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

Should you visit Oxford or Utrecht?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Utrecht, 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Utrecht

This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Utrecht: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Utrecht?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Utrecht than Oxford, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Utrecht is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Oxford is known for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Utrecht is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. It is also home to the Dom Tower. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Utrecht?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oxford is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its museums and history.

Oxford offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

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

Both Oxford and Utrecht 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 Utrecht. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Oxford or Utrecht Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Utrecht.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Utrecht is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Is Oxford or Utrecht Better for its Old Town?

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

Utrecht has a world-famous historical area. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Utrecht?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

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 Utrecht Better for Families?

Oxford and Utrecht 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 Utrecht. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Is Oxford or Utrecht Better for Couples?

Oxford and Utrecht are both very good to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Couples visit Utrecht frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Is Oxford or Utrecht Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Utrecht is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

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 Utrecht Better for Students?

Oxford is a world-class destination for students. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Utrecht is very popular with students. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

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

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

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 Utrecht a more walkable city?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly 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 Utrecht Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Utrecht or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Utrecht?

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

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

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

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

One day in Oxford or Utrecht?

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 quaint destination of Utrecht. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Utrecht?

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.

Utrecht 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 Utrecht?

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 Utrecht. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Utrecht?

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 vibrant destination of Utrecht. This 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Utrecht?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Utrecht, 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 Utrecht?

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 Utrecht in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Utrecht. Many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Utrecht for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Oxford is around the same temperature as Utrecht in the summer. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Utrecht fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the summer, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Utrecht. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Utrecht in the Autumn?

Both Utrecht and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Oxford is around the same temperature as Utrecht. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oxford in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Utrecht averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Utrecht in the Winter?

Both Utrecht and Oxford during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

It's quite cold in Utrecht in the winter. The weather in Oxford can be very cold. In January, Oxford is generally much warmer than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 3°C (38°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Utrecht. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Utrecht in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Utrecht. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Utrecht for the natural beauty.

Oxford is a little warmer than Utrecht in the spring. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Utrecht fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Oxford