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

Should you visit Oxford or Verona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Verona, 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Verona

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

Oxford and Verona: 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
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Oxford or Verona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Verona than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Verona is very popular for its food and historical sights, while Oxford attracts visitors for its nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Verona is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. It is also well known for Juliet's House and Balcony. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Verona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oxford
Verona

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Oxford or Verona.

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 Verona. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.


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

Oxford
Verona

Verona 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 Verona. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

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 Verona Better for Nightlife?

Oxford
Verona

Oxford is a great college town for nightlife and partying. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Oxford has something for everybody. 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 Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Oxford or Verona Better for its Old Town?

Oxford
Verona

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

Many visitors go to Verona to see the historical old town. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Verona?

Oxford
Verona

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Oxford and Verona.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Verona offers some nice shopping areas. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Oxford or Verona Better for Families?

Oxford
Verona

Oxford is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Oxford offers lots of family activities. 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Oxford or Verona Better for Couples?

Oxford
Verona

Oxford and Verona 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 Verona frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.


Is Oxford or Verona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oxford
Verona

Verona 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 Verona. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

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 Verona Better for Students?

Oxford
Verona

Oxford is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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

Verona is a good college town to visit for students. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

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

Oxford
Verona

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Oxford and Verona.

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

You'll find some public transit in Verona, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. ATV operates buses through the city.


Is Oxford or Verona a more walkable city?

Oxford
Verona

Oxford and Verona are very good 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.

Verona is a very walkable college town. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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

Should I spend more time in Verona or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Verona?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Verona. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Oxford or Verona?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Verona. 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 Verona?

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.

Verona 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 Verona?

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 Verona. 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 Verona?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Verona. This city 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 Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Verona 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 Verona is £143. 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 Verona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oxford £72
    Verona £92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oxford £144
    Verona £184
Compare Hotels in Oxford and Verona

Looking for a hotel in Oxford or Verona? 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 Verona


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 Verona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oxford £27
    Verona £5.89

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Verona

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Verona:


  • Bus From Airport
    £5.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Verona

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

  • private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $620
  • 1-Way private Transfer to Valerio Catullo Airport: $70
  • 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Marco Polo Airport: $661
  • Verona to Venice Airport VCE Departure Private Transfer: $96
  • Verona to Milan Private Transfer: $110
  • Verona Private Transfer - to/from any location: $57
  • Verona Airport:1-Way Private Transfer to Venice+water taxi: $535
  • Verona Airport(VRN): 1-Way Transfer to Venice, Piazzale Roma: $364
  • Verona Airport(VRN) to Val Gardena/Alta Badia-Round-Trip Transfer: $207
  • Verona Airport (VRN): One Way Transfer to Venice+WaterTaxi: $503
  • Verona Airport (VRN) to Verona - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Verona Airport (VRN) to Venice port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Oxford or Verona?

Prices for flights to both Verona 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
    Verona £46

Typical Food Prices in Verona

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Verona:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    £31
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    £20
  • Cappucino
    £1.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Verona

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

  • Guided Food Tour with Wine Tasting: $63
  • Tortellini Cooking Class and Lunch with Mamma Ivana: $64
  • Eat Drink and Love wine and food tour: $82
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Castelnuovo del Garda with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Fumane with Show Cooking: $93
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Soave: $93
  • Verona Food Tour with Guide: $95
  • Food Tour with Amarone Wine Tasting: $95
  • Wine and Food Tour with Dinner and Tastings: $96
  • Small-group Street food tour in Soave: $97
  • Verona Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
  • Valpolicella: Traditional cooking class with local products: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oxford £19
    Verona £10

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Verona

For Verona, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Juliet's House Entry
    £3.42
  • Verona Card
    £8.56

Tours and Activities in Verona

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

  • Amarone wine experience in Verona countryside: $37
  • "Let yourself be guided .. Let yourself be pampered" Private Tour: $218
  • 3 Hour Shared Walking and Aperitivo Tour of Verona: $70
  • 3 Hour Walking tour of Verona and Arena: $142
  • 3 Hour Watercolor Private Experience in Verona: $65
  • 4-Hour Guided E-bike Tour of the Two Wineries in Bardolino: $119
  • A day in the life of Verona - Private tour with a local: $224
  • A private tasting tour of Verona, between food and wine: $280
  • Adventure in e-Bike among medieval villages and castles: $125
  • Amarone 2005 Wine Experience: $33
  • Amarone Della Valpolicella Wine Experience - Meet the Vogadori Family: $38
  • Amarone Wine Experience at Montresor winery: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oxford £21
    Verona £9.48

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Verona

Also in Verona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine tasting in Bardolino: $26
  • Valpolicella Wine Tour and Tasting in Medieval Court: $33
  • Amarone Wine Tour: $35
  • Montresor Winery Visit with Wine Tasting and Snacks: $37
  • Valdadige: Roeno Guided Tour and Wine tasting: $37
  • Verona area: Wine Tasting Experience in Valpolicella: $38
  • Food and Wine Tasting in Valpolicella: $38
  • Unique Wine tasting in Verona, with Amarone docg: $41
  • Lazise: Historical Center Wine Tasting Tour: $43
  • Lake Garda: Wine Tour & Tasting Experience in Bardolino area: $44
  • Wine Tasting near Juliet's Balcony in Verona: $45
  • Wine Tasting in Underground Cellar in Verona City Center : $46


When comparing the travel costs between Oxford and Verona, we can see that Verona 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 Verona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oxford or Verona?

Verona has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Verona, 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 Verona?

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 Verona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Verona. Many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Verona for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Oxford is cooler than Verona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Verona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Verona this time of the year. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Verona during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Verona. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Verona receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oxford 17°C (63°F) 
    Verona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Verona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Verona. Most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Verona because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oxford is generally cooler than Verona. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Verona fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Verona. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 137 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Verona. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Verona receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oxford 11°C (52°F) 
    Verona 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Verona in the Winter?

Both Verona and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Verona this time of year.

It's quite cold in Verona in the winter. The weather in Oxford can be very cold. Oxford is much warmer than Verona in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Verona fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Verona during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Verona. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Verona receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oxford 3°C (38°F) 
    Verona 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Verona in the Spring?

Both Verona and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Verona for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oxford is cooler than Verona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Verona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Verona. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 169 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Verona. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Verona receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oxford 9°C (48°F) 
    Verona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Verona and Oxford

Oxford Verona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)