A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Utrecht for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Utrecht can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming, historic, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food and theater.

Utrecht

The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Utrecht: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Utrecht. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Utrecht are popular destinations, Utrecht has more sights and attractions for tourists. Utrecht is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its theatre productions and small town charm. Utrecht is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. It is also well known for the Dom Tower. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Utrecht?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Utrecht and Stratford-upon-Avon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht?

Utrecht is very good for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Utrecht is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Stratford-upon-Avon draw crowds from around the world. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Utrecht is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Utrecht can be an enjoyable experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Utrecht area. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht Better for Nightlife?

Utrecht is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Utrecht has a large number of nightlife venues. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Utrecht offers plenty to see. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht?

Utrecht is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Utrecht is well-known for its shopping. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Utrecht. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht Better for Couples?

Utrecht is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Utrecht makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht Better for Students?

Utrecht is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Utrecht is very popular with students. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Utrecht is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Utrecht can get you around easily. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht a more walkable city?

Utrecht is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Utrecht. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Utrecht Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Utrecht or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Utrecht. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Utrecht than in Stratford-upon-Avon. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Stratford-upon-Avon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Utrecht.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Utrecht than Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Utrecht.

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town with plenty to do. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Utrecht, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stratford-upon-Avon has to offer.

Many people visit Utrecht for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Utrecht, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The beautiful destination of Utrecht offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Since Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Utrecht. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.

When comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Utrecht, we can see that Utrecht 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 Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Utrecht Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Utrecht, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht?

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Utrecht. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 17°C (63°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in July than Utrecht. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht in the Autumn?

Both Utrecht and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town atmosphere. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Utrecht in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Utrecht fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht in the Winter?

Both Utrecht and Stratford-upon-Avon during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Utrecht. It's quite cold in Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter. In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon is much warmer than Utrecht. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Utrecht averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Utrecht. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Utrecht in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Utrecht. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Utrecht in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally a little warmer than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 9°C (48°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Stratford-upon-Avon