A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Interlaken for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Edinburgh or Interlaken?

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 Interlaken 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. 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, theater, and nightlife.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning, adventurous, and adrenaline-filled town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Edinburgh and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Interlaken?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Edinburgh. Although Edinburgh and Interlaken are popular destinations, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Edinburgh is famous 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. Interlaken is famous for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes.

How is Edinburgh different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Interlaken and Edinburgh. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Edinburgh or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a town with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Edinburgh is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Edinburgh is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Edinburgh or Interlaken?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Edinburgh from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Edinburgh or Interlaken Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is an excellent place to visit for theatre. However, Interlaken is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Interlaken is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Interlaken has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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 Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Edinburgh has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Edinburgh or Interlaken Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for live music. However, Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is known as a music capital around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Interlaken Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Edinburgh or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Around Interlaken visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Interlaken?

Edinburgh is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Edinburgh or Interlaken Better for Families?

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

Interlaken is an extremely popular town to visit for families. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Interlaken is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Edinburgh or Interlaken Better for Students?

Edinburgh is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Edinburgh is very popular with students. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Interlaken can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Interlaken?

In either Edinburgh or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Edinburgh has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Edinburgh than Interlaken. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edinburgh than Interlaken 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 Interlaken?

With live music and shopping around the charming city of Edinburgh, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find skiing and food around the town of Interlaken. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Interlaken?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Edinburgh, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find food and skiing around the breathtaking destination of Interlaken. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Interlaken?

Edinburgh, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find skiing and food around the breathtaking town of Interlaken. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Interlaken?

Edinburgh is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Interlaken is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Edinburgh and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Edinburgh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Interlaken?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Interlaken in the Summer?

Both Interlaken and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Interlaken. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken and Edinburgh during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Edinburgh is cooler than Interlaken in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Interlaken. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Interlaken in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Interlaken. The winter months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. In the winter, Edinburgh is around the same temperature as Interlaken. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Interlaken averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Interlaken. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty.

In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Edinburgh