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

Should you visit Southampton or Bern?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Bern? 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.

Bern

Bern is a cultural, historic, and charming city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Southampton and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Bern?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bern than Southampton. While Southampton is larger than Bern, Bern has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bern is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. It is also well known for The Zytglogge Clock Tower. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern 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.

Bern offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

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 Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Bern 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 Bern area. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Southampton or Bern Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Southampton or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Bern 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 Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Bern?

Bern is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping areas.

Bern is well-known for its shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Many visitors go to Southampton to go shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Is Southampton or Bern Better for Families?

Bern 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, Bern is very family-friendly. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

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 Bern Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Bern make for a high quality 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.

Bern is a very popular place to visit for couples. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is Southampton or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Bern is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

The public transit in Bern can get you around easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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

Is Southampton or Bern a more walkable city?

Bern 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.

Bern is a very walkable city. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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 Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Bern?

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

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

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

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

One day in Southampton or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Southampton. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Bern?

Southampton is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Bern. 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 Bern?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Southampton. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The cultural city of Bern 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 Bern?

The waterfront port city of Southampton offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Bern?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Bern, 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 Bern?

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 Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern 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 family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

In July, Southampton is generally cooler than Bern. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 18°C (64°F), and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Bern. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Bern. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Bern. 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 Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Southampton is around the same temperature as Bern in the autumn. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Bern during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Southampton usually receives more rain than Bern. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Bern in the Winter?

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

Bern can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Southampton. In the winter, Southampton is much warmer than Bern. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Bern averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Bern. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bern. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Bern in the Spring?

Both Bern 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 Bern for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Southampton is generally cooler than Bern. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 9°C (48°F), and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Bern during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Bern. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bern and Southampton