A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Southampton vs. Newcastle upon Tyne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne? 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 dynamic, up-and-coming, and waterfront port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant, high energy, and livable port city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Southampton and Newcastle upon Tyne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne than Southampton. While Southampton is larger than Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Newcastle upon Tyne is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Southampton is known for its impressive beauty. Newcastle upon Tyne is more touristy than Southampton and is known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Tyne Bridge. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Newcastle upon Tyne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great port 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne has something for everybody. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great port city for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is well-known for its shopping. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Couples?

Southampton is a very popular place for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Southampton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Students?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great port city for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

The public transit in Newcastle upon Tyne can get you around easily. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

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

Is Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne is an amazing port city to visit 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very easy port city to get around on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne?

In Southampton, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 vibrant port city of Newcastle upon Tyne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

Many people visit Southampton for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. 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 cultural destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

The destination of Southampton offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The cultural port city of Newcastle upon Tyne offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Southampton. This port city offers something for everyone. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newcastle upon Tyne. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 comparing the travel costs between Southampton and Newcastle upon Tyne, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Newcastle upon Tyne, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Newcastle upon Tyne. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Southampton is a little warmer than Newcastle upon Tyne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Southampton in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Newcastle upon Tyne averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Newcastle upon Tyne during summer. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 159 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Southampton usually receives less rain than Newcastle upon Tyne. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Newcastle upon Tyne. Many travelers come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Newcastle upon Tyne. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 12°C (53°F), and Newcastle upon Tyne fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Newcastle upon Tyne. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 69 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. Southampton usually gets less rain in October than Newcastle upon Tyne. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne in the Winter?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Newcastle upon Tyne can be very cold during winter. Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. Southampton is a little warmer than Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Newcastle upon Tyne fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Newcastle upon Tyne during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle upon Tyne. In January, Southampton usually receives less rain than Newcastle upon Tyne. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Southampton or Newcastle upon Tyne in the Spring?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Southampton during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Southampton for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Southampton is a little warmer than Newcastle upon Tyne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Southampton in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Newcastle upon Tyne averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Newcastle upon Tyne. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 134 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Newcastle upon Tyne. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Newcastle upon Tyne and Southampton