A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Oxford vs. Bristol for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Oxford or Bristol?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Bristol, 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.

Bristol

Bristol is a authentic, historic, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Bristol: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Bristol?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bristol than Oxford. Bristol is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bristol is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Oxford is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Bristol is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Also, Bristol is famous for The Bristol Harbour.

How is Oxford different from Bristol?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Oxford or Bristol.

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 Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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

Both Oxford and Bristol offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bristol. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Oxford or Bristol Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Bristol.

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.

Bristol is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Bristol?

Bristol 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 Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

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 Bristol Better for Families?

Oxford and Bristol are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bristol. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Oxford or Bristol Better for Couples?

Oxford is great for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Oxford or Bristol Better for Students?

Oxford is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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

Bristol is a good college town to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Bristol, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Oxford or Bristol a more walkable city?

Oxford and Bristol are high quality 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.

Bristol is a very walkable college town. The city center is well designed for walking.

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

Should I spend more time in Bristol or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Bristol?

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

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

One day in Oxford or Bristol?

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. This college town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A weekend in Oxford or Bristol?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oxford has to offer.

Bristol 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 Oxford or Bristol?

Oxford is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bristol. 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 Bristol?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Bristol. This city 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 Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Bristol?

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

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 Bristol in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Bristol. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Bristol. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Oxford usually receives more rain than Bristol. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Bristol in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Bristol. Many travelers come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bristol in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Oxford is cooler than Bristol in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bristol fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Bristol. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Bristol in the Winter?

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

Oxford can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Oxford is much colder than Bristol. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bristol averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Bristol. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Bristol in the Spring?

Both Bristol and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bristol because of the activities around the city.

In April, Oxford is generally cooler than Bristol. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Oxford usually gets more rain in April than Bristol. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bristol and Oxford