A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Windsor vs. Cambridge for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Windsor or Cambridge?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Cambridge? 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a charming, historic, and beautiful university town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor and Cambridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Cambridge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cambridge. Although Windsor and Cambridge are popular destinations, Cambridge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cambridge is very popular for its food and shopping, while Windsor attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is famous for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Cambridge is famous for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. It is also well known for King's College and the King's College Chapel.

How is Windsor different from Cambridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cambridge and Windsor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Windsor or Cambridge?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Windsor and Cambridge.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Many visitors head to Cambridge specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

Is the Food Better in Windsor or Cambridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cambridge is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Cambridge Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Cambridge.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

If you're looking for night time activities Cambridge has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is Windsor or Cambridge Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Windsor is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Cambridge?

Cambridge is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cambridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Cambridge Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Cambridge.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Cambridge offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Windsor or Cambridge Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Cambridge make for a superb place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Cambridge is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Is Windsor or Cambridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cambridge is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Cambridge Better for Students?

Cambridge is a world-class destination for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Cambridge. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Windsor is not popular with students.

Is Windsor or Cambridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Cambridge.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While Cambridge offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Is Windsor or Cambridge a more walkable city?

Cambridge is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Cambridge on foot is easy. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Cambridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cambridge or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Cambridge?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Windsor or Cambridge to fill your time. In our opinion, Cambridge has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cambridge than Windsor. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cambridge than Windsor 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 Cambridge.

One day in Windsor or Cambridge?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Windsor has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cambridge, you'll find nightlife and food. This university town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Windsor or Cambridge?

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Cambridge, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cambridge has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Cambridge?

Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cambridge 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.

A week in Windsor or Cambridge?

Windsor is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cambridge. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cambridge. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Windsor and Cambridge, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Cambridge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Cambridge?

Cambridge has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor and Cambridge, 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.