A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Southampton vs. Aberdeen for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Southampton or Aberdeen?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Aberdeen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Southampton

Southampton is a up-and-coming, waterfront, and dynamic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a authentic, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Southampton and Aberdeen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Aberdeen?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Aberdeen than Southampton. While Southampton is larger than Aberdeen, Aberdeen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aberdeen is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Southampton attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Aberdeen is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also well known for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Aberdeen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Southampton or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Southampton or Aberdeen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Aberdeen can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Southampton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Aberdeen area. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Southampton or Aberdeen Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Southampton and Aberdeen.

If you're looking for night time activities Southampton has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is Southampton or Aberdeen Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is a great city for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Aberdeen?

If you're looking to go shopping, Southampton and Aberdeen both offer plenty of nice spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Southampton. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Many visitors go to Aberdeen to go shopping. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Southampton or Aberdeen Better for Families?

Aberdeen is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Aberdeen is very family-friendly. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Southampton is a family-friendly place to visit. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Is Southampton or Aberdeen Better for Couples?

Southampton is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Southampton is a very popular place to visit for couples. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Southampton or Aberdeen Better for Students?

Aberdeen is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Southampton is not popular with students.

Is Southampton or Aberdeen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aberdeen is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

While Aberdeen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Aberdeen a more walkable city?

Aberdeen is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

Aberdeen is a very walkable city. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

For even more information, also check out Is Southampton Worth Visiting? and Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aberdeen or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Aberdeen?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aberdeen than Southampton 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 Aberdeen.

One day in Southampton or Aberdeen?

The port city of Southampton offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Aberdeen. 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.

A weekend in Southampton or Aberdeen?

Southampton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Southampton, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the architectural destination of Aberdeen. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This 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.

Five days in Southampton or Aberdeen?

Southampton is a popular choice for travelers. 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The architectural city of Aberdeen 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.

A week in Southampton or Aberdeen?

Southampton is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Aberdeen. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

When comparing the travel costs between Southampton and Aberdeen, we can see that Southampton 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 Southampton Expensive? and Is Aberdeen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Aberdeen?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Aberdeen, 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 Southampton or Aberdeen?

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 Southampton or Aberdeen in the Summer?

Both Aberdeen and Southampton during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Southampton because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year.

In July, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 18°C (64°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Aberdeen. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 157 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Aberdeen. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Aberdeen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Aberdeen. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Southampton is a little warmer than Aberdeen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Aberdeen during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 93 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Aberdeen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Aberdeen. Many travelers come to Southampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Aberdeen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Aberdeen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Southampton. In the winter, Southampton is a little warmer than Aberdeen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 52 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Aberdeen. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Aberdeen in the Spring?

Both Aberdeen and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Southampton in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 9°C (48°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aberdeen and Southampton