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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Calais?

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 Calais 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 character-filled, vibrant, and gothic 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and theater.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Edinburgh and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Edinburgh than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Edinburgh is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Calais is known for its food and beaches. Edinburgh is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also home to The Edinburgh Castle. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Edinburgh different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Edinburgh on the map. 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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Is Edinburgh or Calais Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is well known for its shows and theatre. However, Calais is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Calais is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Calais has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

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 Calais Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Edinburgh or Calais Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Calais is not a live music destination.

In Edinburgh you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Calais is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais 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 Calais. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Edinburgh can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Calais?

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

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Edinburgh or Calais Better for Families?

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

Edinburgh is known to be 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Edinburgh or Calais Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Edinburgh or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Edinburgh is a very popular city to visit 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Edinburgh or Calais Better for Students?

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

Edinburgh is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Edinburgh and Calais.

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 Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Edinburgh or Calais a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Calais?

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

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

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 shopping and museums around the city of Calais. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calais has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Calais?

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 museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Calais. 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 Calais?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Calais. 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 Calais?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the ancient 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.

Calais 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Edinburgh and Calais, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Calais much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calais would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calais 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 Calais.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Calais?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Edinburgh during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Edinburgh is cooler than Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Edinburgh in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Calais, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Calais. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in July than Calais. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Calais. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Calais. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 10°C (49°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Calais during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Calais. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Calais in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Calais. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Calais because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Calais can be very cold. Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. Edinburgh is cooler than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Calais. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in January than Calais. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In the spring, Edinburgh is cooler than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Edinburgh in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Calais during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives around the same amount of rain as Calais. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Calais and Edinburgh