A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Southampton vs. Interlaken for Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Southampton or Interlaken?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Interlaken? 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.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Southampton and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Interlaken?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Interlaken. Although Southampton and Interlaken are popular destinations, Interlaken has more sights and attractions for tourists. Interlaken is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Southampton attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Interlaken is more touristy than Southampton and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. It is also well known for its many mountain views.. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Interlaken and Southampton. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Southampton or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for skiing. However, Southampton is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Southampton is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Southampton or Interlaken?

Southampton is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Southampton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken is a great 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.

Interlaken has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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 Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Southampton is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Southampton or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Southampton is not a hiking destination.

People visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Interlaken?

Southampton is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Southampton. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Southampton or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for couples.

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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.

Is Southampton or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

The public transit in Interlaken can get you around easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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

Is Southampton or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Southampton and Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable port city. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Interlaken?

In either Southampton or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than Southampton because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

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

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

One day in Southampton or Interlaken?

With museums and nightlife around the waterfront port city of Southampton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Southampton, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the adventurous town of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Interlaken?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Southampton, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the stunning destination of Interlaken. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This 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 Interlaken?

Southampton, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the adventurous town of Interlaken. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Interlaken?

Southampton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Southampton and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Interlaken?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?

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 Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Interlaken. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Southampton is generally cooler than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 18°C (64°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during summer. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Southampton usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Southampton or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Interlaken. Many travelers come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Interlaken in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Southampton is cooler than Interlaken in the autumn. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in October than Interlaken. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Southampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine during these months.

Interlaken can be very cold during winter. Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Southampton is a little warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Interlaken averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Southampton usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Southampton or Interlaken in the Spring?

Both Interlaken and Southampton during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Southampton for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the natural beauty.

In April, Southampton is generally cooler than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 9°C (48°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

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

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Southampton