A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Sao Paulo for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit London or Sao Paulo?

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 Sao Paulo can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a iconic, global, and international city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, London attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See London travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a colorful, cultural, and dynamic 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

London and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Sao Paulo?

Visitors will generally find more to do in London than Sao Paulo. While Sao Paulo is larger than London, London has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. London is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben. Sao Paulo is famous for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene.

Big Ben

How is London different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Sao Paulo and London.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, London has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Sao Paulo that are not to be missed. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

Is London or Sao Paulo Better for Theater?

London is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Sao Paulo is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in London. 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.

Sao Paulo is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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, Sao Paulo makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

Is London or Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find terrific options in both London and Sao Paulo.

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.

Sao Paulo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

Is London or Sao Paulo Better for Music?

London is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Sao Paulo is not a live music destination.

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

Sao Paulo is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Sao Paulo?

If you're looking to go shopping, London and Sao Paulo both offer plenty of terrific 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.

Sao Paulo is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

Is London or Sao Paulo More Beautiful?

London is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, London attracts visitors from all around. The city has quaint neighborhoods and stunning architectural landmarks that are not to be missed.

Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is London or Sao Paulo Better for Families?

London is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

London is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Sao Paulo is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is London or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

London is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

London has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Sao Paulo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Is London or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit London, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is London or Sao Paulo Better for Students?

London is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

London is a great destination 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.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for students. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

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

London and Sao Paulo both offer terrific public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Sao Paulo has a great public transit system. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

Is London or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

London is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Sao Paulo is very walkable. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

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

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or London?

How long in London or Sao Paulo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both London and Sao Paulo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in London than in Sao Paulo. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sao Paulo.

Families should spend more time in London than Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo?

People visit London because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Sao Paulo. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or Sao Paulo?

People visit London because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Sao Paulo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Sao Paulo?

People visit London because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo?

London is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in London, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic big city of Sao Paulo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between London and Sao Paulo, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since London is in Europe and Sao Paulo is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of London. When comparing the sizes of London and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but London has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit London or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

Both Sao Paulo and London are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

London is cooler than Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in London averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. In July, London usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.

Should I visit London or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and London during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, London is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in London in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

London usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit London or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Sao Paulo. Many visitors come to London in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

London can get quite cold in the winter. In January, London is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in London average around 4°C (40°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In January, London usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.

Should I visit London or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to London as well as Sao Paulo. Most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the activities around the city.

London is much colder than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in London averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.

London usually gets less rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and London