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

Should you visit London or Atlanta?

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

London

London is a iconic, global, and international city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

London and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Atlanta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in London than Atlanta. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. London is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

Big Ben

How is London different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Atlanta and London.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, London has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Atlanta that are not to be missed. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Is London or Atlanta Better for Theater?

London is terrific for its shows and theatre. However, Atlanta is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in London. 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.

Atlanta is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Atlanta.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is London or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

London is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

London is a must-see 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.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Is London or Atlanta Better for Music?

London is terrific for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Atlanta?

If you're looking to go shopping, London and Atlanta both offer plenty of terrific spots.

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. 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.

Atlanta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Is London or Atlanta Better for Christmas?

London is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Atlanta does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in London. 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.

Atlanta does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Atlanta Better for Christmas Markets?

London is terrific for visiting Christmas markets. However, Atlanta does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in London are not to be missed. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Atlanta does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Atlanta Better for Families?

London is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

London is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is London or Atlanta Better for Couples?

London is terrific for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is London or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit London, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is London or Atlanta Better for Students?

London is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

London is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

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

London is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is London or Atlanta a more walkable city?

London is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or London?

How long in London or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either London or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in London due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

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

Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Atlanta. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or Atlanta?

Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Atlanta 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 Atlanta?

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that London has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse big city of Atlanta. This city 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 United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, London or Atlanta?

London has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of London and Atlanta, 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 Atlanta?

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 London or Atlanta in the Summer?

Both Atlanta and London are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

London is much colder than Atlanta in the summer. The daily temperature in London averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Atlanta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. London usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In July, London usually receives less rain than Atlanta. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Atlanta in the Autumn?

Both Atlanta and London during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Atlanta in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, London is much colder than Atlanta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in London in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Atlanta averages at about 66°F (19°C).

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in October than Atlanta. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Atlanta in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Atlanta. Many visitors come to London in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

London can get quite cold in the winter. In January, London is generally much colder than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in London average around 4°C (40°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

London usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, London usually receives less rain than Atlanta. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Atlanta in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to London as well as Atlanta. Most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the activities around the city.

London is much colder than Atlanta in the spring. The daily temperature in London averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Atlanta fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. London usually gets less rain in April than Atlanta. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and London