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

Should you visit Southampton or Paris?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Paris? 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.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Southampton and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Southampton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is more touristy than Southampton and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Southampton different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Paris are world-renowned. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Southampton or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Southampton is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Southampton is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is an amazing city 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, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

Paris is an amazing 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 Paris. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Southampton is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Paris?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Southampton does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Paris. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Southampton does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Southampton or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is an amazing city 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, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

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

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

Paris is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Southampton or Paris a more walkable city?

Paris is a great 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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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 Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Paris?

Both Southampton and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Southampton. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

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

One day in Southampton or Paris?

In Southampton, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this dynamic destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Paris is a energetic 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 Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Paris is a energetic big city where you can fill many days. This city 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 Paris?

Southampton is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Southampton. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Paris is a bustling city where you can fill many days. 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 Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the dynamic destination of Southampton. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Southampton because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In July, Southampton is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 18°C (64°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Paris. Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Paris during summer. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Southampton usually receives less rain than Paris. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Southampton or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris and Southampton during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Paris. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Paris. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Paris in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Paris. Many travelers come to Southampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Paris can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Southampton. In the winter, Southampton is around the same temperature as Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Paris during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Southampton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Southampton or Paris in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Paris. Many visitors come to Southampton in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Southampton is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 9°C (48°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Paris. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Paris. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Southampton