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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Amalfi?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Amalfi can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled 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 nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Edinburgh than Amalfi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Amalfi is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. 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. Amalfi is well known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello.

How is Edinburgh different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Edinburgh or Amalfi Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is well known for its theatre productions. However, Amalfi is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Amalfi is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Many restaurants in Amalfi have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

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 Edinburgh or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Edinburgh and Amalfi.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Amalfi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Edinburgh or Amalfi Better for Music?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Amalfi 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.

Amalfi is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a town 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 Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Edinburgh or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is a town with good options for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Amalfi. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

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

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 are many historical things to see in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Edinburgh or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Amalfi?

Edinburgh is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Edinburgh is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Edinburgh or Amalfi Better for Families?

Edinburgh is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Edinburgh is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Edinburgh or Amalfi Better for Couples?

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

Amalfi is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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 Edinburgh or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Edinburgh. 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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Edinburgh or Amalfi Better for Students?

Edinburgh is well known for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Edinburgh and Amalfi.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Amalfi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Edinburgh or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Edinburgh and Amalfi are world-class when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Amalfi on foot is easy. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Amalfi?

Both Edinburgh and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Edinburgh. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

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

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Amalfi. 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.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Amalfi?

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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the charming destination of Amalfi. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Amalfi?

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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the picturesque town of Amalfi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the character-filled 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Edinburgh and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Edinburgh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi 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 Edinburgh Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Amalfi?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Amalfi, 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 Edinburgh or Amalfi?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Edinburgh during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

Edinburgh is much colder than Amalfi in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Amalfi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in July than Amalfi. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Amalfi. 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. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Edinburgh is much colder than Amalfi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Amalfi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Amalfi. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In January, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 3°C (38°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Edinburgh is much colder than Amalfi in the spring. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Edinburgh