A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Southampton for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit York or Southampton?

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

Should I visit York or Southampton? 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Southampton

Southampton is a up-and-coming, waterfront, and dynamic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Southampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Southampton?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in York than Southampton. While Southampton is larger than York, York has more sights and attractions for tourists. York is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Southampton attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is York different from Southampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Southampton?

York is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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

York 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, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Southampton Better for Nightlife?

York is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in York has something for everybody. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Southampton Better for its Old Town?

York is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Southampton?

Both York and Southampton are nice shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Southampton. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Is York or Southampton Better for Families?

York 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, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Southampton Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Southampton make for a high quality place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Southampton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Is York or Southampton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

While York offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Southampton a more walkable city?

York and Southampton both are nice when exploring on foot.

York is somewhat walkable. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

Southampton is a somewhat walkable place. 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 York Worth Visiting? and Is Southampton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Southampton or York?

How long in York or Southampton?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Southampton. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Southampton. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-3 days is enough time in Southampton.

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

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

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

One day in York or Southampton?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the medieval city of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

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.

A weekend in York or Southampton?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fanciful destination of York. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

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.

Five days in York or Southampton?

The historic city of York offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the waterfront 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.

A week in York or Southampton?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting York. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Southampton?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York and Southampton, 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 York or Southampton?

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 York or Southampton in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Southampton. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Southampton this time of year.

In the summer, York is around the same temperature as Southampton. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Southampton averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Southampton. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Southampton receives 195 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in July than Southampton. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Southampton in the Autumn?

Both Southampton and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, York is generally around the same temperature as Southampton. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Southampton fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Southampton during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Southampton receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Southampton. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Southampton in the Winter?

Both Southampton and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Southampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in York. York is cooler than Southampton in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Southampton fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Southampton. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Southampton receives 52 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Southampton. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Southampton in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Southampton. Also, most visitors come to Southampton for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, York is cooler than Southampton. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Southampton averages at about 9°C (48°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Southampton during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Southampton receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Southampton. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Southampton and York