London vs New York: Which City is Better to Visit?
The verdict
New York wins overall (8.6 vs 8.4 out of 10), taking 2 of 5 categories.
While both cities offer world-class experiences, New York slightly edges out London due to its unparalleled food scene, vibrant nightlife, and iconic status. However, the best choice depends on individual preferences, with London offering more historical depth and easier navigation.
To maintain the same standard of living, New York requires significantly more spending than London. London offers milder, more comfortable summers and moderate winters compared to New York’s hot, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters.
Best for budget travelers who love warm weather and rich culture — London wins across the board.
Overall scores are editorial ratings out of 10; category winners come from the per-category scores below. The overall pick is the higher overall score.
Overall scores
Category by category
| Category | London | New York | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural AttractionsComparison of museums, historical sites, and cultural experiences | 9 | 9 | Even |
| CuisineAnalysis of food scenes, local specialties, and dining experiences | 8 | 9 | New York |
| TransportationEvaluation of public transit systems, walkability, and ease of getting around | 9 | 8 | London |
| AccommodationOverview of hotel options, neighborhoods, and accommodation costs | 8 | 8 | Even |
| NightlifeComparison of evening entertainment, bars, and nightlife scenes | 8 | 9 | New York |
Cultural Attractions: the details
London
- British Museum – home to the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies
- Tate Modern – housed in the former Bankside Power Station
- National Gallery – featuring works by Van Gogh, da Vinci, and Turner
New York
- Metropolitan Museum of Art – spanning 5,000 years of human creativity
- MoMA – showcasing works by Warhol, Pollock, and van Gogh
- American Museum of Natural History – featuring the Tyrannosaurus rex
Cuisine: the details
London
- Borough Market – historic food market dating back to the 12th century
- Fish and chips at Golden Union Fish Bar in Soho
- Afternoon tea at The Ritz or Fortnum & Mason
New York
- Pizza slices from Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village
- Pastrami on rye at Katz's Delicatessen on the Lower East Side
- Diverse cuisine in Queens, from Greek in Astoria to Indian in Jackson Heights
Transportation: the details
London
- Extensive Underground (Tube) network with 270 stations
- Iconic red double-decker buses
- River bus services on the Thames
New York
- 24/7 subway system with 472 stations
- Yellow taxi cabs and ride-sharing services
- Staten Island Ferry offering views of the Statue of Liberty
Accommodation: the details
London
- Luxury hotels in Mayfair like The Ritz and Claridge's
- Boutique options in Covent Garden
- Budget-friendly hostels in King's Cross
New York
- Iconic hotels like The Plaza and Waldorf Astoria
- Trendy boutique hotels in SoHo and the Lower East Side
- Budget options in Long Island City, Queens
Nightlife: the details
London
- West End theatre district featuring shows like 'The Lion King'
- Trendy bars and clubs in Shoreditch and Dalston
- Traditional pubs like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, rebuilt in 1667
New York
- Broadway theatre district with shows like 'Hamilton'
- Rooftop bars with skyline views, such as 230 Fifth
- Live music venues like Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village
Who should pick which
London vs New York: Which Should You Visit?
Both London and New York are popular travel destinations, but they offer very different experiences. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer trip, understanding how they compare on weather, cost, things to do, and cultural depth helps you pick the right one for your travel style and budget.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
London offers milder, more comfortable summers and moderate winters compared to New York’s hot, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters.
London: Best months are June, July, August. highs ~70–73 °F, lows ~59 °F.
New York: Best months are Mid-June, July, August, September. 28 °F to 85 °F annually.
London: Best months are June, July, August. highs ~70–73 °F, lows ~59 °F.
New York: Best months are Mid-June, July, August, September. 28 °F to 85 °F annually.
Weather winner: London
Cost of Travel and Daily Budget
To maintain the same standard of living, New York requires significantly more spending than London.
higher housing cost to match equivalent London lifestyle
higher housing cost to match equivalent London lifestyle
NYC requires ~£8,501 vs ~£6,700 for same lifestyle (~27% more)
Sources: {‘name’: ‘Numbeo cost of living comparison London vs New York’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?city1=London&city2=New+York%2C+NY&country1=United+Kingdom&country2=United+States’}
Budget winner: London
Things to Do and Activities
New York’s recurring events like Governors Ball and the Marathon edge out London’s offerings in scale and diversity.
Activities winner: New York
Culture, Heritage, and Local Life
London’s heritage architecture, centuries-old institutions and royal ceremonies offer deeper historical resonance, while New York emphasizes contemporary powerhouses of modern art, skyscraper-era museums, and cultural dynamism.
Culture winner: London
The Bottom Line: London or New York?
London takes the edge in 3 out of 4 categories. However, both destinations have distinct strengths, and the best choice depends on your priorities.
Consider visiting London if you prioritize better weather. Choose New York if outdoor activities matters more to you.
Travel tips
- Purchase an Oyster card for London's public transport or a MetroCard for New York's subway to save on fares.
- Book tickets for popular attractions like the London Eye or Empire State Building in advance to avoid long queues.
- Consider city passes like the London Pass or New York CityPASS for savings on multiple attractions.
- Be prepared for different weather patterns: London tends to be cooler and rainier, while New York experiences more extreme seasons.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is more expensive, London or New York?
Both cities are among the most expensive in the world, but New York tends to be slightly more costly, especially for accommodations and dining out. However, costs can vary depending on factors like exchange rates and specific neighborhoods.
When is the best time to visit London and New York?
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are ideal for both cities, offering mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak tourist season, while winter can be magical with holiday decorations but colder, especially in New York.
Is it easy to get around London and New York without a car?
Yes, both cities have extensive public transportation systems and are very walkable in many areas. London's Underground and New York's subway make it easy to navigate without a car, and both cities have reliable bus networks and taxi services.
The two side by side
London
United Kingdom
A historic yet modern capital blending centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge innovation
- Big Ben
- Tower of London
- Buckingham Palace
- British Museum
- January: 40
- February: 45
- March: 60
- April: 75
- May: 85
- June: 95
- July: 100
- August: 98
- September: 90
- October: 80
- November: 55
- December: 70
New York
United States
The Big Apple, a dynamic metropolis known for its skyline, diversity, and cultural influence
- Statue of Liberty
- Times Square
- Central Park
- Broadway shows
- January: 45
- February: 50
- March: 65
- April: 75
- May: 85
- June: 95
- July: 100
- August: 98
- September: 90
- October: 80
- November: 70
- December: 95
Worth booking ahead in London and New York
Hand-picked from the operators our guides already send readers to. Prices and availability are live on the partner site.
Day tripViator
Stonehenge morning half-day tour with admission (opens Viator in a new tab)
Coach from London with admission included and back by early afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free.
Timed ticketGetYourGuide
Tower of London and Crown Jewels admission (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)
Admission plus the Crown Jewels; go at opening to reach the Jewels before the queue forms.
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