A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Nottingham vs. Cambridge for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nottingham or Cambridge?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nottingham and Cambridge can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a livable, cultural, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a collegiate, scholarly, and charming university town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nottingham and Cambridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nottingham or Cambridge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nottingham than Cambridge, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nottingham is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Cambridge is known for its museums, food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cambridge is more touristy than Nottingham and is popular for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. Nottingham is popular for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also home to Old Market Square.

How is Nottingham different from Cambridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nottingham or Cambridge?

Cambridge is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cambridge. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

Is the Food Better in Nottingham or Cambridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cambridge is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cambridge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Nottingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Is Nottingham or Cambridge Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Nottingham and Cambridge.

Nottingham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

If you're looking for night time activities Cambridge has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is Nottingham or Cambridge Better for Music?

Nottingham is a good destination for live music. However, Cambridge is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Nottingham. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Cambridge is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Cambridge?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cambridge and Nottingham.

Nottingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

Cambridge is well-known for its shopping. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Is Nottingham or Cambridge Better for Families?

Both Nottingham and Cambridge are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nottingham. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

Cambridge offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Nottingham or Cambridge Better for Couples?

Cambridge is well known for romance. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Cambridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Nottingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Is Nottingham or Cambridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cambridge is a university town with good options for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Cambridge is a good university town to visit for backpackers. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Nottingham or Cambridge Better for Students?

Cambridge is very popular for students. However, Nottingham is not popular with students.

Cambridge is a very popular university town for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Nottingham is not popular with students.

Is Nottingham or Cambridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nottingham is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nottingham. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

You'll find some public transit in Cambridge, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Is Nottingham or Cambridge a more walkable city?

Cambridge is very popular for its walkability. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Cambridge on foot is easy. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Nottingham is a very walkable city. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Nottingham Worth Visiting? and Is Cambridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cambridge or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Cambridge?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nottingham or Cambridge to fill your time. In our opinion, Cambridge has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cambridge than Nottingham. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cambridge than Nottingham 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 Cambridge.

One day in Nottingham or Cambridge?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Nottingham. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nottingham has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and nightlife around the historic university town of Cambridge, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cambridge, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Nottingham or Cambridge?

You'll find live music and food around the cultural destination of Nottingham. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cambridge, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this university town.

Five days in Nottingham or Cambridge?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Nottingham. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cambridge, a popular university town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Nottingham or Cambridge?

Nottingham is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cambridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Nottingham and Cambridge, we can see that Cambridge is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Cambridge?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Cambridge. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham and Cambridge, 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.