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

Should you visit Oxford or Reims?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Reims, 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 beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims

Reims is a scenic, cultural, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Reims: 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
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Oxford or Reims?

You'll generally find more things to do in Reims than Oxford. Reims is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Reims is better known for its food and shopping, while Oxford is more popular for its museums, nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Reims is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Also, Reims is famous for The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oxford
Reims

Oxford is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.


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

Oxford
Reims

Reims 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, Reims is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Oxford
Reims

Oxford is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Reims?

Oxford
Reims

Reims 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 Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims Better for Families?

Oxford
Reims

Oxford is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Oxford or Reims Better for Couples?

Oxford
Reims

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

Reims has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oxford
Reims

Reims 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 Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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 Reims Better for Students?

Oxford
Reims

Oxford is very popular for students. However, Reims 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.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

Oxford
Reims

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Oxford and Reims.

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

You'll find some public transit in Reims, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Oxford or Reims a more walkable city?

Oxford
Reims

Oxford and Reims are superb 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.

Reims is a very walkable college town. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Reims?

In either Oxford or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims 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 Reims.

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

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


  • How many days in Oxford or Reims? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oxford 1-3 
    Reims 2-5

One day in Oxford or Reims?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reims. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Oxford or Reims?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Reims 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 Reims?

Oxford is a fun place to experience. Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reims. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Reims?

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Reims. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Reims 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 Reims is £112. 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 Reims in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oxford £72
    Reims £57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oxford £144
    Reims £114
Compare Hotels in Oxford and Reims

Looking for a hotel in Oxford or Reims? 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 Reims


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 Reims Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oxford £27
    Reims £33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227
  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856

Is it cheaper to fly into Oxford or Reims?

Prices for flights to both Reims 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
    Reims £34

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

Tours and Activities in Oxford

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

  • Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $3.81
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Oxford's Literary Legends and Landmarks" A Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • Discover Oxford's Timeless Tales: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Discover Oxford's Timeless Tales: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Explore Oxford's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour for Students: $11
  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full Day Champagne Pommery Small Group Tour: $251
  • Private Tour of a Wine Estate and Oeno-olfactory Workshop: $104
  • A unique sensory experience in the vineyards: $104
  • Bubble Champagne Tour from Epernay (Small group half day tour): $169
  • Champagne Cellar tour and tasting: $43
  • Champagne Cellars & Vineyards tour from Reims full day: $229
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey : Premium Tour and Tasting: $38
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27
  • Champagne Lamiable: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $33
  • Champagne Lover Tour&Amazing Experience&With champagne sabering: $207
  • Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay: $229
  • Champagne: E-Bike Champagne Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oxford £21
    Reims £19

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

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


Which is Bigger, Oxford or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

Both Reims and Oxford during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Reims this time of year.

In July, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Reims. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In Reims, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Reims. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Reims. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oxford 17°C (63°F) 
    Reims 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Reims in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Reims. 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 Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Reims during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives more rain than Reims. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oxford 11°C (52°F) 
    Reims 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Reims in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Reims. Many travelers come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Reims can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. In the winter, Oxford is a little warmer than Reims. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Reims averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oxford 3°C (38°F) 
    Reims 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Reims in the Spring?

Both Reims and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Reims. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Reims during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reims. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Reims and Oxford

Oxford Reims
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)