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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Chicago?

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 Chicago 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. 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 museums, theater, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a multicultural, edgey, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and theater.

Edinburgh and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Chicago?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago than Edinburgh, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chicago is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Edinburgh is known for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Edinburgh is more touristy than Chicago and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Chicago is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Edinburgh different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Edinburgh and Chicago.

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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Chicago on the map. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Is Edinburgh or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is terrific for its theatre productions. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shows and theatre.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Chicago that are not to be missed. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

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.

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

Chicago is terrific for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Chicago have been singled out for their culinary prowess. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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 Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Chicago is a must-see party destination. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Chicago Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Edinburgh and Chicago.

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.

In Chicago you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Is Edinburgh or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago 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 Chicago. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Edinburgh is one of the most recognized in 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.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Chicago?

Chicago is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Chicago draws large crowds to its stores. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Edinburgh does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Chicago is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Edinburgh does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Edinburgh or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a city with good options for visiting Christmas markets. However, Edinburgh does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago is a nice place to see Christmas markets. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Edinburgh does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Edinburgh or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Chicago is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Chicago Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is a great destination for couples. Also, Chicago 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.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Edinburgh or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is renowned for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Edinburgh or Chicago Better for Students?

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

Chicago is a very popular city for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

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 Chicago Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chicago 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 Chicago can take you anywhere. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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 Chicago a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Chicago 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

Chicago is very walkable. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Chicago?

In either Edinburgh or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Chicago has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Chicago than Edinburgh. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Edinburgh. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chicago, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

One day in Edinburgh or Chicago?

In Edinburgh, you'll find museums and theater. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

In Edinburgh, you'll find theater and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Edinburgh has to offer.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Chicago?

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Edinburgh has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

People visit Chicago 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. Many people enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting Edinburgh. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chicago 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Edinburgh and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Edinburgh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Edinburgh is in Europe and Chicago is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Edinburgh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Edinburgh 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago than you might in Edinburgh.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Chicago, 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 Chicago?

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 Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Edinburgh is much colder than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Edinburgh in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Chicago. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Chicago because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 10°C (49°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Chicago. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Chicago in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Chicago in the winter. The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. Edinburgh is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago 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 Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Edinburgh is much colder than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Edinburgh in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Chicago. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Chicago. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Edinburgh