A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Edinburgh for Attractions, Backpackers, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Adelaide or Edinburgh?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Edinburgh can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Adelaide travel costs.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Edinburgh is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and shopping. See Edinburgh travel costs.

Adelaide and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Edinburgh?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Adelaide. While Adelaide is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Adelaide attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and hiking. Edinburgh is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also well known for The Edinburgh Castle. Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Adelaide different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Edinburgh from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Is Adelaide or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for theatre. However, Adelaide is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Adelaide is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Edinburgh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Adelaide is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Adelaide has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Adelaide or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Adelaide or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is renowned for live music. However, Adelaide is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is known as a music capital around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Adelaide is not a live music destination.

Is Adelaide or Edinburgh Better for Beaches?

Adelaide is a very popular place for the beach. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Adelaide attract visitors from all over. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Adelaide or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is renowned for its historic old town. However, Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Edinburgh is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

Is Adelaide or Edinburgh Better for Hiking?

Adelaide is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Adelaide. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Edinburgh?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Adelaide and Edinburgh.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Adelaide. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Edinburgh is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Is Adelaide or Edinburgh More Beautiful?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Adelaide is not a destination known for its beauty.

Edinburgh is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It has a long history and a lot of architectural beauty. The weather may be the most challenging part of a visit to Edinburgh.

Adelaide is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Adelaide or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Adelaide or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Adelaide or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Adelaide or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Adelaide is popular with students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Is Adelaide or Edinburgh Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adelaide is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Adelaide can get you to some places easily. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Adelaide or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is renowned for its walkability. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

Adelaide is a very walkable city. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Edinburgh?

In either Adelaide or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Edinburgh than Adelaide because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 2-5 days is enough time in Edinburgh.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edinburgh than Adelaide 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 Edinburgh.

One day in Adelaide or Edinburgh?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Adelaide. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Edinburgh offers theater and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Adelaide or Edinburgh?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Adelaide. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Adelaide or Edinburgh?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Adelaide. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Edinburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Edinburgh?

Adelaide is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Adelaide much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Adelaide is in Pacific and Edinburgh is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Adelaide would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adelaide 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh than you might in Adelaide.

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

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Edinburgh?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Edinburgh, 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 Adelaide or Edinburgh?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Adelaide is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Edinburgh has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Adelaide or Edinburgh in the Summer?

Both Edinburgh and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.

In the summer, Adelaide is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the summer temperatures in Adelaide in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 14°C (58°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Edinburghin July. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Adelaide or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

Both Edinburgh and Adelaide during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Adelaide is generally much warmer than Edinburghin October. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 18°C (64°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Edinburghin October. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Edinburghin October. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Edinburgh in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Edinburgh. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Edinburgh can get quite cold in the winter. Adelaide is much warmer than Edinburgh in the winter. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F)in January.

Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Adelaide usually receives more rain than Edinburghin January. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Adelaide or Edinburgh in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Edinburgh. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Adelaide is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the spring temperatures in Adelaide in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 7°C (45°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the spring, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Edinburghin April. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Edinburghin April. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Adelaide