A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Austin for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit London or Austin?

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

London

London is a iconic, global, and international 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.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

London and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Austin?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Austin. London is bigger than Austin, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its museums, theatre productions, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Austin is more popular for its food and hiking. London is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

Big Ben

How is London different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

London is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Is London or Austin Better for Theater?

London is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Austin 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.

Austin is not a theatre destination.

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

Austin is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, London is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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.

Is London or Austin Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find terrific options in both London and Austin.

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.

Austin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Is London or Austin Better for Music?

London and Austin are both destinations where visitors can find terrific live music.

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

Austin is a world class music destination. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Is London or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Austin?

London is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is London or Austin Better for Christmas?

London is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Austin does not offer Christmas activities.

London is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Austin does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Austin Better for Christmas Markets?

London is a world-class destination for its Christmas markets. However, Austin does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people travel to London specifically for the Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Austin does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Austin Better for Families?

London is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is London or Austin Better for Couples?

London is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is London or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is London or Austin Better for Students?

London is a world-class destination for students. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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 Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

London is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in London can get you around easily. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is London or Austin a more walkable city?

London is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or London?

How long in London or Austin?

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

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

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Austin. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or Austin?

London 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.

Austin 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 Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Austin. 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 Austin?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the unconventional destination of Austin. 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, London or Austin?

London has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of London and Austin, 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 Austin?

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 Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to London as well as Austin. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, London is much colder than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. In the summer, London often gets less sunshine than Austin. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

London usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Austin. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and London are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, London is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. London usually receives less sunshine than Austin during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit London or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and London during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

London can get quite cold in the winter. London is much colder than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, London often gets less sunshine than Austin. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

London usually gets more rain in January than Austin. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Austin. 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 Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, London is much colder than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. London usually receives less sunshine than Austin during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives less rain than Austin. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and London