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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne 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 charming, character-filled, and vibrant 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. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Edinburgh and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Carcassonne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Edinburgh. Although Edinburgh and Carcassonne are popular destinations, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Edinburgh is more touristy than Carcassonne and is known 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. Carcassonne is famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Edinburgh different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Edinburgh from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Carcassonne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

Is Edinburgh or Carcassonne Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for theatre. However, Carcassonne is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Carcassonne is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Carcassonne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Edinburgh or Carcassonne Better for Music?

Edinburgh is very popular for live music. However, Carcassonne is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is known as a music capital around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Carcassonne is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Edinburgh has a world-famous historical 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 people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Carcassonne?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Edinburgh or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Edinburgh or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Edinburgh or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Carcassonne is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Is Edinburgh or Carcassonne Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Edinburgh and Carcassonne.

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 Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Edinburgh or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Edinburgh and Carcassonne are fantastic 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 Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Edinburgh or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Edinburgh than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming city of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and museums around the town of Carcassonne. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Carcassonne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the ancient destination of Edinburgh. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and food around the medieval destination of Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the character-filled city of Edinburgh. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historical town of Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Edinburgh. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Carcassonne 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Carcassonne?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Edinburgh during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Edinburgh is much colder than Carcassonne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Carcassonne. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Edinburgh can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Edinburgh is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Carcassonne. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

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

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Edinburgh