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

Should you visit London or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a historic, diverse, and iconic 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a quaint, charming, and peaceful coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

London and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or La Rochelle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than La Rochelle, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while La Rochelle is known for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. London is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

Big Ben

How is London different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

London is very popular for its historical sights. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Is London or La Rochelle Better for Theater?

London is very popular for its theatre productions. However, La Rochelle is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in London draw crowds from around the world. 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.

La Rochelle is not a theatre destination.

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

La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

London is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

London is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is London or La Rochelle Better for Music?

London is very popular for its live music scene. However, La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is not a live music destination.

Is London or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is very good for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

London is not a beach destination.

Is London or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

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

La Rochelle has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is London or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or La Rochelle?

London is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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 La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is London or La Rochelle Better for Christmas?

London is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or La Rochelle Better for Christmas Markets?

London is very popular for visiting Christmas markets. However, La Rochelle does not offer Christmas markets.

London has some of the best Christmas markets in the world. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

La Rochelle does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or La Rochelle Better for Families?

London is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, London is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is London or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

Both London and La Rochelle are world-class 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.

La Rochelle has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Is London or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is London or La Rochelle Better for Students?

London is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for students.

Many students frequent 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.

La Rochelle is a good city to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

London is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

London has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is London or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

London is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or London?

How long in London or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either London or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in London due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

Families should spend more time in London than La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

London is a international city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or La Rochelle?

London is a international big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

London is a iconic city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle?

London is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, London or La Rochelle?

London has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of London and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and London are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, London is generally around the same temperature as La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. London usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle and London during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

London is cooler than La Rochelle in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit London or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both London and La Rochelle. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to London this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in London in the winter. In the winter, London is much colder than La Rochelle. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to London as well as La Rochelle. Many travelers come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, London is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

London usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as La Rochelle. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and London