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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Howth?

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 Howth 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. 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 shopping, museums, and theater.

Howth

Howth is a picturesque, scenic, and peaceful fishing village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Edinburgh and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Howth?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Edinburgh than Howth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Howth is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Edinburgh is more touristy than Howth 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. Howth is well known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

How is Edinburgh different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

Is Edinburgh or Howth Better for Theater?

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

Howth is not a theatre destination.

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

Howth is a fishing village with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Howth has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

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 Howth Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Edinburgh or Howth Better for Music?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Howth is not a live music destination.

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.

Howth is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is a very popular place for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Howth attract visitors from all over. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Howth Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic old town.

Edinburgh offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Edinburgh or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Howth. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Howth?

Edinburgh is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Edinburgh or Howth Better for Families?

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

Edinburgh is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Edinburgh or Howth Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth 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.

Howth is a good city for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Edinburgh or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

Is Edinburgh or Howth Better for Students?

Edinburgh is well known for students. However, Howth 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.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Edinburgh and Howth.

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 Howth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Edinburgh or Howth a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Howth is a very walkable destination. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Edinburgh or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Edinburgh than Howth 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 Howth.

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

In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and museums around the fishing village of Howth. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Howth has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Howth. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this fishing village has to offer. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Howth?

Edinburgh is a fun place to experience. In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the museums and theater that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the picturesque fishing village of Howth. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Howth?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Howth is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth 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 Howth in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Edinburgh is around the same temperature as Howth in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Edinburgh often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in July than Howth. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Howth in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Howth. 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 Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Edinburgh is cooler than Howth. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Howth averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Edinburgh usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives around the same amount of rain as Howth. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Howth in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Howth. 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 Howth because of the museums and the cuisine.

Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. In January, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Howth. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 3°C (38°F), and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Howth. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in January than Howth. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth 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 small town charm are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

Edinburgh is cooler than Howth in the spring. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Howth. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Howth and Edinburgh