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

Should you visit Oxford or Biarritz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Biarritz, 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 collegiate, beautiful, and historic college town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Oxford and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Biarritz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Biarritz. Although Oxford and Biarritz are popular destinations, Biarritz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Biarritz is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Oxford attracts visitors for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also well known for Grande Plage. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oxford is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Oxford offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Biarritz is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Biarritz.

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.

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Is Oxford or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Oxford is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Oxford is not a resort destination.

Is Oxford or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Biarritz. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Biarritz?

Biarritz is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is a very family-friendly destination. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside 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 Biarritz Better for Couples?

Oxford and Biarritz are both very good 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 Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Oxford or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Biarritz is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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 Biarritz Better for Students?

Oxford is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Oxford and Biarritz.

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

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Oxford or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Oxford and Biarritz are very good 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.

Biarritz is a very walkable college town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Biarritz?

Both Oxford and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Oxford. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz 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 Biarritz.

One day in Oxford or Biarritz?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Oxford or Biarritz?

Oxford is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this college town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oxford, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Biarritz 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 Oxford or Biarritz?

Oxford is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Oxford or Biarritz?

Oxford is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This college town offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Biarritz?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Oxford is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Biarritz. Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Oxford during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Oxford is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Biarritz. The winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

The weather in Oxford can be very cold. Oxford is much colder than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Biarritz. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Oxford is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Oxford