A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Lindau for Attractions, Old Town, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Edinburgh or Lindau?

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 Lindau 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.

Lindau

Lindau is a alpine, picturesque, and fun-filled town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food.

Edinburgh and Lindau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
  • Home to the Edinburgh Castle
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Lindau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Edinburgh than Lindau, 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, and quaint atmosphere, while Lindau is more popular for its food and small town charm. Edinburgh is more touristy than Lindau 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. Lindau is well known for its lakefront location and quaint old town.

How is Edinburgh different from Lindau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh
Lindau

Edinburgh is terrific for its museums and landmarks. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options 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.

While most people don't head to Lindau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is more about it's beautiful setting than landmarks and museums, but there are some interesting sights including the harbor and lighthouse.


Is Edinburgh or Lindau Better for Theater?

Edinburgh
Lindau

Edinburgh is a great destination for its theatre productions. However, Lindau 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.

Lindau is not a theatre destination.

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

Edinburgh
Lindau

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

Lindau has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to the waterfront for the best seafood restaurants. Many restaurants use seasonal ingredients and serve local fish. The local whitefish is particularly popular. Dishes are influenced by the town's proximity to Switzerland and Austria, so you'll enjoy a hybrid of flavors and recipes.

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 Lindau Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh
Lindau

Edinburgh is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Edinburgh know how to have a good time. 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.

Lindau doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's not known for its nightlife scene but there are bars where you can enjoy a relaxing night out.


Is Edinburgh or Lindau Better for Music?

Edinburgh
Lindau

Edinburgh is terrific for its live music scene. However, Lindau 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.

Lindau is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Lindau Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh
Lindau

Edinburgh is terrific for its old town. Also, Lindau is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Edinburgh has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lindau. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Lindau?

Edinburgh
Lindau

Edinburgh is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Lindau 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.

Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Edinburgh or Lindau Better for Families?

Edinburgh
Lindau

Both Edinburgh and Lindau 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.

Lindau is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to the waterfront where there's a playground, stand up paddleboarding, paddleboats, and more. Kids will also enjoy climbing to the top of the Old Lighthouse or exploring the Museum of Local History.

Is Edinburgh or Lindau Better for Couples?

Edinburgh
Lindau

Both Edinburgh and Lindau 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 Lindau frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming old town, beautiful waterfront, great seafood restaurants, and nice hotels, couples will really enjoy a few days away at this lakefront town. It's the perfect place to have a romantic weekend.

Is Edinburgh or Lindau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh
Lindau

Edinburgh is terrific for backpackers. Also, Lindau is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lindau. The town has a couple of hostels and affordable hotels that make this waterfront town accessible to backpackers and budget travelers.


Is Edinburgh or Lindau Better for Students?

Edinburgh
Lindau

Edinburgh is a great destination for students. However, Lindau 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.

Lindau is not popular with students.

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

Edinburgh
Lindau

Edinburgh is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options 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 Lindau. It's possible to reach town by bus or train and once you're in town you can walk many places.

Is Edinburgh or Lindau a more walkable city?

Edinburgh
Lindau

Edinburgh is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Lindau 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

Lindau is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and there are also many walks into the countryside.


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

Should I spend more time in Lindau or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Lindau?

It's fun to spend time in either Edinburgh or Lindau. 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 Lindau.

Families should spend more time in Edinburgh than Lindau. 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 Lindau. 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 Lindau 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.


  • How many days in Edinburgh or Lindau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Edinburgh 2-5 
    Lindau 2-4

One day in Edinburgh or Lindau?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though Lindau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Lindau?

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lindau is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Lindau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lindau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Edinburgh or Lindau?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the charming destination of Edinburgh. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lindau is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Lindau or Edinburgh?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Edinburgh is £142, while the average daily cost in Lindau is £139. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Edinburgh and Lindau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Edinburgh £74
    Lindau £78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Edinburgh £148
    Lindau £156
Compare Hotels in Edinburgh and Lindau

Looking for a hotel in Edinburgh or Lindau? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Edinburgh


Hotels in Lindau


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Edinburgh Hotel Prices and Lindau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Edinburgh £17
    Lindau £34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Edinburgh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:


  • Local Bus
    £3.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh

Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer to/from Edinburgh City, St'Andrews etc.: $112
  • Airport Transfer: Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Business Car: $129
  • Airport Transfer: Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Luxury Van: $153
  • Airport Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Business Car: $129
  • Airport Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Luxury Car: $163
  • Airport Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Luxury Van: $153
  • Arrival Transfer Edinburgh Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Minivan: $95
  • Central Edinburgh Hotels to Edinburgh Airport Transfers 1-3: $255
  • Departure Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Business Car: $129
  • Edinburgh Accommodation to Edinburgh Airport Departure Transfer: $59
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Edinburgh Luxury Taxi Transfer: $152
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Glasgow - Arrival Private Transfer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Edinburgh or Lindau?

Prices for flights to both Lindau and Edinburgh change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Edinburgh £39
    Lindau £39
Typical Food Prices in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    £8.50
  • Dinner at Filling Station
    £10
  • Lunch for Two
    £15
  • Sandwich
    £1.85
  • Cheese & bread
    £7.23
  • Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    £25
  • 2 Coffees and Scones
    £5.80
  • Turkish Delight
    £1.40
  • Soup at the Pub
    £5.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $31
  • Scottish Dinner and Folk Music Experience: $87
  • Edinburgh Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
  • 'Scotland meets Sardinia' - 8-course Dinner in Leith, Edinburgh: $110
  • 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $116
  • Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $120
  • Edinburgh Food Tour with a Local Foodie Custom & Private: $167

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Edinburgh £20
    Lindau £24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Edinburgh

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Show Tickets
    £32
  • Movie Tickets for Two
    £12
  • Donation for Storytellers
    £6.00

Tours and Activities in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.74
  • Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour: $4.36
  • Audio Tour Royal Mile: del Castillo hasta "The Tron Kirk": $5.34
  • Edinbourgh, Royal mile: walking tour with audio guide: $5.35
  • Edinburgh Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $5.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Audio Tour through History of Crime: $7.00
  • Edinburgh Royal mile: Self-guided walking tour: $7.19
  • Must-See In App Audio Tour: $7.61
  • Edinburgh Royal Mile (New Self Guided Tour) : $7.99
  • Harry Potter’s A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Tours and Activities in Lindau

Here are a few actual costs in Lindau for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Lindau - Town Highlights Walking Tour: $321
  • Lindau Private Christmas Market Tour: $267
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Edinburgh £15
    Lindau £21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Edinburgh

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:


  • Beer & Wine
    £14
  • Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern
    £1.65

Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh

Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Discounts: $11
  • Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $19
  • Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: $19
  • Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour with "Real-Actors": $25
  • East Lothian: Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting: $26
  • Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $28
  • Pickering's Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour: $31
  • Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting: $31
  • Whisky Tasting and Tales at Summerhall Distillery: $31
  • Pub Crawl 7 Bars with 6 Shots: $31
  • The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: $32
  • Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery: $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Lindau

Also in Lindau, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Lake Constance wine tour > day tour > wine tasting at 3 winemakers: $195


When comparing the travel costs between Edinburgh and Lindau, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Lindau?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lindau. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Lindau, 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.