A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Southampton vs. Baden-Baden for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Southampton or Baden-Baden?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Baden-Baden? 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 waterfront, dynamic, and up-and-coming port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and peaceful spa town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Southampton and Baden-Baden: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Southampton or Baden-Baden?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Baden-Baden than Southampton. While Southampton is larger than Baden-Baden, Baden-Baden has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baden-Baden is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. Also, Baden-Baden is famous for The Thermal Baths. Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Baden-Baden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Southampton
Baden-Baden

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Southampton and Baden-Baden.

Southampton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Baden-Baden. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.


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

Southampton
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is an amazing spa town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Baden-Baden is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. 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.

Is Southampton or Baden-Baden Better for Nightlife?

Southampton
Baden-Baden

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Southampton and Baden-Baden.

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 Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

Is Southampton or Baden-Baden Better for Hiking?

Southampton
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a popular place for hiking. However, Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Baden-Baden is a good destination for hiking. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Southampton is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Baden-Baden?

Southampton
Baden-Baden

If you're looking to go shopping, Southampton and Baden-Baden both offer plenty of notable 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 Baden-Baden to go shopping. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Is Southampton or Baden-Baden Better for Families?

Southampton
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a great spa town 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, Baden-Baden is very family-friendly. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

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 Baden-Baden Better for Couples?

Southampton
Baden-Baden

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Baden-Baden make for a very good place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Baden-Baden is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.


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

Southampton
Baden-Baden

Southampton and Baden-Baden both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Southampton or Baden-Baden a more walkable city?

Southampton
Baden-Baden

Southampton and Baden-Baden are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Baden-Baden or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Baden-Baden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Southampton and Baden-Baden. In our opinion, Baden-Baden has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Baden-Baden than Southampton. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden.


  • How many days in Southampton or Baden-Baden? Ideal Length of Stay
    Southampton 1-3 
    Baden-Baden 1-3

One day in Southampton or Baden-Baden?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic port city of Southampton. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic spa town of Baden-Baden. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this spa town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Southampton or Baden-Baden?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the dynamic destination of Southampton. This port 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Baden-Baden. This spa town 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 Baden-Baden?

The waterfront port city of Southampton offers shopping and museums. 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.

The relaxing spa town of Baden-Baden offers shopping and museums. 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 Baden-Baden?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Southampton. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baden-Baden. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Baden-Baden or Southampton?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Southampton is £132, while the average daily cost in Baden-Baden is £132. 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 Southampton and Baden-Baden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Southampton £85
    Baden-Baden £75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Southampton £170
    Baden-Baden £150
Compare Hotels in Southampton and Baden-Baden

Looking for a hotel in Southampton or Baden-Baden? 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 Southampton


Hotels in Baden-Baden


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: Southampton Hotel Prices and Baden-Baden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Southampton £8.70
    Baden-Baden £28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Southampton

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Southampton:


  • Ferry to Isle of Wight
    £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Southampton

Also for Southampton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Southampton Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12
  • Southampton Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Portsmouth: $8.12
  • Southampton City to Southampton Cruise Terminals - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Southampton Cruise Terminals to Southampton city - Arrival Private Transfer : $35
  • Southampton Airport (SOU) to Southampton Cruise-Arrival Transfer: $35
  • Southampton to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Transfer: $35
  • Transfer from Southampton Port to Southampton Airport (SOU): $35
  • Private Southampton Departure Transfer -Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $49
  • Private Southampton Arrival Transfer - Airport to Cruise Port: $49
  • Private Transfer from Southampton airport to Southampon cruise terminal: $67
  • Private Transfer from Southampton Airport (SOU) to Porstmouth: $68
  • Private Transfer from Southampton Airport (SOU) to Bournemouth City: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Southampton or Baden-Baden?

Prices for flights to both Baden-Baden and Southampton 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
    Southampton £37
    Baden-Baden £35
Typical Food Prices in Southampton

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Southampton:


  • Breakfast
    £4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Southampton £19
    Baden-Baden £29

Tours and Activities in Southampton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Southampton.

  • Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour: $20
  • Private Southampton Walking Tour: $22
  • Isle of Wight Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • New Forest Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Winchester from Southampton Port: $112
  • Walk the Secrets of the Titanic: Private Tour: $114
  • Shuttle Service Southampton Cruise Terminals to Heathrow Airport and London: $153
  • Private cruise arrival from Southampton to London or airport: $159
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Windsor from Southampton Port: $160
  • London to Southampton and Portsmouth Cruise: $191
  • Oxford and Blenheim Palace Day Tour from Southampton: $191
  • Private Day Tour To Bath And The Cotswolds: $406

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Baden-Baden are as follows:

  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Southampton £21
    Baden-Baden £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Southampton

Also in Southampton, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Southampton Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When comparing the travel costs between Southampton and Baden-Baden, 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 Baden-Baden Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Southampton or Baden-Baden?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Baden-Baden. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Baden-Baden, 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 Baden-Baden?

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 Baden-Baden in the Summer?

Both Baden-Baden and Southampton during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Southampton is around the same temperature as Baden-Baden in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In Baden-Baden, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Baden-Baden. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 231 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Baden-Baden. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Southampton 18°C (64°F) 
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Baden-Baden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Baden-Baden. Many visitors come to Southampton in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Southampton is around the same temperature as Baden-Baden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Southampton in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Baden-Baden during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 91 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Baden-Baden. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Southampton 12°C (53°F) 
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Baden-Baden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Baden-Baden. Most visitors come to Southampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Baden-Baden can be very cold. Southampton can be very cold during winter. In January, Southampton is generally much warmer than Baden-Baden. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Baden-Baden. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 35 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Baden-Baden. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Southampton 4°C (40°F) 
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Baden-Baden in the Spring?

Both Baden-Baden and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Southampton because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year.

Southampton is cooler than Baden-Baden in the spring. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Baden-Baden during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Baden-Baden. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Southampton 9°C (48°F) 
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Baden-Baden and Southampton

Southampton Baden-Baden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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