Should I Visit London or New York City? Which is Better for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive? | Budget Your Trip (2024)

Should you visit London or New York City?

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 New York City can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

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

New York City

New York City is a energetic, cosmopolitan, and one-of-a-kind city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

London and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or New York City?

Both New York City and London have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. London is better known for its christmas markets and impressive beauty, while New York City is more popular for its food. London is well known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. New York City is well known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy.

How is London different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both New York City 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 New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Is London or New York City Better for Theater?

There are first-rate theater venues available in both London and New York City.

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 New York City. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Is the Food Better in London or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City 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.

New York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find first-rate options in both London and New York City.

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.

New York City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's co*cktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Is London or New York City Better for Music?

London and New York City are both destinations where visitors can find first-rate live music.

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

New York City is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Is the Shopping Better in London or New York City?

If you're looking to go shopping, London and New York City both offer plenty of first-rate 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.

New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Is London or New York City Better for Christmas?

With various activities, both London and New York City are first-rate 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.

New York City is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Is London or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

London is a must-visit destination for visiting Christmas markets. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its Christmas markets.

The active Christmas markets during the holiday season make London very popular during this season. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

New York City has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Is London or New York City Better for Families?

London is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City 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.

New York City is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is London or New York City Better for Couples?

Both London and New York City are first-rate 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.

New York City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Is London or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent London. 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.

New York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Is London or New York City Better for Students?

For students, both London and New York City are first-rate 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.

New York City is a great destination for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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

London and New York City both offer first-rate 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.

New York City has a great public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Is London or New York City a more walkable city?

London and New York City are first-rate when it comes to 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.

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

For even more information, also check out Is London Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or London?

How long in London or New York City?

Both London and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, London has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in London than New York City. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in London than New York City. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than New York City 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 London or New York City?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 New York City. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

New York City 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 New York City?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. 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 New York City?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of New York City. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between London and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is London much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since London is in Europe and New York City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to London would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in London 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in London.

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

Which is Bigger, London or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of London. When comparing the sizes of London and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both London and New York City. Many visitors come to London in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, London is cooler than New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, London usually receives less rain than New York City. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to London as well as New York City. Most visitors come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to New York City because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, London is generally cooler than New York City. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

London usually gets less rain in October than New York City. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and London are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to London because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. The weather in London can be very cold. London is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, London usually receives less rain than New York City. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and London during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to London this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

London usually gets less rain in April than New York City. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and London