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

Should you visit Southampton or Dundee?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Dundee? 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.

Dundee

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

Southampton and Dundee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Dundee?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Dundee than Southampton. While Southampton is larger than Dundee, Dundee has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dundee is very popular for its big city activities, while Southampton attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports. Dundee is famous for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. It is also well known for Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

How is Southampton different from Dundee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Dundee. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Dundee 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 Dundee area. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Southampton or Dundee Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Dundee?

Southampton is a popular place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Southampton is a great destination for shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Southampton or Dundee Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Dundee.

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.

Dundee is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

Is Southampton or Dundee Better for Couples?

Southampton is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city 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.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Southampton or Dundee Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

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

While Dundee offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has a public bus system.

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

Is Southampton or Dundee a more walkable city?

Southampton and Dundee are nice 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.

Dundee is a somewhat walkable port city. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Dundee or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Dundee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Southampton or Dundee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Southampton than Dundee 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 Dundee.

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

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

One day in Southampton or Dundee?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Southampton. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Southampton is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Dundee. 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 Dundee?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The cultural city of Dundee offers museums and nightlife. 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 Dundee?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the waterfront destination of Southampton. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Dundee. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Southampton and Dundee, we can see that Dundee 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 Dundee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dundee 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 Dundee Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Dundee?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Dundee. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Dundee, 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 Dundee?

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 Dundee in the Summer?

Both Dundee 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 Dundee this time of year.

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

In the summer, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dundee. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dundee receives 184 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Dundee. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Dundee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Dundee. 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 Dundee for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Southampton is a little warmer than Dundee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Dundee fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dundee during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Dundee receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Southampton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dundee. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Dundee in the Winter?

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

Dundee 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 Dundee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Dundee averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Dundee. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dundee receives 58 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Dundee. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Dundee in the Spring?

Both Dundee 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 Dundee for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Dundee. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 9°C (48°F), and Dundee fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dundee during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Dundee receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives more rain than Dundee. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dundee and Southampton