A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit London or Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional coastal region. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

London and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London. Although London and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, London has more sights and attractions for tourists. London is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. London is famous for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben. Cinque Terre is famous for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail.

Big Ben

How is London different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

London is renowned for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

Is London or Cinque Terre Better for Theater?

London is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre is not a theatre destination.

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

Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

London is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

London is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is London or Cinque Terre Better for Music?

London is renowned for its music scene. However, Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

Is London or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, London is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

London is not a resort destination.

Is London or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is London or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is very good for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

London is not a beach destination.

Is London or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

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

Cinque Terre has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is London or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Cinque Terre?

London is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is London or Cinque Terre Better for Christmas?

London is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cinque Terre does not offer Christmas activities.

London offers plenty of sights and activities around 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.

Cinque Terre does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Cinque Terre Better for Christmas Markets?

London is renowned for visiting Christmas markets. However, Cinque Terre does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel to London specifically to enjoy its famous 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.

Cinque Terre does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

London is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is London or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Both London and Cinque Terre are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, London 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.

Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

Is London or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Cinque Terre is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is London or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

London is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with 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.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

London is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

London has a great public transit system. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is London or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

London and Cinque Terre are terrific 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 Cinque Terre on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or London?

How long in London or Cinque Terre?

In either London or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in London than Cinque Terre because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

Families should spend more time in London than Cinque Terre. 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 Cinque Terre. 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 Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or Cinque Terre?

London is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Cinque Terre?

London is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal region 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, London or Cinque Terre?

London has a larger population, and is about 4720 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of London and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Cinque Terre. 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 Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

London is cooler than Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in London averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. London usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to London as well as Cinque Terre. 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 Cinque Terre in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, London is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in London in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. London usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and London are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Cinque Terre for 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 Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in London average around 4°C (40°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, London usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and London during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

London is much colder than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in London averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and London