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

Should you visit London or Nice?

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 Nice 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. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Nice

Nice is a opulent, trendy, and chic seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

London and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Nice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Nice, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Nice is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. London is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Nice is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities.

Big Ben

How is London different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

London is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in London are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Is London or Nice Better for Theater?

London is renowned for its theatre productions. However, Nice 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.

Nice is not a theatre destination.

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

Nice 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.

Nice has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Nice is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Is London or Nice Better for Music?

London is renowned for its live music scene. However, Nice is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in London Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Nice is not a live music destination.

Is London or Nice Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Nice is a perfect choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

London is not a resort destination.

Is London or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is London or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is a great seaside destination for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

Nice is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

London is not a beach destination.

Is London or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is a great seaside destination 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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Nice?

London is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in London make it a world-class shopping destination. 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 explore the shopping areas in Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is London or Nice Better for Christmas?

London is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Nice does not offer Christmas activities.

London is a world class destination during the Christmas season. 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.

Nice does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Nice Better for Christmas Markets?

London is renowned for its Christmas markets. However, Nice does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel to London specifically to enjoy its famous 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.

Nice does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Nice Better for Families?

London is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-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.

Nice is a family-friendly city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is London or Nice Better for Couples?

Both London and Nice are amazing 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.

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Is London or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is renowned for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is London or Nice Better for Students?

London is renowned for students. However, Nice 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

London is renowned for its public transit. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for times when you don't have a car.

London has a great public transit system. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Nice offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both buses and trams.

Is London or Nice a more walkable city?

London and Nice are amazing when it comes to walkability.

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.

It is easy to get around Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or London?

How long in London or Nice?

In either London or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in London than Nice because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

London is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Nice. 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 Nice?

London is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nice 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 Nice?

London is a iconic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Nice?

London is a iconic city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the glamourous destination of Nice. This seaside destination 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, London or Nice?

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

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 Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and London during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, London is generally cooler than Nice. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

London usually gets more rain in July than Nice. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Nice. 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. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

London is cooler than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, London usually receives less rain than Nice. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit London or Nice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to London as well as Nice. Most visitors come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

London can be very cold during winter. In the winter, London is much colder than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

London usually gets less rain in January than Nice. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and London are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to London because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In April, London is generally cooler than Nice. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, London usually receives less rain than Nice. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and London