A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Southampton vs. Liverpool for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Southampton or Liverpool?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Liverpool? 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.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a fun-filled, diverse, and historic port city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and theater.

Southampton and Liverpool: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Liverpool?

You'll generally find more things to do in Liverpool than Southampton. Liverpool is bigger than Southampton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Liverpool is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Southampton is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. Liverpool is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." Also, Liverpool is famous for The Liverpool Cathedral. Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Liverpool?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Liverpool. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

Is Southampton or Liverpool Better for Theater?

Liverpool is a great port city for its theatre productions. However, Southampton is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Liverpool. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Southampton is not a theatre destination.

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

Southampton is a port city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Southampton. 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.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Southampton or Liverpool Better for Nightlife?

Liverpool 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 Liverpool has something for everybody. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

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 Liverpool Better for Music?

Liverpool 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 Liverpool. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Southampton is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Liverpool?

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is well-known for its shopping. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

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 Liverpool Better for Families?

Liverpool 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, Liverpool is very family-friendly. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

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 Liverpool Better for Couples?

Southampton is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a good port city for couples to visit. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Is Southampton or Liverpool Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Liverpool Better for Students?

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

Liverpool is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

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

While Liverpool offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

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

Is Southampton or Liverpool a more walkable city?

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a very walkable port 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 Liverpool Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Liverpool or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Liverpool?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Southampton and Liverpool. In our opinion, Liverpool has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Liverpool than Southampton. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 2-3 days is enough time in Liverpool.

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

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

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

One day in Southampton or Liverpool?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Southampton. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Southampton has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic port city of Liverpool. Most people visit for the live music. 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 Liverpool?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the waterfront destination of Southampton. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the fun-filled destination of Liverpool. 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 Liverpool?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic port city of Southampton. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The diverse port city of Liverpool offers theater 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 Liverpool?

Southampton is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Liverpool. 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 Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Liverpool?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Liverpool, 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 Liverpool?

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 Liverpool in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Liverpool. Many visitors come to Southampton in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Liverpool for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Southampton is a little warmer than Liverpool in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Liverpool fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the summer, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Liverpool. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liverpool receives 176 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Liverpool. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Liverpool in the Autumn?

Both Liverpool and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the shopping scene and the music scene.

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

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

In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Liverpool. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Liverpool in the Winter?

Both Liverpool and Southampton during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Southampton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Liverpool this time of year.

The weather in Southampton can be very cold. In January, Southampton is generally cooler than Liverpool. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Liverpool fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Liverpool. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liverpool receives 53 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Southampton or Liverpool in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Liverpool. The natural beauty are the main draw to Southampton this time of year.

Southampton is a little warmer than Liverpool in the spring. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Liverpool fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Liverpool during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Liverpool receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Liverpool and Southampton