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

London is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is London or Aberdeen Better for Students?

London is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

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

London is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in London can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is London or Aberdeen a more walkable city?

London is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Aberdeen is a very walkable city. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Aberdeen or London?

How long in London or Aberdeen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both London and Aberdeen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in London than in Aberdeen. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aberdeen.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Aberdeen 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 London or Aberdeen?

London is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

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

A weekend in London or Aberdeen?

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.

Aberdeen 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 London or Aberdeen?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 London or Aberdeen?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Aberdeen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between London and Aberdeen, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Aberdeen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aberdeen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Aberdeen?

London has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of London and Aberdeen, 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 London or Aberdeen?

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 London or Aberdeen in the Summer?

Both Aberdeen and London during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, London is a little warmer than Aberdeen. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, London often gets more sunshine than Aberdeen. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 157 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in July than Aberdeen. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Aberdeen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Aberdeen. The autumn months attract visitors to London because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year.

In October, London is generally a little warmer than Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Aberdeen during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 93 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, London usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit London or Aberdeen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to London as well as Aberdeen. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to London this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Aberdeen. It's quite cold in London in the winter. London is a little warmer than Aberdeen in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, London often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 52 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in January than Aberdeen. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Aberdeen in the Spring?

Both Aberdeen and London are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Aberdeen in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, London is a little warmer than Aberdeen. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 7°C (44°F).

London usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aberdeen and London