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

Should you visit Southampton or Reims?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Reims? 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims

Reims is a beautiful, relaxing, and scenic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Southampton and Reims: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Southampton or Reims?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Reims than Southampton. While Southampton is larger than Reims, Reims has more sights and attractions for tourists. Reims is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. It is also home to The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Southampton
Reims

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

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 Reims. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.


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

Southampton
Reims

Reims 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, Reims is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Southampton
Reims

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Southampton and Reims.

If you're looking for night time activities Southampton has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Reims. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Reims?

Southampton
Reims

Reims 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.

Reims is well-known for its shopping. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims Better for Families?

Southampton
Reims

Southampton is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Southampton. 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Southampton or Reims Better for Couples?

Southampton
Reims

Reims 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.

Reims makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Southampton
Reims

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


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

Southampton
Reims

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

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

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

Is Southampton or Reims a more walkable city?

Southampton
Reims

Reims 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.

Reims is a very walkable city. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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 Reims Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reims or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Reims?

In either Southampton or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Southampton because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Southampton or Reims? Ideal Length of Stay
    Southampton 1-3 
    Reims 2-5

One day in Southampton or Reims?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Reims. Most people visit for the food. 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 Reims?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Reims. 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 Reims?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful city of Reims. 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 Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the waterfront 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Reims. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Reims or Southampton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Southampton is £132, while the average daily cost in Reims is £112. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Southampton and Reims in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Southampton £85
    Reims £57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Southampton £170
    Reims £114
Compare Hotels in Southampton and Reims

Looking for a hotel in Southampton or Reims? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Southampton


Hotels in Reims


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Southampton Hotel Prices and Reims Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Southampton £8.70
    Reims £33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Southampton

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Southampton:


  • Ferry to Isle of Wight
    £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Southampton

Also for Southampton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • "Private Group Transfer: Southampton Port to London.": $290
  • "Private Stress-Free Transfer: Southampton to Heathrow.": $109
  • "Private Transfer: Heathrow to Southampton Port.": $110
  • From Cruise Terminal to London transfer: $650
  • Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port - Private Transfer: $300
  • Heathrow Airport to Southampton Ports - Private Transfer: $275
  • London to Southampton Cruise Terminal Private Transfer: $651
  • London to Southampton Port | Private Transfer: $300
  • London to Southern England Cruise Terminals Transfers: $119
  • London: City Center and Heathrow to Southampton Transfer: $131
  • Private Minicab Transfer from Southampton Port to London: $287
  • Private Port Arrival Transfer Southampton Cruise Terminals to Gatwick Airport: $226

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856
  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Southampton or Reims?

Prices for flights to both Reims and Southampton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Southampton £37
    Reims £34
Typical Food Prices in Southampton

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Southampton:


  • Breakfast
    £4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Southampton £19
    Reims £16

Tours and Activities in Southampton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Southampton.

  • Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour: $20
  • Private Southampton Walking Tour: $22
  • Isle of Wight Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • New Forest Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Winchester from Southampton Port: $112
  • Walk the Secrets of the Titanic: Private Tour: $114
  • Shuttle Service Southampton Cruise Terminals to Heathrow Airport and London: $153
  • Private cruise arrival from Southampton to London or airport: $159
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Windsor from Southampton Port: $160
  • London to Southampton and Portsmouth Cruise: $191
  • Oxford and Blenheim Palace Day Tour from Southampton: $191
  • Private Day Tour To Bath And The Cotswolds: $406

Tours and Activities in Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full Day Champagne Pommery Small Group Tour: $251
  • Private Tour of a Wine Estate and Oeno-olfactory Workshop: $104
  • A unique sensory experience in the vineyards: $104
  • Bubble Champagne Tour from Epernay (Small group half day tour): $169
  • Champagne Cellar tour and tasting: $43
  • Champagne Cellars & Vineyards tour from Reims full day: $229
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey : Premium Tour and Tasting: $38
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27
  • Champagne Lamiable: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $33
  • Champagne Lover Tour&Amazing Experience&With champagne sabering: $207
  • Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay: $229
  • Champagne: E-Bike Champagne Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Southampton £21
    Reims £19

Sample the Local Flavors in Southampton

Also in Southampton, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Southampton Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Southampton and Reims, we can see that Southampton is more expensive. And not only is Reims much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Reims would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Reims 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 Reims.

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


Which is Bigger, Southampton or Reims?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Reims. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Reims. Many travelers come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Southampton is around the same temperature as Reims. Typically, the summer temperatures in Southampton in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Reims averages at about 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. In the summer, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Reims. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Reims. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Southampton 18°C (64°F) 
    Reims 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Southampton in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Southampton is generally around the same temperature as Reims. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 12°C (53°F), and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Reims during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Southampton usually receives more rain than Reims. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Southampton 12°C (53°F) 
    Reims 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Southampton during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Southampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Reims because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Reims can be very cold. Southampton can be very cold during winter. Southampton is much warmer than Reims in the winter. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Southampton 4°C (40°F) 
    Reims 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Reims in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Reims. The spring months attract visitors to Southampton because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

In the spring, Southampton is around the same temperature as Reims. Typically, the spring temperatures in Southampton in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Reims averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Reims during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reims. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Southampton 9°C (48°F) 
    Reims 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Reims and Southampton

Southampton Reims
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)


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