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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Cork?

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 Cork 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 ancient, charming, and character-filled 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. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Cork

Cork is a energetic, cultural, and seaside 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 Cork: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Cork?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Cork. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cork attracts visitors for its food. Edinburgh is more touristy than Cork and is popular 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. Cork is famous for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer.

How is Edinburgh different from Cork?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Edinburgh that are not to be missed. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cork. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

Is Edinburgh or Cork Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is notable for theatre. However, Cork is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Cork is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Cork has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

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 Cork Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Edinburgh and Cork.

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.

Cork is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

Is Edinburgh or Cork Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Cork is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is a world class music destination. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Cork is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Cork Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cork 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.

Cork does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Cork?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Edinburgh and Cork.

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 Cork. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

Is Edinburgh or Cork Better for Families?

Edinburgh is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Edinburgh is 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.

Cork is a family-friendly city. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Edinburgh or Cork Better for Couples?

Both Edinburgh and Cork are great 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 Cork frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

Is Edinburgh or Cork Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Edinburgh is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cork. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Is Edinburgh or Cork Better for Students?

Both Edinburgh and Cork are great destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Many students visit Cork. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

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

Edinburgh is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Edinburgh has a few public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Edinburgh or Cork a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cork or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Cork?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Edinburgh. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

A weekend in Edinburgh or Cork?

Edinburgh is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of Cork. 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 Cork?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Edinburgh. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the youthful city of Cork. 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 Cork?

The ancient city of Edinburgh offers museums and theater. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Cork 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 Ireland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Cork?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cork. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Cork, 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 Cork?

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 Cork in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Cork. The summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cork this time of year.

In July, Edinburgh is generally around the same temperature as Cork. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Cork fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Cork. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 178 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cork. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cork receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Cork in the Autumn?

Both Cork and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cork for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Edinburgh is cooler than Cork in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Cork fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Edinburgh usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cork during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Cork. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cork receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Cork in the Winter?

Both Cork and Edinburgh during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cork in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In the winter, Edinburgh is much colder than Cork. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Cork averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Cork. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 60 hours of full sun.

Cork gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in January than Cork. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cork receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Cork in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Cork. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cork for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Cork. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Cork fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Cork during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Cork. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cork receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cork and Edinburgh