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

Should you visit Southampton or Hamburg?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Hamburg? 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 dynamic, up-and-coming, and waterfront port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Southampton and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Hamburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hamburg than Southampton, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hamburg is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also home to St. Michael's Church. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hamburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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 Hamburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Hamburg can be difficult as they are each good 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 Hamburg area. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Southampton or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Hamburg is a great port city for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Hamburg has something for everybody. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Is Southampton or Hamburg Better for Music?

Hamburg is an amazing port city to visit for its live music scene. However, Southampton is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Hamburg. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Southampton is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Hamburg?

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

Hamburg is well-known for its shopping. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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 Hamburg Better for Families?

Hamburg is a great port 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, Hamburg is very family-friendly. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg Better for Couples?

Southampton is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Southampton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Southampton or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Hamburg Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Hamburg can get you around easily. There are trains and buses that make their way 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 Hamburg a more walkable city?

Hamburg is a great port 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.

Hamburg is a very walkable port city. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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 Hamburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Hamburg?

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

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

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

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

One day in Southampton or Hamburg?

In Southampton, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the energetic port city of Hamburg. Most people visit for the live music. 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.

A weekend in Southampton or Hamburg?

In Southampton, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Southampton has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Hamburg. 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.

Five days in Southampton or Hamburg?

Southampton is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The historic port city of Hamburg 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 Hamburg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Southampton. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Hamburg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. 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 Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Southampton and Hamburg, we can see that Southampton is more expensive. And not only is Hamburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hamburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hamburg 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 Hamburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Hamburg. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Southampton is around the same temperature as Hamburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Southampton in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Hamburg averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hamburg. In the summer, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Hamburg. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 12°C (53°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Southampton during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Southampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hamburg can be very cold during winter. Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. Southampton is much warmer than Hamburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Hamburg. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Hamburg. Most visitors come to Southampton for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Southampton is a little warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Southampton in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Hamburg averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Southampton