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

Should you visit London or Boston?

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

London

London is a international, historic, and diverse 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.

Boston

Boston is a proud, loyal, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

London and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Boston?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Boston. London is bigger than Boston, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Boston is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. London is more touristy than Boston and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Boston is well known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities.

Big Ben

How is London different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Boston 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 Boston that are not to be missed. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Is London or Boston Better for Theater?

London is an unbeatable place for theatre. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its theatre productions.

London is considered to be a world-class theater destination. 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.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

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

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

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, Boston makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is London or Boston Better for Nightlife?

London is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Boston 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.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is London or Boston Better for Music?

London is an unbeatable place for live music. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its live music scene.

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

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is London or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is adequate for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

London is not a beach destination.

Is London or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, London does not have a historic old town.

Boston has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Boston?

London is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Boston 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 Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is London or Boston Better for Christmas?

London is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences.

London is a fantastic destination at Christmas. 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.

Since it has plenty to do, Boston is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Is London or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an unbeatable place for its Christmas markets. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for visiting 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.

Many people head to Boston to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Is London or Boston Better for Families?

You'll find first-rate kid-friendly activities in either London or Boston.

London is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Boston is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Is London or Boston Better for Couples?

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

London is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is London or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Boston 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 budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is London or Boston Better for Students?

For students, both London and Boston are first-rate places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Boston is a great destination for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

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

London and Boston both offer first-rate public transit to get you around.

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.

Boston has a great public transit system. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Is London or Boston a more walkable city?

London and Boston are first-rate when it comes to 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.

It is easy to get around Boston on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Boston or London?

How long in London or Boston?

In either London or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in London than Boston because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

Couples should spend more time in London than Boston. 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 Boston 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 Boston?

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 live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Boston. 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 Boston?

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.

Boston is a great place to explore. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in London or Boston?

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 Boston. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in London or Boston?

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 museums and theater when visiting the traditional big city of Boston. 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 Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between London and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though London is in Europe and Boston is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Boston?

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

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 Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and London during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to London in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, London is cooler than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, London often gets less sunshine than Boston. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in July than Boston. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Boston. Most visitors come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Boston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, London is generally around the same temperature as Boston. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

London usually receives less sunshine than Boston during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, London usually receives less rain than Boston. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit London or Boston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to London as well as Boston. The winter months attract visitors to London because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

It's quite cold in Boston in the winter. The weather in London can be very cold. London is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, London often gets less sunshine than Boston. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in January than Boston. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and London are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to London this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, London is around the same temperature as Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. London usually receives less sunshine than Boston during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Boston and London