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

Should you visit Southampton or Hannover?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Hannover? 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Hannover

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

Southampton and Hannover: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Southampton or Hannover?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hannover than Southampton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hannover is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Southampton attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Hannover is more touristy than Southampton and is known for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system. It is also well known for The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Hannover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Southampton
Hannover

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

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 Hannover. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.


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

Southampton
Hannover

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Hannover 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 Hannover area. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Southampton or Hannover Better for Nightlife?

Southampton
Hannover

Hannover is a great 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 Hannover has something for everybody. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

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 Hannover Better for its Old Town?

Southampton
Hannover

Hannover 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 Hannover. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Hannover?

Southampton
Hannover

If you're looking to go shopping, Southampton and Hannover both offer plenty of nice spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Southampton. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Many visitors go to Hannover to go shopping. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Is Southampton or Hannover Better for Families?

Southampton
Hannover

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Hannover.

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.

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.

Is Southampton or Hannover Better for Couples?

Southampton
Hannover

Southampton is a great port city for romance. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Hannover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.


Is Southampton or Hannover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Southampton
Hannover

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Hannover Better for Students?

Southampton
Hannover

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

Hannover is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

Southampton
Hannover

Hannover 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 Hannover can get you around easily. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

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


Is Southampton or Hannover a more walkable city?

Southampton
Hannover

Hannover 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.

Hannover is a very walkable city. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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 Hannover Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hannover or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Hannover?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Southampton or Hannover? Ideal Length of Stay
    Southampton 1-3 
    Hannover 1-2

One day in Southampton or Hannover?

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 diverse city of Hannover. 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 Hannover?

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 dynamic destination of Hannover. 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 Hannover?

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.

The diverse city of Hannover 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 Hannover?

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 Hannover. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, and The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Hannover or Southampton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Southampton is £132, while the average daily cost in Hannover is £132. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Southampton and Hannover in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Southampton £85
    Hannover £73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Southampton £170
    Hannover £146
Compare Hotels in Southampton and Hannover

Looking for a hotel in Southampton or Hannover? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Southampton


Hotels in Hannover


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Southampton Hotel Prices and Hannover Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Southampton £8.70
    Hannover £20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Southampton

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Southampton:


  • Ferry to Isle of Wight
    £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Southampton

Also for Southampton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • London to Southampton Cruise Terminal Private Transfer: $651
  • From Cruise Terminal to London transfer: $650
  • Private Transfer From Southampton Port to London: $575
  • Private Transfer Southampton Cruise Terminal to Heathrow: $562
  • Private Transfer to London Hotels and Airports: $437
  • Southampton Cruise Port to London or LHR Private Transfer: $357
  • Southampton Port to Gatwick Airport I Private Transfer: $300
  • Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port - Private Transfer: $300
  • London to Southampton Port | Private Transfer: $300
  • Private Transfer from Southampton Port to Heathrow Airport : $293
  • "Private Group Transfer: Southampton Port to London.": $290
  • Southampton Cruise Terminals to London in a Private Minivan Arrival Transfer : $289

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

Also for Hannover, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Direct Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg; English Speaking Driver: $289
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops: $271
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $212
  • Private Transfer From Hanover City to Bremen City: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Southampton or Hannover?

Prices for flights to both Hannover and Southampton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Southampton £37
    Hannover £42
Typical Food Prices in Southampton

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Southampton:


  • Breakfast
    £4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Southampton £19
    Hannover £30

Tours and Activities in Southampton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Southampton.

  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Winchester from Southampton Port: $112
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Windsor from Southampton Port: $160
  • Heritage and Majesty: Private Full-Day Tour from Southampton: $1,997
  • Heritage of the Titanic: Southampton Private Walking Tour: $484
  • Isle of Wight Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • London to Southampton and Portsmouth Cruise: $191
  • New Forest Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Oxford and Blenheim Palace Day Tour from Southampton: $191
  • Private Day Tour To Bath And The Cotswolds: $406
  • Private Southampton Walking Tour: $22
  • Private cruise arrival from Southampton to London or airport: $159
  • Shuttle Service Southampton Cruise Terminals to Heathrow Airport and London: $153

Tours and Activities in Hannover

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hannover.

  • Culinary bike tour: $41
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • Guided tour of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens: $13
  • Hamelin Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $257
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $40
  • Hanover Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $252
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $120
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $20
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $19
  • Personal Travel & Vacation Photography Walking Tour in Hannover: $186

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Southampton £21
    Hannover £29

Sample the Local Flavors in Southampton

Also in Southampton, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Southampton Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When comparing the travel costs between Southampton and Hannover, we can see that Hannover 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 Hannover Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Southampton or Hannover?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Southampton or Hannover in the Summer?

Both Hannover and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hannover because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Southampton is generally around the same temperature as Hannover. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 18°C (64°F), and Hannover fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover during summer. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Southampton usually receives less rain than Hannover. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Southampton 18°C (64°F) 
    Hannover 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Hannover in the Autumn?

Both Hannover and Southampton during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Southampton because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Hannover this time of year.

Southampton is a little warmer than Hannover in the autumn. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Hannover fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 104 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets more rain in October than Hannover. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Southampton 12°C (53°F) 
    Hannover 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Hannover in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Hannover. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hannover for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hannover. It's quite cold in Southampton in the winter. In the winter, Southampton is much warmer than Hannover. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Hannover averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Hannover during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Southampton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hannover. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Southampton 4°C (40°F) 
    Hannover 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Hannover in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Hannover. Many travelers come to Southampton for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hannover in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Hannover. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 9°C (48°F), and Hannover fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 150 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Hannover. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Southampton 9°C (48°F) 
    Hannover 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Hannover and Southampton

Southampton Hannover
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)


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