A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paros vs. London for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Paros or London?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Paros and London. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Paros

Paros is a historical, diverse, and stunning island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

London

London is a international, historic, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Paros and London: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or London?

Tourists will generally find more to do in London. Although Paros and London are both popular with visitors, London has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Paros is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. London is more touristy than Paros and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Paros is popular for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages.

Big Ben

How is Paros different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paros or London?

London is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in London are world-renowned. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Paros offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many interesting archeological sights and museums around the island. Some interesting places to visit are the Venetian Castle in the old port of Naoussa, the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani near Parikia, and the beautiful church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) Detis, which dates back to the 17th century. There's also the Archeological Museum of Paros, which is found in the capital of Parikia.

Is Paros or London Better for Theater?

London is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Paros is not a theatre destination.

London is considered to be a world-class theater destination. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Paros is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Paros or London? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paros is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, London is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Paros has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Cheese and wine are mainstays on the island and restaurants in general pride themselves on using locally-sourced, high quality ingredients. Many of the traditional recipes can be found in restaurants, but they're also still prepared in the homes of the residents as well. Seafood, vegetables, and grains are all common ingredients.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, London makes for a great culinary experience. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

Is Paros or London Better for Nightlife?

London is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

London is a must-see party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Paros is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It doesn't have the hard core party scene that you find on some Greek islands, but it does have plenty of dance clubs, bars, and music venues. There's a wide diversity of options on the island, from quiet local bars to beach clubs that host wild parties, and everything in between.

Is Paros or London Better for Music?

London is terrific for its live music scene. However, Paros is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in London. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Paros is not a live music destination.

Is Paros or London Better for Resorts?

Paros is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, London is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Paros. The island is relatively large and you'll find everything from local hotels and guesthouses to large resorts and backpacker hostels. Many resorts have pools and great views.

London is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or London Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Paros. The island is filled with caves and interesting rock formations that make for excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. There are a number of tours available that take you to the island's best dive and snorkeling spots. There are also private and group courses available for those who are learning to scuba dive.

London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or London Better for Beaches?

Paros is terrific for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Paros is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches are clean, diverse, and relatively easy to access. There are a range of options, from quiet hidden gems to beaches with clubs and bars nearby. Favorite beaches on the island include Kolymbithres Beach, Chrissi Akti Beach, and Santa Maria Beach.

London is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or London Better for Hiking?

Paros is very good for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Paros. The island has about 35 kilometers of hiking trails that pass by small cottages, stone farm homes, and around the beautiful landscapes. You'll find tucked away windmills and watermills as well as breathtaking views and hidden coves.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or London?

London is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, London draws large crowds to its stores. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Paros. You'll find some of the best shopping in Kastro, which is the old quarter of Parikia. There are shops selling clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and other unique souvenirs. Many shops stay open late into the night, so you'll have plenty of time to browse.

Is Paros or London Better for Christmas?

London is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Paros does not offer Christmas activities.

London offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Paros does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paros or London Better for Christmas Markets?

London is terrific for visiting Christmas markets. However, Paros does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in London are not to be missed. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Paros does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Paros or London Better for Families?

London is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, London is very family-friendly. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

Paros is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will appreciate the beautiful beaches, great swimming opportunities, abundance of water sport activities, and child-friendly food options. There's also a folklore museum and several great archeological museums.

Is Paros or London Better for Couples?

Paros and London both first-rate destinations for a couple.

Paros is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The island makes a perfect honeymoon destination with its stunning beaches and picturesque villages. There are also many great local hotels and wonderful dining opportunities. If you're looking for an idyllic setting, then this is it.

London makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

Is Paros or London Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, London is extremely popular for backpackers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Paros is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find some nice hostels and apartments on the island. There's also a decent nightlife scene and the island is more affordable than many Greek islands.

Is Paros or London Better for Students?

London is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Paros is not popular with students.

London is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Paros is not popular with students.

Is Paros or London Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

London is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Paros. There's a reliable bus system on the island that has some routes making a loop around the outside of the island and routes traveling inland to the smaller villages.

Is Paros or London a more walkable city?

London is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in London. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

Paros is a somewhat walkable island. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but it's a large island that requires some form of transportation to explore it in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Paros Worth Visiting? and Is London Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in London or Paros?

How long in Paros or London?

Both Paros and London have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in London than in Paros. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paros, and 3-7 days is enough time in London.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Paros 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 London.

One day in Paros or London?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Paros. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Paros or London?

Paros is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. 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 Paros or London?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paros. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

London is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Paros or London?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Paros. This island 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.

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece, 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 Paros and London, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Paros much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Paros would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paros 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London than you might in Paros.

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

Which is Bigger, Paros or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 1400 times larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros and London, 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.