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

Should you visit Southampton or Howth?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Howth? 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.

Howth

Howth is a peaceful, coastal, and beautiful fishing village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Southampton and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Howth?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Howth than Southampton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Howth is better known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Southampton is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Howth is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Also, Howth is famous for The Baily Lighthouse. Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Howth can be difficult as they are each notable 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 Howth area. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Southampton or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Southampton is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Southampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Southampton or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is a great fishing village for the beache. However, Southampton is not a beach destination.

Howth is considered a top beach destination. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Southampton is not a beach destination.

Is Southampton or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is a great fishing village for hiking. However, Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Howth?

Southampton is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Southampton offers some nice shopping areas. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Southampton or Howth Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Howth.

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.

Howth is a family-friendly place to visit. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Southampton or Howth Better for Couples?

Southampton is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good port city for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

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

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

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

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

Is Southampton or Howth a more walkable city?

Howth is a great fishing village 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.

Howth is a very walkable fishing village. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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 Howth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Howth or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Howth?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Southampton than Howth. 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 Howth 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 Howth.

One day in Southampton or Howth?

In Southampton, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this dynamic destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the scenic fishing village of Howth. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this fishing village has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Howth. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This fishing village 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 Howth?

Southampton is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Southampton. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The scenic fishing village of Howth offers food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Howth?

You'll find food and shopping around the up-and-coming destination of Southampton. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Howth. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

When is the best time to visit Southampton or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Howth. The summer months attract visitors to Southampton because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

Southampton is a little warmer than Howth in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Howth. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Howth. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth 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 Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Southampton is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Southampton in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Howth averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Howth during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Howth. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Howth in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Southampton. In January, Southampton is generally cooler than Howth. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Howth. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Howth. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Howth in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Howth. Many visitors come to Southampton in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Southampton is around the same temperature as Howth in the spring. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Howth and Southampton