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

Should you visit London or Toronto?

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

London

London is a global, international, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. London is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See London travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse 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 Toronto travel costs.

London and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Toronto?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Toronto. London is bigger than Toronto, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is more touristy than Toronto and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Toronto is well known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population.

Big Ben

How is London different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Toronto 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 Toronto that are not to be missed. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Is London or Toronto Better for Theater?

London is terrific for theatre. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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, Toronto makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is London or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Toronto is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

Is London or Toronto Better for Music?

London is terrific for live music. However, Toronto is not a live music destination.

London is known as a music capital around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Toronto is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Toronto?

If you're looking to go shopping, London and Toronto both offer plenty of amazing 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.

Toronto is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Is London or Toronto More Beautiful?

London is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

London is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city has quaint neighborhoods and stunning architectural landmarks that are not to be missed.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is London or Toronto Better for Families?

London is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is London or Toronto Better for Couples?

London is terrific for romance. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is London or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Toronto is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is London or Toronto Better for Students?

For students, both London and Toronto are amazing places to visit.

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.

Toronto is a great destination for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

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

London and Toronto both offer amazing 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.

Toronto has a great public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Is London or Toronto a more walkable city?

London is terrific for its walkability. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or London?

How long in London or Toronto?

Both London and Toronto 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 Toronto. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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.

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

A weekend in London or Toronto?

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.

Toronto 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Toronto?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Toronto. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, London or Toronto?

London has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Toronto. When comparing the sizes of London and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Toronto. Many travelers come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, London is cooler than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto this time of the year. London usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives less rain than Toronto. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to London as well as Toronto. 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 Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, London is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than Toronto. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

London usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Toronto. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and London are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Toronto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Toronto can be very cold. London can be very cold during winter. London is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toronto. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and London during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to London because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In the spring, London is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Toronto. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and London