A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oxford vs. Interlaken for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Oxford or Interlaken?

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

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Oxford and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Interlaken?

Both Interlaken and Oxford have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Oxford is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, food, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Oxford or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Oxford is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Oxford is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oxford or Interlaken?

Oxford is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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 Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Oxford or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Interlaken draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Interlaken?

Oxford is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Oxford or Interlaken Better for Families?

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

Interlaken is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is very popular for romance. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Interlaken has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Oxford or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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 Interlaken Better for Students?

Oxford is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Interlaken. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Oxford is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Interlaken?

In either Oxford or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than Oxford because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

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

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

One day in Oxford or Interlaken?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oxford, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Oxford or Interlaken?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this college town.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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 Interlaken?

Oxford, a popular college town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Interlaken?

Oxford is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Interlaken. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Interlaken?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?

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 Interlaken in the Summer?

Both Interlaken and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Oxford is cooler than Interlaken in the summer. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Interlaken. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken and Oxford during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Oxford because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

In the autumn, Oxford is cooler than Interlaken. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oxford in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Interlaken averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Interlaken. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Interlaken in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Interlaken. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. In January, Oxford is generally a little warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 3°C (38°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Interlaken. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty.

Oxford is cooler than Interlaken in the spring. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Oxford