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

Should you visit Oxford or Nice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Nice, 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 scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Oxford and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nice is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Oxford attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Nice is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also well known for The Promenade des Anglais. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oxford is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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, Nice is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

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

Nice is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Oxford is not a resort destination.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Oxford is not a resort destination.

Is Oxford or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oxford is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Oxford is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oxford or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nice to see the historical old town. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Nice?

Nice 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice Better for Families?

Oxford and Nice are both nice 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 Nice. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Oxford or Nice Better for Couples?

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

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nice 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 Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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 Nice Better for Students?

Oxford is renowned for students. However, Nice is not popular with 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice 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 Nice. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

Nice 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 Nice. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Nice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Oxford or Nice?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Nice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Oxford or Nice?

Oxford is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nice 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 Nice?

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This college town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Nice?

Because Oxford is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Nice. This seaside destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Nice, 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 Nice?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Oxford or Nice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Nice. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Oxford is cooler than Nice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Nice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Oxford usually gets more rain in July than Nice. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Nice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oxford is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Nice. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Oxford during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oxford in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Oxford can get quite cold in the winter. Oxford is much colder than Nice in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Nice. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Nice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Nice. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oxford is much colder than Nice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Nice averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Nice. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Oxford