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

Should you visit Oxford or Honfleur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Honfleur, 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a historic, peaceful, and serene city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Oxford and Honfleur: 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
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Oxford or Honfleur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Honfleur. Although Oxford and Honfleur are both popular with visitors, Honfleur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Honfleur is more popular for its food and beaches, while Oxford is known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Honfleur is popular for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings. It is also home to St Catherine's Church.

How is Oxford different from Honfleur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oxford
Honfleur

Oxford is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Oxford specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.


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

Oxford
Honfleur

Honfleur 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, Honfleur is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

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 Honfleur Better for Nightlife?

Oxford
Honfleur

Oxford is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Oxford has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Oxford or Honfleur Better for Beaches?

Oxford
Honfleur

Honfleur is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

Honfleur is a good spot to see the beach. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Oxford is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Honfleur?

Oxford
Honfleur

Oxford is very good for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Oxford or Honfleur Better for Families?

Oxford
Honfleur

Oxford and Honfleur are both good 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 Honfleur. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Is Oxford or Honfleur Better for Couples?

Oxford
Honfleur

Oxford and Honfleur are both excellent 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 Honfleur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.


Is Oxford or Honfleur Better for Students?

Oxford
Honfleur

Oxford is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Honfleur is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Honfleur is not popular with students.

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

Oxford
Honfleur

Oxford is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Oxford or Honfleur a more walkable city?

Oxford
Honfleur

Oxford and Honfleur are excellent 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.

Honfleur is a very walkable college town. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.


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

Should I spend more time in Honfleur or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Honfleur?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Oxford than Honfleur. 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 Honfleur 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 Honfleur? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oxford 1-3 
    Honfleur 1-3

One day in Oxford or Honfleur?

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 museums when visiting the destination of Honfleur. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Honfleur?

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.

Honfleur 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 Honfleur?

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 Honfleur. 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 Honfleur?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Honfleur. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Honfleur 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 Honfleur is £127. 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 Honfleur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oxford £72
    Honfleur £60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oxford £144
    Honfleur £120
Compare Hotels in Oxford and Honfleur

Looking for a hotel in Oxford or Honfleur? 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 Honfleur


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 Honfleur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oxford £27
    Honfleur £26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honfleur

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

  • Paris On Your Own: Round Trip Transfer from Le Havre Cruise Port: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Oxford or Honfleur?

Prices for flights to both Honfleur 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
    Honfleur £50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oxford £19
    Honfleur £16

Tours and Activities in Oxford

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

  • "Luxury 8 Hours Day Tour in Oxford!": $491
  • 1.5-hour Oxford University and Colleges Walking Tour: $25
  • 24 Hour Open Top City Tour: $23
  • 24 Hour Open Top City Tour & Carfax Tower Entry: $27
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Oxford With University Alumni Guide: $159
  • 90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford : $29
  • Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford: $62
  • Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket: $35
  • Blenheim Palace Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Brazilian Tapas Dining Experience with Pagode Music and Wine : $44
  • CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 11.45am: $64
  • Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $3.81

Tours and Activities in Honfleur

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

  • Paris Deluxe Shore Excursion from Le Havre Cruise Port: $75
  • A Full-Day Paris Tour from Le Havre for Cruise Passengers : $99
  • Cruise into Paris?! A Paris Full-Day Discovery from Le Havre: $82
  • Deauville and Honfleur Flower Coast Private Half-Day Sidecar Tour: $199
  • Etretat Gardens entrance ticket: $14
  • Flower Coast: Honfleur & Deauville Private Half-Day Sidecar Tour: $199
  • From Le Havre to Heroism: Private D-Day Normandy Experience: $96
  • From Le Havre: Paris Seine River Cruise and Highlights Shore Trip: $196
  • Guided walking tour of Honfleur: $24
  • Half Day tour in Vintage Sidecar Motorcycle from le Havre or Honfleur: $268
  • Honfleur & Deauville Private Half-Day Sidecar Tour (3H30): $202
  • Honfleur Private Guided Walking Tour: $307

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oxford £21
    Honfleur £20

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 Honfleur, we can see that Oxford 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 Honfleur Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oxford or Honfleur?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Honfleur, 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.