A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Playa del Carmen for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit London or Playa del Carmen?

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 Playa del Carmen can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a historic, diverse, and iconic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, London attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See London travel costs.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

London and Playa del Carmen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Playa del Carmen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in London than Playa del Carmen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. London is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Playa del Carmen attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. London is famous for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben. Playa del Carmen is famous for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches.

Big Ben

How is London different from Playa del Carmen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen?

London is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put London on the map. 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.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is London or Playa del Carmen Better for Theater?

London is an amazing city to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in London draw crowds from around the world. 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.

Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in London or Playa del Carmen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

London is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in London is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is London or Playa del Carmen Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Playa del Carmen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

Is London or Playa del Carmen Better for Music?

London is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

In London you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is London or Playa del Carmen Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, London is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Playa del Carmen is a perfect choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

London is not a resort destination.

Is London or Playa del Carmen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is not to be missed. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is London or Playa del Carmen Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Playa del Carmen is a very popular vacation destination. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

London is not a beach destination.

Is London or Playa del Carmen Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is very good for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Playa del Carmen?

London is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

London is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Playa del Carmen. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Is London or Playa del Carmen More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of great scenery and beauty in both London and Playa del Carmen.

With stunning beauty, London attracts visitors from all around. The city has quaint neighborhoods and stunning architectural landmarks that are not to be missed.

Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Is London or Playa del Carmen Better for Families?

You'll find world-class kid-friendly activities in either London or Playa del Carmen.

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.

Playa del Carmen is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Is London or Playa del Carmen Better for Couples?

Both London and Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Is London or Playa del Carmen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

London is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is London or Playa del Carmen Better for Students?

London is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

London is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in London is top-notch. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Is London or Playa del Carmen a more walkable city?

London and Playa del Carmen are world-class 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 Playa del Carmen on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

For even more information, also check out Is London Worth Visiting? and Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Playa del Carmen or London?

How long in London or Playa del Carmen?

Both London and Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in London than Playa del Carmen. 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 Playa del Carmen. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen?

People visit London because there is so much to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or Playa del Carmen?

People visit London because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen?

London is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. 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 Playa del Carmen. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Playa del Carmen?

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Playa del Carmen. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between London and Playa del Carmen, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since London is in Europe and Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London than you might in Playa del Carmen.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Playa del Carmen?

London has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of London and Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?

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 London or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to London as well as Playa del Carmen. Most visitors come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

London is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the summer. The daily temperature in London averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, London often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. London usually gets less rain in July than Playa del Carmen. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?

Both Playa del Carmen and London are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.

In the autumn, London is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in London in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. London usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In October, London usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmen. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit London or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?

Both Playa del Carmen and London during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to London this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in London in the winter. In January, London is generally much colder than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in London average around 4°C (40°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, London often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun.

London usually gets more rain in January than Playa del Carmen. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Playa del Carmen. Many travelers come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

London is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the spring. The daily temperature in London averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. London usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and London