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

Should you visit Southampton or Bordeaux?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Bordeaux? 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a historical, elegant, and charming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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 Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Bordeaux?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bordeaux than Southampton. Bordeaux is bigger than Southampton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux is an amazing city 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, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Bordeaux. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Southampton or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a popular place for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bordeaux. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is well-known for its shopping. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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 Bordeaux Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Bordeaux.

Southampton offers lots of family activities. 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.

Bordeaux is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Southampton or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very popular place to visit for couples. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Southampton or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton is not popular with students.

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux can get you around easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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

Is Southampton or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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 Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Bordeaux?

In either Southampton or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Southampton because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

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

One day in Southampton or Bordeaux?

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 elegant city of Bordeaux. Most people visit for the food. 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 Bordeaux?

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 historical destination of Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic city of Bordeaux. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Bordeaux. The summer months attract visitors to Southampton because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

Southampton is cooler than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. In the summer, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bordeaux. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Southampton is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Southampton in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Southampton during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Southampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Southampton. In January, Southampton is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Southampton in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Southampton is cooler than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Southampton