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

Should you visit Palermo or Oxford?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Oxford can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Palermo

Palermo is a diverse, dynamic, and fun city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Palermo and Oxford: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Oxford?

You'll generally find more things to do in Palermo than Oxford. Palermo is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Palermo is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. Also, Palermo is famous for The Cathedral. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Palermo different from Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Oxford and Palermo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palermo or Oxford?

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

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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

Palermo 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 Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo or Oxford Better for Nightlife?

Both Palermo and Oxford are high quality when it comes to partying.

Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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.

Is Palermo or Oxford Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Palermo has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Oxford is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Oxford Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Palermo. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Oxford?

Palermo 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 Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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 Palermo or Oxford Better for Families?

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

Palermo is a very family-friendly destination. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo or Oxford Better for Couples?

Oxford is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Oxford Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palermo 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 Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

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 Palermo or Oxford Better for Students?

Oxford is very popular for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

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

Oxford is a college town with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Oxford a more walkable city?

Palermo and Oxford both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Oxford or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Oxford?

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

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

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

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

One day in Palermo or Oxford?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Palermo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

A weekend in Palermo or Oxford?

Palermo 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.

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.

Five days in Palermo or Oxford?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

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.

A week in Palermo or Oxford?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful destination of Palermo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Oxford?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Oxford, 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 Palermo or Oxford?

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 Palermo or Oxford in the Summer?

Both Oxford and Palermo during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Palermo is a little warmer than Oxford. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palermo in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Oxford averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Oxford. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Oxford in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Oxford. The autumn months attract visitors to Palermo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

In October, Palermo is generally much warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 20°C (67°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oxford. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Oxford in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Oxford. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. Palermo is much warmer than Oxford in the winter. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Oxford fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 52 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Oxford. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Oxford in the Spring?

Both Oxford and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Palermo is much warmer than Oxford. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palermo in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Oxford averages at about 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Oxford. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oxford and Palermo