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

Should you visit York or Paris?

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

Should I visit York or Paris? 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris

Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

York and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Paris?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris than York, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Paris is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while York is known for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than York and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. York is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

The Eiffel Tower

How is York different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Paris 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 Paris?

Paris is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Paris that are not to be missed. 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.

Many visitors head to York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Is York or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is a world-class destination for theatre. However, York is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

York is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both York and Paris both to be first-rate destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Is York or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Paris just to party. 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.

York has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is York or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is a world-class destination for live music. However, York is not a live music destination.

Paris is a world class music destination. 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.

York is not a live music destination.

Is York or Paris Better for its Old Town?

York is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

York has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Paris?

Paris is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Paris is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. 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.

Is York or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, York does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris is a world class destination during the Christmas season. 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.

York does not offer Christmas activities.

Is York or Paris Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either York or Paris.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Paris is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Is York or Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is a world-class destination for romance. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is York or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paris is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers visit York. 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.

Is York or Paris Better for Students?

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

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

York is not popular with students.

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

Paris is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Paris can get you around easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is York or Paris a more walkable city?

Paris 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.

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

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 Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or York?

How long in York or Paris?

Both York and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in York. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than York 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 York or Paris?

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fanciful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

Paris is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Paris is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Paris?

York is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of York. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Paris is a iconic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the fanciful destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris is a energetic city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Paris, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, York or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Paris. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

York is cooler than Paris in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Paris. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Paris. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, York is cooler than Paris. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Paris averages at about 13°C (56°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Paris during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Paris. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Paris can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in York. In January, York is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Paris. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Paris in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Paris. Furthermore, most visitors come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

York is cooler than Paris in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Paris during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and York