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.

The average daily cost (per person) in London is £190, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is £88. 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 £123
    Coimbra £37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    London £246
    Coimbra £74
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 £9.18
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 Private Transfer To & from London Pickup & Return: $282
  • 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 (LGW,STN): $135
  • Transfer to the Cruise ports from your London accommodation: $103
  • Transfer in private car from Central London - London Airport (LGW): $96
  • Transfer in Private MPV from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Central London: $115
  • The Making of Harry Potter: Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Transfers: $204
  • Stansted Airport Departure Shared Transfer - London to Airport: $70
  • St Pancras Train Station to Southampton Private Transfer Service: $239
  • St Pancras Train Station to Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $97
  • Southampton Port to LHR in an Executive Luxury Vehicle Private Transfer: $288
  • Southampton One-Way Transfer - To or From Heathrow: $285

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

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

  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $149
  • Transfer Fátima To Lisboa: $110

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 £34
    Coimbra £41
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:

  • Dinner and Live DJ at A Fancy Restaurant: $17
  • Hard Rock Cafe London Old Park Lane with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $38
  • Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $39
  • Tea and Doughnuts: Borough Market Walking Food Tour: $44
  • Christmas Tea and Doughnuts: Historic Borough Market Food Tour: $65
  • International Stand Up Comedy Showcase - Show & Dinner (Côte): $85
  • International Stand Up Comedy Showcase - Show & Dinner (Côte): $87
  • London Borough Market Small Group Food Tour: $87
  • Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $88
  • Tea and Doughnuts: Borough Market Walking Food Tour (Small Group): $96
  • Eat the East End food tour with London Bites Tours: $109
  • 3 Hours Borough Market Morning Food Tour with London Bites Tours: $110

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

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

  • Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $50

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.

  • Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tour Camden: $64
  • Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tours Christmas Special: $45
  • David Bowie Golden Years Tour: $32
  • London Covent Garden: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • London Eye Standard Ticket: $41
  • Madame Tussauds London Admission Ticket: $45
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Medieval Legends, ghosts and fire: $10
  • Silent Disco Walking Tours West End Boogie Shoes: $45
  • Slavery and City of London Walking Tour: $15
  • The London Dungeon Admission Ticket: $37
  • Victoria and Albert Museum and Kensington Gardens Tour for Kids: $219
  • 'Downton Abbey' TV Locations and Blenheim Palace Tour from London: $223

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

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

  • A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $121
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $71
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coimbra: $77
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $77
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $132
  • Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $77
  • Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $136
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $258
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $44
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.96
  • Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.26

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:

  • Historic Pub Walking Tour of London: $13
  • Shoreditch Pub Crawl in London: $19
  • Haunted London Pub Walking Tour: $21
  • Central London Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bombay Sapphire Distillery Tour and Cocktail Ticket: $26
  • Clapham Pub Crawl in London: $26
  • Guided Historic Pub Tour (London): $27
  • London Pub Crawl: $27
  • Balfour Winery, Wine Tasting Masterclass: $32
  • The Original Shoreditch Pub Crawl: $32
  • Small Group Covent Garden Historic Pub Tour in London: $32
  • Historic London Pub Tour: $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

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

  • Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $66
  • Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $176
  • Full-Day Private Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour from Coimbra: $181


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)