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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant, high energy, and livable port city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a quaint, charming, and peaceful coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Newcastle upon Tyne and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in La Rochelle than Newcastle upon Tyne. While Newcastle upon Tyne is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. La Rochelle is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Newcastle upon Tyne is known for its nightlife and shopping. Newcastle upon Tyne is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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

La Rochelle is an amazing coastal town to visit for its restaurants. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

La Rochelle has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Newcastle upon Tyne makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Newcastle upon Tyne for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is very good for the beach. However, Newcastle upon Tyne is not a beach destination.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a beach destination.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is an amazing coastal town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

La Rochelle offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle?

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Newcastle upon Tyne is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is an amazing coastal town to visit for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne and La Rochelle are both good destinations for backpackers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

It's common for backpackers to visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for 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.

La Rochelle is a good port city to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

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

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its ease of walking around.

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

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle upon Tyne, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne than La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy 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.

La Rochelle is a small town with plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Lots of people come for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the high energy 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 La Rochelle for a weekend. Lots of people come for the food. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Rochelle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle?

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.

Because La Rochelle is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle?

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.

Since La Rochelle is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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 La Rochelle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and La Rochelle. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 15°C (59°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Rochelle this time of the year. Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as La Rochelle. The autumn months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than La Rochelle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in October than La Rochelle. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle in the Winter?

Both La Rochelle and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter. In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than La Rochelle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in January average around 3°C (38°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In January, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and Newcastle upon Tyne during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much colder than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 7°C (45°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in April than La Rochelle. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Newcastle upon Tyne