A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit London or Miami?

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 Miami 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. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Miami

Miami is a exciting, diverse, and bustling beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

London and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Miami?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Miami. London is bigger than Miami, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its museums, theatre productions, christmas markets, and impressive beauty, while Miami is more popular for its food, resorts, and beaches. 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. Miami is well known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants.

Big Ben

How is London different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

London is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in London that are not to be missed. 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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Is London or Miami Better for Theater?

London is an amazing city to visit for theatre. However, Miami 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.

Miami is not a theatre destination.

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

Miami 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.

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find fantastic options in both London and Miami.

London is a must-see party destination. 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.

Miami is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Is London or Miami Better for Music?

London and Miami are both destinations where visitors can find fantastic live music.

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Is London or Miami Better for Resorts?

Miami is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, London is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Miami is a perfect choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

London is not a resort destination.

Is London or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is terrific for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

London is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Miami?

If you're looking to go shopping, London and Miami both offer plenty of fantastic spots.

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. 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.

Miami is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Is London or Miami Better for Christmas?

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

During Christmas, London is not to be missed. 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.

Miami does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Miami Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Miami 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.

Miami does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Miami Better for Families?

London is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Miami is very family-friendly. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is London or Miami Better for Couples?

London is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Miami is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Is London or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

London is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is London or Miami Better for Students?

London is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

London is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is London or Miami a more walkable city?

London is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Miami is a very walkable city. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Miami or London?

How long in London or Miami?

Both London and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, London has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in London than Miami. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

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

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Miami. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Miami is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in London or Miami?

London is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Miami?

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the bustling big city of Miami. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between London and Miami, 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. Even though London is in Europe and Miami is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Miami?

London has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of London and Miami, 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 Miami?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit London or Miami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to London as well as Miami. The summer months attract visitors to London because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

In the summer, London is much colder than Miami. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Miami averages at about 83°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. In the summer, London often gets less sunshine than Miami. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Miami. London usually gets less rain in July than Miami. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Miami in the Autumn?

Both Miami and London are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, London is generally much colder than Miami. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. London usually receives less sunshine than Miami during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. In October, London usually receives less rain than Miami. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit London or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami and London during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Miami in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in London. London is much colder than Miami in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, London often gets less sunshine than Miami. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun.

London usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Miami. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Miami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Miami. Many visitors come to London in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, London is much colder than Miami. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Miami averages at about 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. London usually receives less sunshine than Miami during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives less rain than Miami. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Miami and London