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

Should you visit London or Interlaken?

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

London

London is a diverse, iconic, and global 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

London and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Interlaken?

Visitors will usually find more to do in London than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. London is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. London is well known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Interlaken is well known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes.

Big Ben

How is London different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Interlaken and London. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is London or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for skiing. However, London is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

London is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in London or Interlaken?

London is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit London from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is London or Interlaken Better for Theater?

London is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Interlaken is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in London is world-class. 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.

Interlaken is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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, Interlaken makes for a great culinary experience. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is London or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

London is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People head to London just to party. 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is London or Interlaken Better for Music?

London is a world-class destination for live music. However, Interlaken is not a live music destination.

London is known as a music capital around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Is London or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is terrific for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Interlaken?

London is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in London. 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is London or Interlaken Better for Christmas?

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

Known for its popular Christmas activities, London draws large crowds. 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.

Interlaken does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Interlaken Better for Christmas Markets?

London is a world-class destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Interlaken Better for Families?

You'll find fantastic kid-friendly activities in either London or Interlaken.

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.

Interlaken is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Is London or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Both London and Interlaken are fantastic 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.

Interlaken has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Is London or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent London. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is London or Interlaken Better for Students?

London is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

London is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

Interlaken has some very good public transit options. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Is London or Interlaken a more walkable city?

London is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or London?

How long in London or Interlaken?

In either London or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in London than Interlaken 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 Interlaken.

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

When visiting London, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. 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 Interlaken?

When visiting London, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Interlaken?

London, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Interlaken?

London is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the adventurous destination of Interlaken. This town 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

When comparing the travel costs between London and Interlaken, we can see that London 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Interlaken?

London has a larger population, and is about 1460 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of London and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?

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 Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Interlaken. The summer months attract visitors to London because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

In the summer, London is cooler than Interlaken. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Interlaken averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. London usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives less rain than Interlaken. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to London as well as Interlaken. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to London this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, London is generally cooler than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in October than Interlaken. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and London are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine.

Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in London. London is a little warmer than Interlaken in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

London usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives less rain than Interlaken. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Interlaken in the Spring?

Both Interlaken and London during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to London in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, London is cooler than Interlaken. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Interlaken averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, London often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and London