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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans?

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 Le Mans can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a high energy, livable, and cultural port city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans?

You'll generally find more things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne than Le Mans. Newcastle upon Tyne is bigger than Le Mans, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Newcastle upon Tyne is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Le Mans is more popular for its small town charm. Newcastle upon Tyne is more touristy than Le Mans and is known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for The Tyne Bridge. Le Mans is well known for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

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 Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for its historic old town. However, Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans?

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for shopping. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans Better for Families?

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

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 Le Mans. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is a nice destination for couples. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne and Le Mans are both notable 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 Le Mans. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans Better for Students?

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans is not popular with students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular with students. 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.

Le Mans is not popular with students.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans 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, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

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.

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans?

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

Families should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Le Mans. 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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans 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 Le Mans?

In Newcastle upon Tyne, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Le Mans, many people enjoy the nightlife 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 Le Mans?

In Newcastle upon Tyne, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Newcastle upon Tyne has to offer.

Many people visit Le Mans 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 Le Mans, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The destination of Le Mans offers nightlife 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 Le Mans?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newcastle upon Tyne. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Le Mans. 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 Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.

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

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 Le Mans Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Le Mans. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne and Le Mans, 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 Le Mans?

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 Le Mans in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Le Mans. The summer months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Le Mans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Le Mans averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Le Mans this time of the year. Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during summer. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Le Mans. The shopping scene are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 10°C (49°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 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 Le Mans. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans in the Winter?

Both Le Mans and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Le Mans can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Le Mans in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Le Mans fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 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 Le Mans. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Le Mans in the Spring?

Both Le Mans and Newcastle upon Tyne during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Le Mans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Le Mans averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in April than Le Mans. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Newcastle upon Tyne