A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newcastle upon Tyne vs. Carcassonne for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Carcassonne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a historical, vibrant, and high energy port city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newcastle upon Tyne is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Carcassonne is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Carcassonne is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne and is known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for The Tyne Bridge.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Carcassonne and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Many visitors head to Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Carcassonne can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Newcastle upon Tyne and Carcassonne can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Carcassonne makes for a great culinary experience. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular place for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly port city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Carcassonne are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good port city for couples to visit. 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.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

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

Carcassonne is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne Better for Students?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne is not popular with students.

Many students visit Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Newcastle upon Tyne is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Carcassonne are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle upon Tyne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

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

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

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural port city of Newcastle upon Tyne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Carcassonne, many people enjoy the food and museums that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the livable destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne?

The livable port city of Newcastle upon Tyne offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The destination of Carcassonne offers food and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newcastle upon Tyne. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. This town 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne and Carcassonne, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Newcastle upon Tyne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 10°C (49°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in October than Carcassonne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Carcassonne. The winter months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

The weather in Newcastle upon Tyne can be very cold. Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

Newcastle upon Tyne gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Carcassonne. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in April than Carcassonne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Newcastle upon Tyne