A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ios vs. Newcastle upon Tyne for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne?

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

Should I visit Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ios

Ios is a historical, party-oriented, and vibrant island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant, high energy, and livable port city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ios and Newcastle upon Tyne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Newcastle upon Tyne are both popular with visitors, Ios has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ios is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Newcastle upon Tyne is known for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Ios is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne and is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also home to Skarkos Archeological Site. Newcastle upon Tyne is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene.

How is Ios different from Newcastle upon Tyne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Newcastle upon Tyne is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ios. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

Is the Food Better in Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ios and Newcastle upon Tyne offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ios. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

Is Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Nightlife?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Ios has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Is Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Resorts?

Ios is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Newcastle upon Tyne is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ios. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newcastle upon Tyne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Beaches?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Newcastle upon Tyne is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Ios is a very popular vacation destination. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne is notable for its old town. However, Ios does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Hiking?

Ios is very good for its hiking trails. However, Newcastle upon Tyne is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Ios. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Newcastle upon Tyne is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Ios has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Is Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Families?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Is Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Couples?

Ios is a very popular place for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Ios makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Ios, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

It's common for backpackers to visit Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

Is Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Students?

Newcastle upon Tyne is notable for students. However, Ios is not popular with students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Ios is not popular with students.

Is Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Ios and Newcastle upon Tyne offer great public transit options.

Ios has some very good public transit options. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

The public transit in Newcastle upon Tyne can get you to most places easily. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

Is Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Newcastle upon Tyne on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

Ios is a somewhat walkable island. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

For even more information, also check out Is Ios Worth Visiting? and Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne or Ios?

How long in Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ios and Newcastle upon Tyne. In our opinion, Ios has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ios than Newcastle upon Tyne. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ios, and 2-3 days is enough time in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Families should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Ios. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Newcastle upon Tyne, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Ios than Newcastle upon Tyne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ios that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ios than Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Ios.

One day in Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne?

In Ios, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With nightlife and food around the livable destination of Newcastle upon Tyne, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Many people visit Ios for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ios, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Newcastle upon Tyne for a weekend. With food and shopping around the livable port city of Newcastle upon Tyne, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne?

The beautiful destination of Ios offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The destination of Newcastle upon Tyne offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Ios. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Newcastle upon Tyne, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Newcastle upon Tyne, 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.