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

Should you visit Southampton or Nice?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Nice? 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Southampton and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Nice?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nice than Southampton. Nice is bigger than Southampton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nice is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Southampton is more popular for its museums. Nice is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Also, Nice is famous for The Promenade des Anglais. Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Southampton is a port city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit 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.

For foodies, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its evening party scene.

Nice has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Southampton is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Southampton is not a resort destination.

Is Southampton or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Southampton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Southampton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Southampton or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is a great seaside destination for the beache. However, Southampton is not a beach destination.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Southampton is not a beach destination.

Is Southampton or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is a great seaside destination for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Nice?

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

Nice is well-known for its shopping. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Nice.

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.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Southampton or Nice Better for Couples?

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

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

The public transit in Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Southampton or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination 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.

Nice is a very easy seaside destination to get around on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Nice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Southampton or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Southampton. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the trendy seaside destination of Nice. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Nice?

Southampton is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the glamourous destination of Nice. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This seaside destination offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Southampton or Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Southampton. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the trendy seaside destination of Nice. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Nice?

The up-and-coming port city of Southampton offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 shopping and nightlife when visiting Nice. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Southampton and Nice, we can see that Southampton is more expensive. And not only is Nice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nice 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 Southampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Southampton than you might in Nice.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Southampton Expensive? and Is Nice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Southampton during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Southampton in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Southampton is cooler than Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Southampton usually gets more rain in July than Nice. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Nice. 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 Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Southampton is cooler than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Southampton in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Nice. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Nice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Nice. The winter months attract visitors to Southampton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

The weather in Southampton can be very cold. In January, Southampton is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Nice. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Southampton is cooler than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Nice. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Southampton