A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Oxford for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit York or Oxford?

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

Should I visit York or Oxford? 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. Other reasons to visit include food, 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Oxford: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Oxford?

Tourists will generally find more to do in York. Although York and Oxford are both popular with visitors, York has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. York is more popular for its food and historical sights, while Oxford is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is York different from Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Oxford have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Oxford specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 York or Oxford? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York 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, York is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Oxford Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Oxford are very good when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Oxford Better for its Old Town?

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

York has a world-famous historical area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Oxford?

Both York and Oxford are good shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is York or Oxford Better for Families?

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

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Oxford Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Oxford make for a very good place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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.

Is York or Oxford Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

York is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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 York or Oxford Better for Students?

Oxford is a world-class destination for students. However, York is not popular with 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Both York and Oxford offer good public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Oxford a more walkable city?

Oxford is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of 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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Oxford or York?

How long in York or Oxford?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Oxford. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Oxford. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-3 days is enough time in Oxford.

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

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

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

One day in York or Oxford?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of York. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Oxford?

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Oxford is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Oxford?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This college town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Oxford?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of York. 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.

Because Oxford is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Oxford?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Oxford in the Summer?

Both Oxford and York during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to York for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

York is around the same temperature as Oxford in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Oxford fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the summer, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oxford. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in July than Oxford. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Oxford in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Oxford. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, York is around the same temperature as Oxford. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Oxford averages at about 11°C (52°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oxford during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Oxford. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Oxford in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to York as well as Oxford. Most visitors come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Oxford can be very cold. York can be very cold during winter. In January, York is generally around the same temperature as Oxford. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Oxford. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 52 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Oxford. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Oxford in the Spring?

Both Oxford and York are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

York is around the same temperature as Oxford in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Oxford fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oxford during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oxford. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oxford and York