A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Edinburgh for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Athens or Edinburgh?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Edinburgh. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a charming, character-filled, and vibrant 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 live music, shopping, and museums.

Athens and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Edinburgh?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Athens. While Athens is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is more popular for its theatre productions, music, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Athens is known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Athens and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also home to The Edinburgh Castle. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy.

How is Athens different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both Edinburgh and Athens.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Edinburgh that are not to be missed. 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.

Is Athens or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is great for its shows and theatre. However, Athens is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Athens is not a theatre destination.

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

Athens is terrific for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

Athens is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Athens is a must-see party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Athens is not a live music destination.

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.

Athens is not a live music destination.

Is Athens or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the fantastic old town areas in both Athens and Edinburgh.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

The rich history of Edinburgh can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Both Athens and Edinburgh are very good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Edinburgh is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Athens and Edinburgh are fantastic places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Edinburgh is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Is Athens or Edinburgh Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Edinburgh are very good places to visit.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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.

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

Athens 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 Athens can get you to some places easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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 Athens or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Edinburgh is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Athens?

How long in Athens or Edinburgh?

In either Athens or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Edinburgh because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-5 days is enough time in Edinburgh.

Couples should spend more time in Edinburgh than Athens. 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.

One day in Athens or Edinburgh?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Edinburgh. 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.

A weekend in Athens or Edinburgh?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Edinburgh 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.

Five days in Athens or Edinburgh?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Edinburgh?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the ancient destination of Edinburgh. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Edinburgh?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens or Edinburgh in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Edinburgh. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Edinburgh. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.

Athens is much warmer than Edinburgh in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Edinburgh. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Edinburgh in the Winter?

Both Edinburgh and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Edinburgh in the Spring?

Both Edinburgh and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Edinburgh. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Athens