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

Should you visit Southampton or Amsterdam?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Amsterdam? 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 waterfront, dynamic, and up-and-coming port city. Southampton is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Southampton travel costs.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a scenic, historic, and canal-lined city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come to Amsterdam because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Amsterdam travel costs.

Southampton and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Amsterdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Southampton. Amsterdam is bigger than Southampton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Southampton is more popular for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Amsterdam 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.

Amsterdam offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

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 Southampton or Amsterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Southampton is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Southampton. 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.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Southampton or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam 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.

Amsterdam has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

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 Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Southampton is not a live music destination.

Is Southampton or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a great city for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Amsterdam. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam 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.

Amsterdam is well-known for its shopping. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

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 Amsterdam More Beautiful?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Amsterdam because of it's amazing beauty. With its beautiful canals, historic churches, and relaxing parks, this is a beautiful city.

Southampton offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city mixes culture and a bit of history, making it a fun stop off before a cruise or ferry ride.

Is Southampton or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Southampton is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam 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, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Southampton or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Amsterdam make for a very good place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Amsterdam is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Is Southampton or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam 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, Amsterdam is extremely popular for backpackers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam is top-notch. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

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

Is Southampton or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit 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.

Amsterdam is a very easy city to get around on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best 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 Amsterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Amsterdam?

Both Southampton and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Southampton. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

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

One day in Southampton or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Southampton. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Southampton has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amsterdam is a canal-lined city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Amsterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming destination of Southampton. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Amsterdam is a party-oriented big city where you can fill many days. 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.

Five days in Southampton or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the up-and-coming port city of Southampton. 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.

Amsterdam is a canal-lined city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Amsterdam?

Southampton 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.

Amsterdam 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. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?

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 Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Amsterdam. Many travelers come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Southampton is around the same temperature as Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. In the summer, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Southampton is a little warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Southampton in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. Southampton can be very cold during winter. In January, Southampton is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Amsterdam in the Spring?

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

Southampton is a little warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Southampton