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

Should you visit Oxford or Leipzig?

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

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

Leipzig

Leipzig is a growing, dynamic, and cultural city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Leipzig: 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 with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Oxford or Leipzig?

Both Leipzig 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 nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Leipzig is known for its shopping and quaint atmosphere. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Leipzig is popular for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner.

How is Oxford different from Leipzig?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oxford
Leipzig

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Oxford or Leipzig.

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 Leipzig. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.


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

Oxford
Leipzig

Both Oxford and Leipzig offer good 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 Leipzig. Coffee houses and cellar restaurants offer an unique atmosphere where you can enjoy local specialties. Sample beef roulade or Saxon dumplings while you soak up the cozy ambiance.

Is Oxford or Leipzig Better for Nightlife?

Oxford
Leipzig

Oxford is great for nightlife. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Oxford for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Leipzig. Nightlife in town centers around live theater, cultural centers, and live entertainment.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Leipzig?

Oxford
Leipzig

Leipzig 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 Leipzig. The city center has most of the best shopping areas. There are pedestrian streets and squares like Petersstraße and Marktplatz, as well as large shopping malls like Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig and Petersbogen.

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 Leipzig Better for Families?

Oxford
Leipzig

Oxford and Leipzig 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 Leipzig. Head to Belantis, which is an amusement park with rides, or take the kids to one of the many parks like Clara-Zetkin Park where they can unwind. The Leipzig Zoo makes a nice outing as well or Maya Mare is a fun waterpark. There are also several good museums like the Leipzig Panometer.

Is Oxford or Leipzig Better for Couples?

Oxford
Leipzig

Oxford is great for romance. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Leipzig makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful outdoor parks and natural areas where couples can enjoy this beautiful city.

Is Oxford or Leipzig Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oxford
Leipzig

Leipzig 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 Leipzig. Many backpackers overlook this city, but there are a few hostels and some nice areas to explore for those who make their way here.

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 Leipzig Better for Students?

Oxford
Leipzig

Oxford is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Leipzig is not popular with students.

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

Leipzig is not popular with students.

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

Oxford
Leipzig

Leipzig 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 Leipzig. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.

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 Leipzig a more walkable city?

Oxford
Leipzig

Oxford is great for its walkability. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Leipzig is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of Leizpig are more walkable than others.


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

Should I spend more time in Leipzig or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Leipzig?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Oxford or Leipzig? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oxford 1-3 
    Leipzig 1-3

One day in Oxford or Leipzig?

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 Leipzig. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Leipzig?

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.

Leipzig 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 Leipzig?

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 Leipzig. 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 Leipzig?

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 dynamic destination of Leipzig. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Leipzig 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 Leipzig is £142. 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 Leipzig in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oxford £72
    Leipzig £78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oxford £144
    Leipzig £156
Compare Hotels in Oxford and Leipzig

Looking for a hotel in Oxford or Leipzig? 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 Leipzig


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 Leipzig Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oxford £27
    Leipzig £23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leipzig

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

  • Private Transfer from Leipzig City to Dresden City: $83
  • Leipzig hotels to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $68
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Arrival Transfer Leipzig Airport LEJ to Leipzig by Car or Van: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Oxford or Leipzig?

Prices for flights to both Leipzig 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
    Leipzig £45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leipzig

For Leipzig, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oxford £19
    Leipzig £31

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 Leipzig

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Leipzig.

  • 1.5-Hour Historical Tour of Leipzig with Costumed Guide: $21
  • 2 hours Leipzig exclusive: Private city tour with Panorama Tower: $217
  • Big city tour Leipzig Hop on hop off: $20
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig Südvorstadt - independent discovery tour: $44
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig city center - independent city tour: $44
  • City tour on foot, by S-Bahn and tram: $24
  • Combo Tour in Guided City Tour & City Sightseeing: $21
  • Corpses, Leprosy, Lucifer 75-minute Tour at the Old Cemetery: $19
  • From Day Tour to the Green Belt: $631
  • From Markkleeberg: Full-Day Guided Cycling Tour by the Lakes: $48
  • Gruseltour Leipzig 90-minute walking tour about the Dark Secrets of Leipzig: $19
  • Gruseltour A Haunted Guided Tour: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oxford £21
    Leipzig £22

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 Leipzig, we can see that Leipzig 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 Leipzig Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oxford or Leipzig?

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

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 Leipzig in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Leipzig. The summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Leipzig this time of year.

Oxford is around the same temperature as Leipzig in the summer. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Leipzig fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leipzig this time of the year. Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Leipzig. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oxford 17°C (63°F) 
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Leipzig in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Leipzig. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Leipzig for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Oxford is around the same temperature as Leipzig. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oxford in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Leipzig averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 107 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in October than Leipzig. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oxford 11°C (52°F) 
    Leipzig 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Leipzig in the Winter?

Both Leipzig and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Leipzig in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Leipzig can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. In January, Oxford is generally much warmer than Leipzig. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 3°C (38°F), and Leipzig fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Leipzig during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives more rain than Leipzig. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oxford 3°C (38°F) 
    Leipzig 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Leipzig in the Spring?

Both Leipzig and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Oxford is around the same temperature as Leipzig in the spring. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Leipzig fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 143 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Leipzig. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oxford 9°C (48°F) 
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leipzig and Oxford

Oxford Leipzig
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)