A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Southampton vs. Manchester for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Southampton or Manchester?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Manchester? 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.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Southampton and Manchester: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Manchester?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Manchester than Southampton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Manchester is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Southampton attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Manchester is more touristy than Southampton and is known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Manchester offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester is a great city 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.

Manchester has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester Better for Nightlife?

Manchester 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 Manchester has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in 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 Manchester Better for Music?

Manchester is a great city for its live music scene. However, Southampton is not a live music destination.

Manchester has a thriving music scene. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Southampton is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Manchester?

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

Manchester is well-known for its shopping. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Manchester Better for Families?

Manchester is a great 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, Manchester is very family-friendly. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Manchester make for a great place to visit.

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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Southampton or Manchester Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Manchester Better for Students?

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

Manchester is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

Manchester 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 Manchester can get you around easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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

Is Southampton or Manchester a more walkable city?

Southampton and Manchester 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.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable port city. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Manchester or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Southampton or Manchester. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Manchester due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 2-4 days is enough time in Manchester.

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

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

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

One day in Southampton or Manchester?

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.

Manchester is a dynamic city where you can fill many days. 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 Manchester?

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.

Manchester is a dynamic big city where you can fill many days. 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 Manchester?

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.

The diverse city of Manchester 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 Manchester?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting Manchester. 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, 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 Manchester, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Manchester?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Manchester, 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 Manchester?

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 Manchester in the Summer?

Both Manchester and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Southampton is generally around the same temperature as Manchester. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 18°C (64°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during summer. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Southampton usually receives less rain than Manchester. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Southampton or Manchester in the Autumn?

Both Manchester and Southampton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Manchester in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Southampton is around the same temperature as Manchester in the autumn. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Manchester fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 97 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in October than Manchester. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Manchester in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Manchester. Many visitors come to Southampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Manchester can be very cold during winter. Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Southampton is a little warmer than Manchester. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Manchester averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Manchester during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Southampton usually receives less rain than Manchester. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Southampton or Manchester in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Manchester. Most visitors come to Southampton for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Manchester because of the activities around the city.

In April, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Manchester. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 9°C (48°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Manchester. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Manchester. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Southampton