A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Murren for Couples, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Aberdeen or Murren?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Murren? 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.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a architectural, authentic, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Murren

Murren is a stunning, serene, and authentic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Aberdeen and Murren: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Murren?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aberdeen. Although Aberdeen and Murren are both popular with visitors, Aberdeen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aberdeen is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Murren is known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Murren is more touristy than Aberdeen and is known for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. Aberdeen is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen.

How is Aberdeen different from Murren?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Aberdeen or Murren Better for Skiing?

Murren is an unbeatable place for snow skiing. However, Aberdeen is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Murren should be on your list. If you're visiting in the winter, you're in luck because the scenery and the slopes are both amazing. The top of Schilthorn is quickly accessed from the gondola and ski lifts, and heading down you'll find some difficult runs along with easier slopes. Enjoy your apres-ski in the village with cozy drinks and a dinner of fondue. And with more time, you can easily get across the valley to the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, too.

Aberdeen is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Murren?

Aberdeen is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Aberdeen. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Murren. You don't visit this area for the museums, so if you're looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, your options are limited.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Murren? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Aberdeen and Murren can be an enjoyable experience.

Aberdeen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Murren has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you can afford the prices, you'll enjoy some great meals of fondue or local steak. There aren't many restaurants in town and some of the best are attached to the hotels. Those on a tight budget will be frustrated because cheap eats are hard to come by. You may as well pay a little more and enjoy a high quality, fine dining experience.

Is Aberdeen or Murren Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Murren is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Aberdeen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Murren doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

Is Aberdeen or Murren Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is well known for its historic old town. However, Murren does not have a historic old town.

Aberdeen is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Murren does not have a historic old town.

Is Aberdeen or Murren Better for Hiking?

Murren is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

People visit Murren specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking trails pass right through the town, connecting the many alpine towns in the area. There are hikes for all levels, and each offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, which include Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch.

Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Murren?

Aberdeen is a city with good options for shopping. However, Murren is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Aberdeen is a great destination for shopping. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Shopping in Murren can be found for those interested. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.

Is Aberdeen or Murren Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aberdeen or Murren.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Murren is very family-friendly. Kid-friendly activities are everywhere in this amazing town. Take the Allmendhubel Funicular Train and explore one of the coolest playgrounds ever! Family-friendly trails abound and outdoor adventures with spectacular views are fun for everyone.

Is Aberdeen or Murren Better for Couples?

Murren is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Murren makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This small town offers charming hotels, hidden viewpoints, and romantic hikes through the Alps. If you want to experience an authentic side to the Alps, then stay in this town and explore the many hiking trails in the area.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Aberdeen or Murren Better for Students?

Aberdeen is a city with good options for students. However, Murren is not popular with students.

Aberdeen is popular with students. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Murren is not popular with students.

Is Aberdeen or Murren Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Aberdeen and Murren offer good public transit options.

Aberdeen has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Murren has some public transit options. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

Is Aberdeen or Murren a more walkable city?

Murren is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Murren on foot. It's a small town with a very limited number of vehicles so it's best explored on foot. There are also many walking trails in the area.

Aberdeen is a very walkable city. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Murren Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Murren or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Murren?

It's fun to spend time in either Aberdeen or Murren. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Murren due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Murren.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Murren than Aberdeen 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 Murren.

One day in Aberdeen or Murren?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Murren is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Murren?

Aberdeen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Murren is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Murren, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Murren?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Murren is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Murren?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Aberdeen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Murren is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aberdeen and Murren, we can see that Murren is more expensive. And not only is Aberdeen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aberdeen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aberdeen 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 Murren would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Murren than you might in Aberdeen.

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Murren?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 410 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Murren, 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.