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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Hvar?

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 Hvar 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. 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 nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a vibrant, energetic, and party-oriented island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Edinburgh than Hvar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Hvar is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Edinburgh is well known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle. Hvar is well known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine.

How is Edinburgh different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

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 Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

Is Edinburgh or Hvar Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is notable for its theatre productions. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Hvar has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

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

Hvar is a must-see party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Music?

Edinburgh is renowned for its live music scene. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a island with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Edinburgh or Hvar Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Hvar attract visitors from all over. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is renowned for its old town. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Edinburgh or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a island with good options for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Hvar?

Edinburgh is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Edinburgh or Hvar Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Hvar are great 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.

Hvar is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Edinburgh or Hvar Better for Couples?

Both Edinburgh and Hvar 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 Hvar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Edinburgh or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh and Hvar are both world-class destinations for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Edinburgh is extremely popular 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.

Hvar is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

Is Edinburgh or Hvar Better for Students?

Edinburgh is notable for students. However, Hvar is not popular with 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Hvar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Edinburgh or Hvar a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Edinburgh or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Edinburgh due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

Couples should spend more time in Edinburgh than Hvar. 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 Hvar 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 Hvar?

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 nightlife and food around the island of Hvar. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Hvar?

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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the energetic destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful island of Hvar. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Hvar?

The vibrant 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.

Hvar 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Hvar?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

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

Edinburgh is much colder than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar 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 Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Edinburgh is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Hvar. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar 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 Hvar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In January, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 3°C (38°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Hvar in the Spring?

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

Edinburgh is much colder than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Hvar. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Edinburgh