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

Should you visit London or Paris?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between London and Paris can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a historic, diverse, and iconic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. London is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See London travel costs.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come to Paris because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Paris travel costs.

London and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Paris?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Paris. London is bigger than Paris, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its christmas markets, while Paris is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. London is well known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Paris is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets.

Big Ben

How is London different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Paris and London.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, London has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

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.

Is London or Paris Better for Theater?

There are world-class theater venues available in both London and Paris.

The theater scene in London is world-class. 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.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

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

Paris 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.

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.

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 London or Paris Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find world-class options in both London and Paris.

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.

Paris is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Is London or Paris Better for Music?

London and Paris are both destinations where visitors can find world-class live music.

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Paris?

If you're looking to go shopping, London and Paris both offer plenty of world-class spots.

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. 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.

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.

Is London or Paris Better for Christmas?

With various activities, both London and Paris are world-class places to visit during Christmas.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in London. 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.

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.

Is London or Paris Better for Christmas Markets?

London is terrific for visiting Christmas markets. However, Paris 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.

Paris does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Paris More Beautiful?

Paris is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, London is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Paris because of it's amazing beauty. It is famous for it's beautiful buildings, grand avenues, and impressive gardens. Many consider it among the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world.

London is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city has quaint neighborhoods and stunning architectural landmarks that are not to be missed.

Is London or Paris Better for Families?

You'll find world-class kid-friendly activities in either London or Paris.

London is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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 London or Paris Better for Couples?

Both London and Paris are world-class destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, London has plenty to offer. 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.

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Is London or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both London and Paris are world-class places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

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.

Is London or Paris Better for Students?

For students, both London and Paris are world-class places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit London. 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.

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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

London and Paris both offer world-class public transit to get you around.

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.

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.

Is London or Paris a more walkable city?

London is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or London?

How long in London or Paris?

Both London and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in London or Paris?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Paris. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or Paris?

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.

Paris 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.

Five days in London or Paris?

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.

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

A week in London or Paris?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the iconic big city of Paris. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between London and Paris, we can see that Paris 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Paris?

London has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Paris. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London or Paris?

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 London or Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and London are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, London is cooler than Paris. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Paris averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Paris. London usually receives less sunshine than Paris during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives less rain than Paris. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris and London during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to London because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In October, London is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than Paris. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

London usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Paris. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Paris in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Paris. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to London this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. It's quite cold in London in the winter. London is around the same temperature as Paris in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Paris during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Paris in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to London as well as Paris. Many travelers come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, London is cooler than Paris. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Paris averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Paris. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in April than Paris. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and London