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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Utrecht?

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 Utrecht 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Utrecht

With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Utrecht: Pros and Cons

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

Both Utrecht and Newcastle upon Tyne have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Newcastle upon Tyne is better known for its museums and food, while Utrecht is more popular for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Utrecht is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne and is popular for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Utrecht?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Utrecht Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newcastle upon Tyne and Utrecht.

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.

Utrecht is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

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

Utrecht is an amazing 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.

Utrecht offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

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 the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Utrecht?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Utrecht.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Utrecht is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Utrecht Better for Families?

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

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 Utrecht. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Utrecht Better for Couples?

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

Utrecht makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

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 Utrecht Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

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 Utrecht Better for Students?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Utrecht are great destinations for 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.

Utrecht is a great port city to visit as a student. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Utrecht.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Utrecht. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Utrecht a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Utrecht are world-class 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 Utrecht on foot is easy. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

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

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

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Utrecht?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Utrecht 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 Utrecht.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Utrecht?

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 Utrecht, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Utrecht?

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 Utrecht for a weekend. 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 Utrecht, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Utrecht?

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 beautiful destination of Utrecht offers shopping and museums. 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 Utrecht?

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 Utrecht. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.

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

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 Utrecht Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Utrecht?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne and Utrecht, 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 Utrecht?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Utrecht in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Utrecht. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Utrecht. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Utrecht averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Utrecht. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Utrecht. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Utrecht and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

In October, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally around the same temperature as Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 10°C (49°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Utrecht during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Utrecht. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Utrecht and Newcastle upon Tyne during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Utrecht. It's quite cold in Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter. Newcastle upon Tyne is much warmer than Utrecht in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Utrecht fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 38 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 January than Utrecht. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Utrecht. Also, many visitors come to Utrecht in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Utrecht. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Utrecht averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Utrecht during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Utrecht. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Newcastle upon Tyne