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

Should you visit London or Anchorage?

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 Anchorage can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a global, international, and historic 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.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a breathtaking, cultural, and artsy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

London and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Anchorage?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Anchorage. London is bigger than Anchorage, 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, and big city activities, while Anchorage is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. London is more touristy than Anchorage and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Anchorage is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

Big Ben

How is London different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

London is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Is London or Anchorage Better for Theater?

London is an unbeatable place for theatre. However, Anchorage is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in London that are not to be missed. 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.

Anchorage is not a theatre destination.

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

London is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is London or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

London is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is London or Anchorage Better for Music?

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

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

Anchorage is not a live music destination.

Is London or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is terrific for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Anchorage?

London is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Anchorage 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 Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is London or Anchorage Better for Christmas?

London is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Anchorage Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an unbeatable place for its Christmas markets. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Anchorage Better for Families?

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

London is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is London or Anchorage Better for Couples?

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

London is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Anchorage makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is London or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is London or Anchorage Better for Students?

London is an unbeatable place for students. However, Anchorage is not popular with students.

London is a very popular city 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.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

London is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is London or Anchorage a more walkable city?

London is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city 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.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or London?

How long in London or Anchorage?

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

Families should spend more time in London than Anchorage. 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 Anchorage. 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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage?

People visit London because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in London or Anchorage?

People visit London because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Anchorage?

People visit London because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in London or Anchorage?

London is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in London, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the artsy destination of Anchorage. 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.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, London or Anchorage?

London has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of London and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage?

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 Anchorage in the Summer?

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

In the summer, London is a little warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, London often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

London usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Anchorage. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Anchorage. 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. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during autumn. In October, London is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

London usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, London usually receives more rain than Anchorage. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit London or Anchorage in the Winter?

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

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. London can be very cold during winter. London is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

In the winter, London often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

London usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Anchorage in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the spring. In the spring, London is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. London usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives more rain than Anchorage. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and London