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

Should you visit London or Utrecht?

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

London

London is a historic, diverse, and iconic 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.

Utrecht

With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

London and Utrecht: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Utrecht?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Utrecht. London is bigger than Utrecht, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Utrecht is more popular for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. London is more touristy than Utrecht and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Utrecht is well known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town.

Big Ben

How is London different from Utrecht?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

London is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Is London or Utrecht Better for Theater?

London is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is not a theatre destination.

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

London is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is London or Utrecht Better for Nightlife?

London is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to London just to party. 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.

Utrecht has a large number of nightlife venues. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Is London or Utrecht Better for Music?

London is a world-class destination for live music. However, Utrecht is not a live music destination.

London is a world class music destination. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Utrecht is not a live music destination.

Is London or Utrecht Better for its Old Town?

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

Utrecht has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Utrecht?

London is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its shopping opportunities.

London is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Utrecht is well-known for its shopping. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Is London or Utrecht Better for Christmas?

London is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Utrecht 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.

Utrecht does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Utrecht Better for Christmas Markets?

London is a world-class destination for its Christmas markets. However, Utrecht does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people travel to London specifically for the 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.

Utrecht does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Utrecht Better for Families?

London is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its kid-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.

Utrecht is a family-friendly city. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Is London or Utrecht Better for Couples?

London is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its romantic activities.

London makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Utrecht makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Is London or Utrecht Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit 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.

Many backpackers visit Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Is London or Utrecht Better for Students?

London is a world-class destination for students. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Utrecht is very popular with students. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

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

London is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in London can get you around easily. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Public transit in Utrecht can get you to some places easily. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

Is London or Utrecht a more walkable city?

London and Utrecht are world-class 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 Utrecht on foot. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

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

Should I spend more time in Utrecht or London?

How long in London or Utrecht?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both London and Utrecht. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in London than in Utrecht. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 1-3 days is enough time in Utrecht.

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

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 quaint destination of Utrecht. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in London or Utrecht?

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.

Utrecht 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 Utrecht?

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 Utrecht. 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 Utrecht?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Utrecht. This 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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.

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

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

Which is Bigger, London or Utrecht?

London has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Utrecht. When comparing the sizes of London and Utrecht, 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 Utrecht?

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 Utrecht in the Summer?

Both Utrecht and London during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Utrecht because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, London is around the same temperature as Utrecht. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Utrecht averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the summer, London often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in July than Utrecht. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Utrecht in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Utrecht. 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. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

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

London usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, London usually receives less rain than Utrecht. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit London or Utrecht in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to London as well as Utrecht. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to London this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Utrecht. It's quite cold in London in the winter. London is much warmer than Utrecht in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Utrecht fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, London often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in January than Utrecht. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Utrecht in the Spring?

Both Utrecht and London are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Utrecht in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, London is a little warmer than Utrecht. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Utrecht averages at about 8°C (46°F).

London usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives less rain than Utrecht. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Utrecht and London