A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Kinsale for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit London or Kinsale?

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

London

London is a global, international, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a picturesque, colorful, and charming seaside town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

London and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Kinsale?

Tourists will generally find more to do in London. Although London and Kinsale are both popular with visitors, London has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Kinsale is known for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. London is more touristy than Kinsale and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Kinsale is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks.

Big Ben

How is London different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

London is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in London are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

Is London or Kinsale Better for Theater?

London is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Kinsale is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in London that are not to be missed. 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.

Kinsale is not a theatre destination.

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

Kinsale 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.

Kinsale has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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 Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

London is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

London has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is London or Kinsale Better for Music?

London is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Kinsale is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in London. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Kinsale is not a live music destination.

Is London or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

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

The beach in Kinsale is worth checking out. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

London is not a beach destination.

Is London or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is a great seaside town for its historic old town charm. However, London does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is London or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is very good for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Kinsale?

London is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, London draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is London or Kinsale Better for Christmas?

London is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Kinsale does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, London is a top place to visit during 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.

Kinsale does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Kinsale Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an amazing city to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Kinsale does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit London because of the beautiful 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.

Kinsale does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Kinsale Better for Families?

London is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

London is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is London or Kinsale Better for Couples?

London is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

London is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Kinsale is a good city for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is London or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, London is extremely popular for backpackers. 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 backpackers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Is London or Kinsale Better for Students?

London is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

London is a very popular city 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.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

London is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in London is top-notch. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is London or Kinsale a more walkable city?

London is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

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.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable city. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or London?

How long in London or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in London or Kinsale to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in London than Kinsale because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kinsale.

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

Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Kinsale might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in London or Kinsale?

Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Kinsale is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 Kinsale?

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that London has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in London or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside town 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, London or Kinsale?

London has a larger population, and is about 1930 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of London and Kinsale, 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 Kinsale?

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 Kinsale in the Summer?

Both Kinsale and London are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, London is generally a little warmer than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives less rain than Kinsale. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and London during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to London in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kinsale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

London is around the same temperature as Kinsale in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, London often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in October than Kinsale. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Kinsale in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Kinsale. Most visitors come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

London can be very cold during winter. In the winter, London is cooler than Kinsale. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Kinsale averages at about 6°C (43°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kinsale receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, London usually receives less rain than Kinsale. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to London as well as Kinsale. The spring months attract visitors to London because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

In April, London is generally around the same temperature as Kinsale. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, London often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in April than Kinsale. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and London