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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore 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 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.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Baltimore?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Edinburgh than Baltimore. While Baltimore is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Baltimore is more popular for its food. Edinburgh is more touristy than Baltimore and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle. Baltimore is well known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

How is Edinburgh different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Baltimore 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Is Edinburgh or Baltimore Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is well known for its theatre productions. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Baltimore has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Edinburgh and Baltimore.

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.

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Edinburgh or Baltimore Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Baltimore Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Baltimore?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Edinburgh and Baltimore.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Edinburgh or Baltimore Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Baltimore are superb to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. 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.

Baltimore is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Edinburgh or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Edinburgh or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Edinburgh or Baltimore Better for Students?

Edinburgh is well known for students. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Baltimore can get you to some places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Baltimore?

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

Families should spend more time in Edinburgh than Baltimore. 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 Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

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 Baltimore. 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 Baltimore?

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 nightlife around the colorful destination of Baltimore. 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 Baltimore?

You'll find shopping and museums around the charming 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 nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Baltimore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Baltimore?

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.

Baltimore is a popular choice for travelers. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Edinburgh and Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

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 Baltimore in the Summer?

Both Baltimore and Edinburgh during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Edinburgh is much colder than Baltimore in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun.

Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in July than Baltimore. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Baltimore. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Edinburgh is cooler than Baltimore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Baltimore averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baltimore. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Baltimore in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Baltimore. The winter months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. In January, Edinburgh is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 3°C (38°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in January than Baltimore. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city.

Edinburgh is much colder than Baltimore in the spring. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Baltimore. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Edinburgh