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

Should you visit Southampton or Cambridge?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Cambridge? 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a charming, historic, and beautiful university town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. 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 Cambridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Cambridge?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cambridge than Southampton. While Southampton is larger than Cambridge, Cambridge has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cambridge is more touristy than Southampton and is known for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. It is also well known for King's College and the King's College Chapel. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Cambridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cambridge offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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 Cambridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cambridge is a great university town 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.

Cambridge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

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 Cambridge Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Cambridge. 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 the Shopping Better in Southampton or Cambridge?

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

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.

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 Cambridge Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Cambridge.

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.

Cambridge is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Southampton or Cambridge Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Cambridge make for a superb 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.

Cambridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Southampton or Cambridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Cambridge Better for Students?

Cambridge is an amazing university town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Cambridge. 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.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

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

While Cambridge offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a regional bus service that operates through 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 Cambridge a more walkable city?

Cambridge is an amazing university town to visit 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.

Cambridge is a very easy university town to get around on foot. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

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 Cambridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cambridge or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Cambridge?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Southampton or Cambridge to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Southampton than Cambridge because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cambridge.

Families should spend more time in Cambridge than Southampton. 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 Southampton. 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 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 Cambridge.

One day in Southampton or Cambridge?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Southampton. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Southampton has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A weekend in Southampton or Cambridge?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the waterfront destination of Southampton. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the collegiate destination of Cambridge. This university 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 Cambridge?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the up-and-coming port city of Southampton. 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.

The scholarly university town of Cambridge 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 Cambridge?

Southampton 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cambridge. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 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 Southampton Expensive? and Is Cambridge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Cambridge?

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