A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Oxford vs. London for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Oxford or London?

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

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

London

London is a iconic, global, and international city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Oxford and London: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or London?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Oxford. London is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Oxford is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. London is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

Big Ben

How is Oxford different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

London is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit London from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oxford. 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.

Is Oxford or London Better for Theater?

London is very popular for theatre. However, Oxford is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in London. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Oxford is not a theatre destination.

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

London 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 London. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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 London Better for Nightlife?

London is very popular for nightlife. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

London is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Oxford is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Oxford or London Better for Music?

London is very popular for live music. However, Oxford is not a live music destination.

London is known as a music capital around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Oxford is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or London?

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

People travel from around the world to go shopping in London. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London Better for Christmas?

London is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Oxford does not offer Christmas activities.

London offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Oxford does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Oxford or London Better for Christmas Markets?

London is very popular for visiting Christmas markets. However, Oxford does not offer Christmas markets.

London has some of the best Christmas markets in the world. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Oxford does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Oxford or London Better for Families?

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

London is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London Better for Couples?

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

London has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London Better for Students?

Both Oxford and London are terrific destinations for 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.

London is a very popular college town for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

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

London has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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 London a more walkable city?

London is very popular for its walkability. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in London. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

Should I spend more time in London or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or London?

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

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

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

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

One day in Oxford or London?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Oxford or London?

Oxford 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.

London 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 London?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 London?

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oxford and London, we can see that London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and London, 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 London?

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 London in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and London. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to London because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as London during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as London. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or London in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as London. The autumn months attract visitors to Oxford because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to London this time of year.

Oxford is around the same temperature as London in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

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

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as London. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or London in the Winter?

Both London and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in London. It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. In the winter, Oxford is cooler than London. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and London averages at about 4°C (40°F).

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

In January, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as London. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or London in the Spring?

Both London and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to London in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as London. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as London. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for London and Oxford