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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Although Newcastle upon Tyne and Saint-Etienne are about the same size, Newcastle upon Tyne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Newcastle upon Tyne is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Newcastle upon Tyne is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Tyne Bridge. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Saint-Etienne

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.


Is the Food Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Saint-Etienne

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a huge number of terrific 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Saint-Etienne

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Saint-Etienne

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.


Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Saint-Etienne

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Saint-Etienne

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Saint-Etienne

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

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 Saint-Etienne. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.


Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Saint-Etienne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Newcastle upon Tyne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Saint-Etienne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Saint-Etienne

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.


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

Newcastle upon Tyne
Saint-Etienne

Newcastle upon Tyne is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Saint-Etienne

Newcastle upon Tyne is an amazing port city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable port city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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.


  • How many days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Newcastle upon Tyne 2-3 
    Saint-Etienne 1-2

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the livable destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

The destination of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the port city of Newcastle upon Tyne. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. This city 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.


Which place is cheaper, Saint-Etienne or Newcastle upon Tyne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Newcastle upon Tyne is £130, while the average daily cost in Saint-Etienne is £92. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Newcastle upon Tyne and Saint-Etienne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Newcastle upon Tyne £51
    Saint-Etienne £39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Newcastle upon Tyne £102
    Saint-Etienne £78
Compare Hotels in Newcastle upon Tyne and Saint-Etienne

Looking for a hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Newcastle upon Tyne


Hotels in Saint-Etienne


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Newcastle upon Tyne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Newcastle upon Tyne £12
    Saint-Etienne £38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Newcastle upon Tyne

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Newcastle upon Tyne:


  • Parking
    £1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle upon Tyne

Also for Newcastle upon Tyne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Newcastle Airport to Newcastle Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Newcastle Airport to Lake District Ski Club - Round-Trip Transfer: $65
  • Private Newcastle Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $55
  • Newcastle Airport to Lake District Ski Resort Arrival Transfer: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne?

Prices for flights to both Saint-Etienne and Newcastle upon Tyne change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Newcastle upon Tyne £68
    Saint-Etienne £29
Typical Food Prices in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee (2)
    £4.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Ultimate Cheese & Wine Food Tour: $83
  • Newcastle Street Food Tour: $88
  • A Taste Of Newcastle Food Tour: $89
  • Northumbrian Coastline Food Tour: $191

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Newcastle upon Tyne £17
    Saint-Etienne £22

Tours and Activities in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1-Hour and a Half Walking Guided Tour in Medieval Newcastle: $25
  • 1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour: $23
  • 2 Hour Guided Tour of Hadrian's Wall: $38
  • 3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne: $38
  • Annual Admission Newcastle Castle Ticket: $16
  • Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle: $38
  • Guided Walks and Tours, Seahouses, Beadnell & Bamburgh: $29
  • Hadrian's Wall: A Self-Guided Audio Tour along the Ruins: $5.20
  • Hadrians Wall tour full day: $121
  • Half Day Hadrian’s Wall Guided Tour : $70
  • Half Day Tour of Newcastle: $183
  • Halloween Special: Newcastle's Dark Side Walking Tour: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Newcastle upon Tyne £9.43
    Saint-Etienne £8.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle upon Tyne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle upon Tyne:

  • Private Newcastle Pub Tour: $191
  • Newcastle Private Historic Pub Tour: $203


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

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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 15°C (59°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Newcastle upon Tyne 15°C (59°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 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 Saint-Etienne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Newcastle upon Tyne 10°C (49°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. The weather in Newcastle upon Tyne can be very cold. In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 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 Saint-Etienne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Newcastle upon Tyne 3°C (38°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Newcastle upon Tyne during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much colder than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 7°C (45°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Newcastle upon Tyne 7°C (45°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne Saint-Etienne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)