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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Houston?

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 Houston 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. 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. And you can't forget about the live music, shopping, and museums.

Houston

Houston is a southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Edinburgh and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Houston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Edinburgh than Houston. While Houston is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Houston is more popular for its food and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle. Houston is well known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Edinburgh different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Edinburgh are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

Is Edinburgh or Houston Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is well known for its theatre productions. However, Houston 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.

Houston is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Houston has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

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 Houston Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Edinburgh and Houston.

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.

Houston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Edinburgh or Houston Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Edinburgh In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Is Edinburgh or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Edinburgh is revered around 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.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Houston?

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

Edinburgh is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Edinburgh or Houston Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Houston are very good to visit with kids.

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.

Houston is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Edinburgh or Houston Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Edinburgh or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Edinburgh or Houston Better for Students?

Edinburgh is well known for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

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

Edinburgh is a good destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Edinburgh or Houston a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Houston?

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

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

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 Houston 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 Houston?

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 Houston because there is so much to do. 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 Houston?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse city of Houston. 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 Houston?

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.

Houston 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Edinburgh and Houston, we can see that Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Edinburgh during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Edinburgh is much colder than Houston in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Houston. 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 Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Edinburgh is much colder than Houston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Houston averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Houston. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Houston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Houston. 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 Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Edinburgh can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 3°C (38°F), and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. 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 Houston because of the activities around the city.

Edinburgh is much colder than Houston in the spring. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Houston. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Houston and Edinburgh