A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Coimbra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit London or Coimbra?

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

Where Should I go: London or Coimbra?

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

Coimbra

Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or London?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • London Prices
    UK Prices
    Coimbra Prices
    Portugal Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    London £217
    Coimbra £119

The average daily cost (per person) in London is £217, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is £119. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for London and Coimbra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    London £125
    Coimbra £38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    London £250
    Coimbra £76
Compare Hotels in London and Coimbra

Looking for a hotel in London or Coimbra? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in London


Hotels in Coimbra


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: London Hotel Prices and Coimbra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    London £26
    Coimbra £9.25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:


  • Taxi Ride
    £15
  • Heathrow Express
    £18
  • Luggage Storage
    £8.00
  • London Map
    £1.29
  • Oyster Card
    £36
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    £22
  • Oyster Card
    £27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Windsor Castle to/from Central London | Private Transfers: $74
  • Windsor Castle and Southampton Cruise Port Transfer from London: $162
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour London The Making of Harry Potter with return transfers: $133
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in London APT-HTL (LHR): $141
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in London HTL-APT (STN,LCY): $120
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in London HTL - APT (LGW,STN): $162
  • Transfer to/from London Gatwick Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $487
  • Transfer to/ from London Heathrow Airport to Central London: $221
  • Transfer to/ from Dover Cruise port to Central London: $504
  • Transfer from Luton Airport to London or London to Luton Airport: $199
  • Transfer from London City Airport to Central London: $161
  • Transfer from Heathrow Airport to London or London to Heathrow: $174

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer from/to Fátima - Porto, Braga or Guimarães: $208
  • Transfer Viseu - Porto: $168
  • Coimbra Private Transfers Multiple Destinations: $160
  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $157
  • Fatima Private Transfers to Multiple Destinations: $157
  • Transfer Fátima To Lisboa: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into London or Coimbra?

Prices for flights to both Coimbra and London change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    London £59
    Coimbra £71
Typical Food Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    £13
  • Tea
    £6.00
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    £39
  • Morning Tea
    £6.35
  • Pastry
    £5.00
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    £18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Borough Market Food Tour - Self Guided: $6.97
  • London Food Tour of Soho & Covent Garden: $19
  • Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $43
  • Ultimate London Cheese Crawl : Guided Food Tour: $48
  • Pizza Making Masterclass: $61
  • The English Food You Don't Expect Food Tour of London: $68
  • French Cuisine Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $87
  • Authentic Japanese Cooking Class in North London Home: $93
  • Devour Borough Market & Leadenhall Food Tour with Wine: $106
  • London Foodie Adventure with Sherpa Food Tour: $109
  • Japanese Izakaya Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $116
  • London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River: $119

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Erotic Cabaret Show and Dinner: $64
  • Bairrada Food Tour: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    London £33
    Coimbra £15
Typical Entertainment Prices in London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    £83
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    £34
  • London Pass
    £47
  • Comedy Show
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • 2 Hours Rock and Roll Historical Walking Tour in London: $67
  • 2 hour British Museum Highlights Private Guided Tour: $259
  • 2 hour Walking Tour in Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage in London: $27
  • 2-Hour Private London Photoshoot - Full Experience: $273
  • 3 Hour Private Downton Abbey London Locations Walking Tour: $259
  • 3 Hours Historic Pub Experience in London: $80
  • 3 Locks Brewing Company Tour and Tasting Experience in Camden: $34
  • 3 hour Self Guided Canoe Adventures on the Thames: $75
  • 3-Hour Historic Pub Experience in London: $80
  • 3-Hour Private London Photography Tour of famous Landmarks: $172
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of East London Graffiti & Street Art: $245
  • 4 Hours Classic London Tour in a Private Vehicle: $245

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $99
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coimbra: $87
  • Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $87
  • Aveiro, Barra and Costa Nova | Full-day Private Tour: $225
  • Bairrada Experience Full day with a local Sommelier: $209
  • Best of Coimbra Private Walking Tour with University Late Visit: $81
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $29
  • Buggy Tour in Serra da Lousã 2Hours: $145
  • Buracas do Casmilo Private Hiking Tour from Coimbra: $105
  • Bussaco Forest Walking Experience, half day from Coimbra: $81
  • Coimbra - Condeixa: 120-minute Off-road Buggy Adventure: $303
  • Coimbra - Condeixa: 240-minute Off-Road Buggy Adventure: $512

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    London £15
    Coimbra £11

Sample the Local Flavors in London

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:

  • An Epic Bar Crawl in London United Kingdom: $15
  • 1 Big Night Out Weekday Pub Crawl: $26
  • London Pub Crawl: $29
  • Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery Tour and Cocktail: $30
  • London PUB CRAWL Shots Pints & Good Times: $34
  • The Great East London Pub Crawl!: $34
  • Pub Crawl of Central London: $35
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $41
  • North London Craft Brewery Tour: $67
  • London Sightseeing Gusbourne Sparkling Wine Tasting & Cheese: $67
  • London Historical Pub Tour with Pilgrims and Pirates: $80
  • Pub Crawl and Sing along London Experience: $80

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:

  • Guided Wine Tasting with Regional Bites: $31
  • Coimbra Food and Wine Tasting Private Guided Walk: $41


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

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


Which is Bigger, London or Coimbra?

London has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of London and Coimbra, 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 Coimbra?

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 Coimbra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Coimbra. Most visitors come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

London is cooler than Coimbra in the summer. The daily temperature in London averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Coimbra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. London usually receives less sunshine than Coimbra during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives more rain than Coimbra. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    London 18°C (64°F) 
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit London or Coimbra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to London as well as Coimbra. The autumn months attract visitors to London because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, London is much colder than Coimbra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in London in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Coimbra averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than Coimbra. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coimbra. London usually gets less rain in October than Coimbra. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    London 12°C (53°F) 
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit London or Coimbra in the Winter?

Both Coimbra and London are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to London this time of year.

It's quite cold in London in the winter. In January, London is generally much colder than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in London average around 4°C (40°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Coimbra during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. In January, London usually receives less rain than Coimbra. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    London 4°C (40°F) 
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit London or Coimbra in the Spring?

Both Coimbra and London during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

London is much colder than Coimbra in the spring. The daily temperature in London averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Coimbra fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Coimbra. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in April than Coimbra. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    London 9°C (48°F) 
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Coimbra and London

London Coimbra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)