A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Edinburgh for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bali or Edinburgh?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Edinburgh can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a cultural, stunning, and tropical island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a vibrant, gothic, and ancient city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Bali and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Edinburgh?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Edinburgh. Although Bali and Edinburgh are roughly the same size, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Bali is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bali is well known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Edinburgh is well known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle.

How is Bali different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Edinburgh are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Bali or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for its theatre productions. However, Bali is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Bali is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Many restaurants in Bali have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

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 Bali or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

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

Bali is a must-see party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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 Bali or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Bali is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Edinburgh In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Bali is not a live music destination.

Is Bali or Edinburgh Better for Resorts?

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

Bali is a world class resort vacation destination. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Edinburgh Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Bali is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Edinburgh Better for Beaches?

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

Bali is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Bali does not have a historic old town.

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.

Bali does not have a historic old town.

Is Bali or Edinburgh Better for Hiking?

Bali 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 Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Edinburgh?

Both Bali and Edinburgh are superb shopping destinations.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

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.

Is Bali or Edinburgh Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Edinburgh.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Edinburgh. 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 Bali or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Bali is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Bali is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

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 Bali or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bali and Edinburgh are amazing destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

A large number of backpackers visit Edinburgh, as it is a very popular island 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.

Is Bali or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for students. However, Bali is not popular with students.

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

Bali is not popular with students.

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

Both Bali and Edinburgh offer notable public transit options.

Bali has a few public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Bali or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Bali?

How long in Bali or Edinburgh?

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

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

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

One day in Bali or Edinburgh?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Bali. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Edinburgh. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Edinburgh?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the spiritual destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Edinburgh is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Edinburgh?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Edinburgh. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bali or Edinburgh?

Bali is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bali, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The character-filled city of Edinburgh offers museums and theater. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, 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 Bali and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia 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 Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Edinburgh in the Summer?

Both Edinburgh and Bali during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bali is much warmer than Edinburgh in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Bali. In the summer, Bali often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets less rain in July than Edinburgh. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Edinburgh. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, most visitors come to Edinburgh 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, Bali is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during autumn. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bali usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Edinburgh in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bali as well as Edinburgh. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Bali often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Edinburgh. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Edinburgh in the Spring?

Both Edinburgh and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.

Bali is much warmer than Edinburgh in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during spring. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bali usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Bali