A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Tulum for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit London or Tulum?

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 Tulum can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a global, international, and historic 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. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See London travel costs.

Tulum

Tulum is a lively, ancient, and archeological town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Tulum travel costs.

London and Tulum: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Tulum?

Visitors will usually find more to do in London than Tulum, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. London is better known for its theatre productions, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Tulum is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. 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. Tulum is well known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes.

Big Ben

How is London different from Tulum?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Tulum 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 Tulum that are not to be missed. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Is London or Tulum Better for Theater?

London is terrific for theatre. However, Tulum is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in London that are not to be missed. 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.

Tulum is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Tulum.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Is London or Tulum Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find amazing options in both London and Tulum.

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.

Tulum is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Is London or Tulum Better for Music?

London is terrific for live music. However, Tulum is not a live music destination.

London is a world class music destination. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Tulum is not a live music destination.

Is London or Tulum Better for Resorts?

Tulum is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, London is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Tulum is a perfect choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

London is not a resort destination.

Is London or Tulum Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum is not to be missed. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is London or Tulum Better for Beaches?

Tulum is terrific for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Tulum is a very popular vacation destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

London is not a beach destination.

Is London or Tulum Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a great town for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Tulum for the hiking trails. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Tulum?

London is terrific for shopping. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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

Tulum is well-known for its shopping. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Is London or Tulum More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both London and Tulum.

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

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Is London or Tulum Better for Families?

London is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

London is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Is London or Tulum Better for Couples?

Both London and Tulum are amazing 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.

Tulum has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Is London or Tulum Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is terrific for backpackers. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

London is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Is London or Tulum Better for Students?

London is terrific for students. However, Tulum is not popular with students.

London is a very popular city for students. 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.

Tulum is not popular with students.

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

London is terrific for its public transit. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Is London or Tulum a more walkable city?

London is terrific for its walkability. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Tulum is a very walkable city. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Tulum or London?

How long in London or Tulum?

In either London or Tulum, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in London than Tulum because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 3-5 days is enough time in Tulum.

Families should spend more time in London than Tulum. 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 Tulum. 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 Tulum 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 Tulum?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Tulum. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or Tulum?

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.

Tulum 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 Tulum?

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 Tulum. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Tulum?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the ancient destination of Tulum. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.

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

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

Which is Bigger, London or Tulum?

London has a larger population, and is about 880 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of London and Tulum, 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 Tulum?

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 Tulum in the Summer?

Both Tulum and London during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Tulum in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, London is much colder than Tulum. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Tulum averages at about 28°C (83°F).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, London often gets less sunshine than Tulum. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun.

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. London usually gets less rain in July than Tulum. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Tulum in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Tulum. Many visitors come to London in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, London is generally much colder than Tulum. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. London usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, London usually receives less rain than Tulum. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Should I visit London or Tulum in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to London as well as Tulum. Most visitors come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Tulum because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

London can be very cold during winter. London is much colder than Tulum in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Tulum fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. In the winter, London often gets less sunshine than Tulum. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun.

London usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Tulum. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Tulum in the Spring?

Both Tulum and London are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to London because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.

In the spring, London is much colder than Tulum. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Tulum averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. London usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives more rain than Tulum. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Tulum and London