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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Budapest?

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 Budapest 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. Visitors also love the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Budapest

Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Edinburgh and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Budapest?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Budapest. While Budapest is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Budapest is more popular for its big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Budapest and is 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. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.

How is Edinburgh different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Edinburgh are world-renowned. 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 Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Is Edinburgh or Budapest Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is great for its theatre productions. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Edinburgh and Budapest.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edinburgh. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Edinburgh or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Budapest is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Edinburgh or Budapest Better for Music?

Edinburgh is terrific for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Edinburgh has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Budapest?

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

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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Edinburgh or Budapest Better for Families?

Edinburgh is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Edinburgh or Budapest Better for Couples?

Both Edinburgh and Budapest are superb 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 Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Edinburgh or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh and Budapest are both amazing destinations for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Edinburgh is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Budapest is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Is Edinburgh or Budapest Better for Students?

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

Budapest is a very popular city for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Budapest can take you anywhere. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Budapest a more walkable city?

Edinburgh and Budapest are amazing 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 Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Budapest?

In either Edinburgh or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Edinburgh has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Edinburgh than Budapest. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

The beautiful city of Edinburgh offers theater and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. 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 Budapest?

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

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. 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.

Five days in Edinburgh or Budapest?

Edinburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

People visit Budapest 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Budapest?

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.

Budapest 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.

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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Edinburgh and Budapest, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh than you might in Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Budapest in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Budapest. 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 Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Edinburgh is cooler than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Budapest. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Budapest. 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 Budapest because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Edinburgh is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Budapest this time of year.

It's quite cold in Budapest in the winter. The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. In January, Edinburgh is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 3°C (38°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Budapest. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Edinburgh during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Edinburgh is much colder than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Budapest. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Edinburgh