A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Bath vs. Aberdeen for Attractions, Couples, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Bath or Aberdeen?

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 Bath and Aberdeen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bath

Bath is a historical, beautiful, and architectural spa town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a cultural, architectural, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Bath and Aberdeen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bath or Aberdeen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aberdeen than Bath, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Aberdeen is more popular for its big city activities, while Bath is known for its museums, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bath is more touristy than Aberdeen and is popular for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums. 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 Bath different from Aberdeen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bath is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Bath that are not to be missed. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

Many visitors head to Aberdeen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Aberdeen. 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.

Is Bath or Aberdeen Better for Nightlife?

Both Bath and Aberdeen have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bath. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

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.

Is Bath or Aberdeen Better for its Old Town?

Bath and Aberdeen are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bath. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Many visitors go to Aberdeen to see the historical old town. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Bath or Aberdeen?

Bath is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bath is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. 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.

Is Bath or Aberdeen Better for Families?

Aberdeen is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bath. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

Is Bath or Aberdeen Better for Couples?

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

Bath makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

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 Bath or Aberdeen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bath is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bath. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bath or Aberdeen Better for Students?

Bath is a well-known place for students. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Bath is a very popular spa town for students and younger travelers. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

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

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Bath and Aberdeen.

Bath has some public transit options. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

You'll find some public transit in Aberdeen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

Is Bath or Aberdeen a more walkable city?

Bath 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 Bath on foot. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Aberdeen or Bath?

How long in Bath or Aberdeen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bath and Aberdeen. In our opinion, Bath has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bath than Aberdeen. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bath, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aberdeen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bath 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 Bath.

One day in Bath or Aberdeen?

The beautiful spa town of Bath offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. 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 Bath or Aberdeen?

Bath is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this spa town 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 Bath, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Aberdeen 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 Bath or Aberdeen?

Bath is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the architectural destination of Aberdeen. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bath or Aberdeen?

Bath is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 spa town offers something for everyone.

The historic city of Aberdeen offers nightlife and food. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bath and Aberdeen, we can see that Bath 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 Bath would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bath 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 Bath Expensive? and Is Aberdeen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bath or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Bath. When comparing the sizes of Bath and Aberdeen, 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.