A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oxford vs. Baden-Baden for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Oxford or Baden-Baden?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Baden-Baden, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a peaceful, historic, and relaxing spa town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Oxford and Baden-Baden: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Oxford or Baden-Baden?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Baden-Baden than Oxford. While Oxford is larger than Baden-Baden, Baden-Baden has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baden-Baden is very popular for its food and hiking, while Oxford attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Baden-Baden is famous for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. It is also well known for The Thermal Baths.

How is Oxford different from Baden-Baden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Baden-Baden and Oxford. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oxford or Baden-Baden?

Oxford
Baden-Baden

Oxford is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Baden-Baden. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.


Is the Food Better in Oxford or Baden-Baden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oxford
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Baden-Baden is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Baden-Baden Better for Nightlife?

Oxford
Baden-Baden

Oxford is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its evening party scene.

Oxford offers plenty to do in the evening. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

Is Oxford or Baden-Baden Better for Hiking?

Oxford
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Baden-Baden has hiking trails worth exploring. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Baden-Baden?

Oxford
Baden-Baden

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Oxford and Baden-Baden.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Baden-Baden offers some nice shopping areas. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Is Oxford or Baden-Baden Better for Families?

Oxford
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Baden-Baden is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Oxford or Baden-Baden Better for Couples?

Oxford
Baden-Baden

Oxford and Baden-Baden are both superb to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Couples visit Baden-Baden frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.


Is Oxford or Baden-Baden Better for Students?

Oxford
Baden-Baden

Oxford is a world-class destination for students. However, Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

Is Oxford or Baden-Baden Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oxford
Baden-Baden

Oxford is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

Oxford has a few public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Oxford or Baden-Baden a more walkable city?

Oxford
Baden-Baden

Oxford is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable college town. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Baden-Baden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baden-Baden or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Baden-Baden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Baden-Baden. In our opinion, Oxford has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Oxford than Baden-Baden. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Baden-Baden than Oxford. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Baden-Baden, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Oxford than Baden-Baden. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Oxford that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oxford than Baden-Baden 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 Oxford.


  • How many days in Oxford or Baden-Baden? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oxford 1-3 
    Baden-Baden 1-3

One day in Oxford or Baden-Baden?

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this college town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Baden-Baden. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Baden-Baden?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This college town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Baden-Baden is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Baden-Baden?

Because Oxford is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baden-Baden. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Oxford or Baden-Baden?

Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Baden-Baden. This spa town 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Baden-Baden or Oxford?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Oxford is £131, while the average daily cost in Baden-Baden is £132. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Oxford and Baden-Baden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oxford £72
    Baden-Baden £75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oxford £144
    Baden-Baden £150
Compare Hotels in Oxford and Baden-Baden

Looking for a hotel in Oxford or Baden-Baden? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Oxford


Hotels in Baden-Baden


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Oxford Hotel Prices and Baden-Baden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oxford £27
    Baden-Baden £28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

Also for Oxford, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • National Express | Between Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airports Bus Transfers: $34
  • Fareham to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Private Transfer from Gatwick city hotels to Dover Cruise Port: $55
  • Oxford Private Departure Transfer - Oxford Hotel/Accommodation to Oxford Airport: $68
  • Transfer in private Vehicle from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Central London: $96
  • Private One Way or Round Trip Transfer: Kensington SW London to Gatwick Airport: $147
  • Oxford City to London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $196
  • Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: Stansted Airport to Central London: $224
  • Gatwick Airport to Southampton Port or Hotel Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $230
  • Southampton - London Transfer: via Bath and Windsor: $234

Is it cheaper to fly into Oxford or Baden-Baden?

Prices for flights to both Baden-Baden and Oxford change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Oxford £41
    Baden-Baden £35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oxford £19
    Baden-Baden £29

Tours and Activities in Oxford

For Oxford, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $3.81
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Oxford's Literary Legends and Landmarks" A Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • Discover Oxford's Timeless Tales: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Discover Oxford's Timeless Tales: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Explore Oxford's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour for Students: $11
  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Baden-Baden are as follows:

  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oxford £21
    Baden-Baden £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Oxford

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oxford:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Cambridge: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Edinburgh: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Bristol: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Eccentric Oxford 3-Hour Pub Tour: $150
  • Wine Tasting in the Garden of England: $221


When comparing the travel costs between Oxford and Baden-Baden, we can see that Baden-Baden 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Oxford or Baden-Baden?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Baden-Baden. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Baden-Baden, 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 Oxford or Baden-Baden?

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 Oxford or Baden-Baden in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Baden-Baden. The summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year.

In the summer, Oxford is cooler than Baden-Baden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baden-Baden. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Baden-Baden. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 231 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Baden-Baden. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oxford 17°C (63°F) 
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Baden-Baden in the Autumn?

Both Baden-Baden and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Baden-Baden for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Baden-Baden. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Baden-Baden during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 91 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Baden-Baden. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oxford 11°C (52°F) 
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Baden-Baden in the Winter?

Both Baden-Baden and Oxford during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Baden-Baden can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. Oxford is much warmer than Baden-Baden in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Baden-Baden. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 35 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Baden-Baden. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oxford 3°C (38°F) 
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Baden-Baden in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Baden-Baden. Many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Oxford is cooler than Baden-Baden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Baden-Baden during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Baden-Baden. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oxford 9°C (48°F) 
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Baden-Baden and Oxford

Oxford Baden-Baden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)