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

Should you visit Valencia or Oxford?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Oxford, 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.

Valencia

Valencia is a friendly, coastal, and cultural coastal city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Valencia and Oxford: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Oxford?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valencia than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Valencia is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford attracts visitors for its small town charm. Valencia is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also well known for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Valencia different from Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Valencia and Oxford.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Valencia can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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.

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

Valencia is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valencia is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia or Oxford Better for Nightlife?

Valencia is very popular for nightlife. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Valencia is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Oxford is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Valencia or Oxford Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Oxford is not a resort destination.

Valencia has a handful of resorts to choose from. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Oxford is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Oxford Better for Beaches?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

Valencia has a beach worth visiting. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Valencia or Oxford Better for its Old Town?

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

Valencia has a world-famous historical area. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is Valencia or Oxford Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Valencia has hiking trails worth exploring. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Oxford?

Valencia 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 Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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 Valencia or Oxford Better for Families?

Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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 Valencia or Oxford Better for Couples?

Valencia and Oxford are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Oxford is a great coastal city if you're traveling as 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.

Is Valencia or Oxford Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Valencia is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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 Valencia or Oxford Better for Students?

Valencia and Oxford are amazing places to visit for students.

Valencia is a great destination for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Oxford is a very popular coastal city for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Valencia and Oxford.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

While Oxford offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Valencia or Oxford a more walkable city?

Valencia and Oxford both are superb when exploring on foot.

Valencia is a very walkable coastal city. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

Oxford is a very walkable destination. 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 Valencia Worth Visiting? and Is Oxford Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oxford or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Oxford?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Valencia and Oxford. In our opinion, Valencia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Valencia than Oxford. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 1-3 days is enough time in Oxford.

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

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

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

One day in Valencia or Oxford?

Valencia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Valencia or Oxford?

Valencia 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 is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this college town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oxford, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valencia or Oxford?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valencia. 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.

Oxford is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Valencia or Oxford?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly big city of Valencia. This coastal 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.

Oxford is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This college town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, 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 Valencia and Oxford, we can see that Oxford is more expensive. And not only is Valencia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valencia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valencia 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 Valencia.

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Oxford?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia 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 Valencia or Oxford in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Oxford. The summer months attract visitors to Valencia because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

In July, Valencia is generally a little warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 25°C (76°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the summer, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in July than Oxford. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Oxford in the Autumn?

Both Oxford and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Valencia is much warmer than Oxford in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Oxford fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during autumn. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valencia usually receives more rain than Oxford. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valencia or Oxford in the Winter?

Both Oxford and Valencia during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Valencia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Oxford in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oxford can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Valencia is much warmer than Oxford. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valencia in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Oxford averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 52 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in January than Oxford. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Oxford in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Oxford. Many visitors come to Valencia in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Valencia is generally much warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 15°C (60°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during spring. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valencia usually receives less rain than Oxford. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oxford and Valencia