A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Edinburgh for Attractions, Music, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Antalya or Edinburgh?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Edinburgh? 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a luxurious, historic, and cultural vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a character-filled, vibrant, and gothic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and theater.

Antalya and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Edinburgh?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Antalya. While Antalya is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Antalya is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping. Antalya is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. Edinburgh is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also home to The Edinburgh Castle.

How is Antalya different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Edinburgh has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Many visitors head to Antalya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Is Antalya or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Antalya is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Antalya is not a theatre destination.

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

Antalya is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Antalya has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

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 Antalya or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Antalya and Edinburgh.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Edinburgh is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Antalya or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for live music.

Edinburgh has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Is Antalya or Edinburgh Better for Resorts?

Antalya is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Antalya is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Edinburgh Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Edinburgh Better for Beaches?

Antalya is terrific for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Antalya is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Edinburgh offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Is Antalya or Edinburgh Better for Hiking?

Antalya is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Edinburgh?

Antalya is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Antalya draws large crowds to its stores. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Edinburgh. 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 Antalya or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Antalya or Edinburgh.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Antalya or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and Edinburgh make for a excellent place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Couples visit Edinburgh frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Antalya or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Edinburgh, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Is Antalya or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Edinburgh is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Antalya is not popular with students.

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

Antalya 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 Antalya can get you to some places easily. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

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 Antalya or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Edinburgh?

In either Antalya or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edinburgh than Antalya 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 Antalya or Edinburgh?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vacation spot of Antalya. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In Edinburgh, you'll find museums and theater. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Antalya or Edinburgh?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the luxurious destination of Antalya. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation spot has to offer. This vacation spot offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Edinburgh, you'll find theater and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Edinburgh has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Edinburgh?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the high energy vacation spot of Antalya. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this vacation spot makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation spot has to offer.

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Edinburgh has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Edinburgh?

Antalya is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Edinburgh. Many people enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting Edinburgh. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, 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 Antalya and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Antalya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antalya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antalya 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 Antalya.

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

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Edinburgh?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya or Edinburgh?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Edinburgh in the Summer?

Both Edinburgh and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Antalya in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Antalya is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 28°C (83°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antalya or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

Both Edinburgh and Antalya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Antalya is much warmer than Edinburgh in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Edinburgh. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Edinburgh in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Edinburgh. The winter months attract visitors to Antalya because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.

It's quite cold in Edinburgh in the winter. In the winter, Antalya is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antalya in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.

Antalya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Edinburgh in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Edinburgh. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Antalya is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 16°C (62°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the spring, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets more rain in April than Edinburgh. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Antalya