A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Anchorage for Attractions, Backpackers, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Edinburgh or Anchorage?

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 Anchorage 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a artsy, nature-oriented, and outdoorsy city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Anchorage. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Anchorage attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Edinburgh is more touristy than Anchorage and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also well known for The Edinburgh Castle. Anchorage is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Edinburgh different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Anchorage 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 Anchorage?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage 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 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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Is Edinburgh or Anchorage Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for theatre. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is not a theatre destination.

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

Anchorage is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

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 Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

Edinburgh offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Edinburgh or Anchorage Better for Music?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Anchorage is not a live music destination.

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.

Anchorage is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Anchorage Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Edinburgh offers plenty to see. 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.

Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

Is Edinburgh or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Around Anchorage visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Anchorage?

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

Edinburgh is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Edinburgh or Anchorage Better for Families?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Edinburgh or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Both Edinburgh and Anchorage are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Couples visit Anchorage frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is Edinburgh or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is Edinburgh or Anchorage Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for students. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

Edinburgh is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Edinburgh and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Edinburgh than in Anchorage. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint city of Edinburgh. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Anchorage. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Anchorage has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Anchorage?

You'll find live music and shopping around the charming destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and food around the cultural destination of Anchorage. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant city of Edinburgh. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic city of Anchorage. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Anchorage?

Edinburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Anchorage is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Edinburgh and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Edinburgh is in Europe and Anchorage is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Anchorage?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage?

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 Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Anchorage. The summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

In July, Edinburgh is generally around the same temperature as Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Edinburgh is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Edinburgh during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In the winter, Edinburgh is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Anchorage. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during spring. In April, Edinburgh is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Edinburgh