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

Should you visit Oxford or Bari?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Bari, 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 historic, scholarly, and collegiate college town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Oxford and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Bari?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bari than Oxford. Bari is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bari is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Oxford is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Oxford is more touristy than Bari and is known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Also, Bari is famous for San Nicola.

How is Oxford different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Oxford or Bari.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Bari 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, Bari is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Bari.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Bari is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Oxford or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

Bari has a beach worth visiting. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bari to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Bari?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Oxford and Bari.

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.

Bari offers some nice shopping areas. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Oxford or Bari Better for Families?

Bari 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.

Bari is a very family-friendly destination. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Bari Better for Couples?

Oxford is a great college town for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Oxford is a great college town if you're traveling as 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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Oxford or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Bari is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Bari Better for Students?

Oxford is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Bari is a very popular college town for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Oxford and Bari.

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

You'll find some public transit in Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Oxford or Bari a more walkable city?

Oxford and Bari are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Bari is a very walkable college town. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Bari?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Oxford than Bari. 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 Bari than Oxford 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 Bari.

One day in Oxford or Bari?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Bari?

Oxford is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bari 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 Bari?

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This college town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

Because Oxford is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bari. This port city 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oxford and Bari, we can see that Oxford is more expensive. And not only is Bari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bari 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 Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford than you might in Bari.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Oxford or Bari in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Bari. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oxford is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives more rain than Bari. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Bari. Many visitors come to Oxford in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Oxford is much colder than Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Bari. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Bari. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oxford can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Oxford is much colder than Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Bari during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Bari. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In April, Oxford is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Bari. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Oxford