A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paris vs. Los Angeles for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Paris or Los Angeles?

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

Should I visit Paris or Los Angeles? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a energetic, dynamic, and glamourous city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Paris and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Los Angeles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Los Angeles than Paris. Los Angeles is bigger than Paris, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Los Angeles is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Paris is more popular for its theatre productions and impressive beauty. Paris is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Los Angeles is well known for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. Also, Los Angeles is famous for Hollywood.

How is Paris different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paris or Los Angeles?

Spend time exploring the amazing sights and museums in either Paris or Los Angeles.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Los Angeles are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Is Paris or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Paris is renowned for its shows and theatre. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for theatre.

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Los Angeles. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Is the Food Better in Paris or Los Angeles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paris and Los Angeles.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Los Angeles has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

Is Paris or Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is amazing in both Paris and Los Angeles.

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Los Angeles is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

Is Paris or Los Angeles Better for Music?

Paris and Los Angeles are both destinations where visitors can find amazing live music.

Paris is known as a music capital around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Los Angeles Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Is Paris or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles is great for its luxury resorts. However, Paris is not a resort destination.

Los Angeles is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Paris is not a resort destination.

Is Paris or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Los Angeles has a few good snorkeling spots. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paris or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is terrific for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Los Angeles. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is terrific for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

People visit Los Angeles specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Los Angeles?

If you're looking to go shopping, Paris and Los Angeles both offer plenty of amazing spots.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

The abundance of shops in Los Angeles make it a world-class shopping destination. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

Is Paris or Los Angeles Better for Christmas?

Paris is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Los Angeles does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Los Angeles does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Los Angeles Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Paris or Los Angeles.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Los Angeles is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

Is Paris or Los Angeles Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Paris and Los Angeles make for a amazing place to visit.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

For those traveling as a couple, Los Angeles has plenty to offer. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

Is Paris or Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

Is Paris or Los Angeles Better for Students?

For students, both Paris and Los Angeles are amazing places to visit.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Los Angeles. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Is Paris or Los Angeles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Paris has a great public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Los Angeles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is Paris or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

Paris is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

For even more information, also check out Is Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Paris?

How long in Paris or Los Angeles?

Both Paris and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Paris has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Paris than Los Angeles. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Los Angeles 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or Los Angeles?

Paris is a bustling city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Los Angeles, many people enjoy the theater and nightlife that this sprawling big city offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paris or Los Angeles?

Paris is a bustling big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Los Angeles. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Los Angeles?

Paris is a iconic city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Los Angeles is a fun place to experience. In Los Angeles, many people enjoy the live music and food that this big city destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Paris or Los Angeles?

Paris is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Los Angeles, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this multicultural big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Paris and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles 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. Even though Paris is in Europe and Los Angeles is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Paris. When comparing the sizes of Paris and Los Angeles, 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 Paris or Los Angeles?

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 Paris or Los Angeles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Los Angeles. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paris is generally around the same temperature as Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In July, Paris usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paris as well as Los Angeles. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.

Paris is cooler than Los Angeles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Paris usually gets more rain in October than Los Angeles. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Los Angeles in the Winter?

Both Los Angeles and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. In the winter, Paris is much colder than Los Angeles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In January, Paris usually receives less rain than Los Angeles. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Los Angeles in the Spring?

Both Los Angeles and Paris during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Paris is generally cooler than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Paris usually gets more rain in April than Los Angeles. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Paris