A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Edinburgh for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Food

Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Edinburgh can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a vibrant, gothic, and ancient 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 museums, theater, and nightlife.

Dubai and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Edinburgh?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Dubai. While Dubai is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Dubai is known for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Dubai 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. Dubai is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style.

How is Dubai different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Edinburgh Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Edinburgh is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Edinburgh is not a skiing destination.

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

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

Is Dubai or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Dubai 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.

Dubai is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Dubai has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

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 Dubai or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

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

Dubai is a must-see party destination. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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 Dubai or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Dubai and Edinburgh are both destinations where visitors can find amazing live music.

Dubai has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Edinburgh is a world class music destination. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Is Dubai or Edinburgh Better for Resorts?

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

Dubai is a world class resort vacation destination. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Edinburgh Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a city 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 Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Edinburgh Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a city with good options for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dubai. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Edinburgh is revered around 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.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Edinburgh?

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

Known for shopping, Dubai draws large crowds to its stores. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai or Edinburgh Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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 Dubai or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is a great city for couples. Also, Dubai 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.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known 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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Dubai is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Dubai is a very popular city for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

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

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

Dubai and Edinburgh both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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

Is Dubai or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

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

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Edinburgh?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Edinburgh than Dubai. 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 Dubai or Edinburgh?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. 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, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Edinburgh?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Edinburgh?

People visit Dubai 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. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Edinburgh is a fun place to experience. In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the museums and theater that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Edinburgh?

Dubai 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 Dubai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the gothic destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 Dubai and Edinburgh, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Edinburgh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East 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 Edinburgh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Edinburgh 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Edinburgh.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Edinburgh?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Edinburgh?

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

Should I visit Dubai or Edinburgh in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Edinburgh. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Edinburgh. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. 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.

Dubai is much warmer than Edinburgh in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Edinburgh. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Edinburgh in the Winter?

Both Edinburgh and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. 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 the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Dubai is January to March.

Should I visit Dubai or Edinburgh in the Spring?

Both Edinburgh and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Edinburgh. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Dubai