A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Backpackers

Should you visit Edinburgh or Miami?

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 Miami 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. It's also known for museums, theater, and nightlife.

Miami

Miami is a bustling, high energy, and glamorous beach 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 Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Miami?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Edinburgh. Although Edinburgh and Miami are roughly the same size, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Miami attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities. 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. Miami is famous for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants.

How is Edinburgh different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Edinburgh that are not to be missed. 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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Edinburgh or Miami Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is well known for theatre. However, Miami 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.

Miami is not a theatre destination.

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

Miami is terrific for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Miami have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami Better for Nightlife?

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

Miami is a must-see party destination. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Edinburgh and Miami.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

In Miami you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Is Edinburgh or Miami Better for Resorts?

Miami is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Miami is a world class resort vacation destination. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Edinburgh or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is terrific for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Miami is considered to be a world-class beach destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Miami Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Miami 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.

Miami does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Miami?

Miami is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Miami draws large crowds to its stores. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Is Edinburgh or Miami Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Miami are superb 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.

Miami is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Edinburgh or Miami Better for Couples?

Both Edinburgh and Miami are superb 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 Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Is Edinburgh or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Edinburgh is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Edinburgh or Miami Better for Students?

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

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.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Edinburgh and Miami.

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 Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Edinburgh or Miami a more walkable city?

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

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

Miami is a very walkable city. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Miami or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Miami?

Both Edinburgh and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Miami than in Edinburgh. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

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

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

In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this character-filled 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.

People visit Miami because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Miami?

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.

People visit Miami because there is so much to do. 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 beach city has to offer. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Miami?

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.

People visit Miami because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Miami?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the charming 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.

Miami is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Miami, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Miami?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Miami, 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 Miami?

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 Miami in the Summer?

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

In July, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Miami. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Miami. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun.

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in July than Miami. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Miami. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Edinburgh is much colder than Miami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Miami during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Miami. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Miami in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Miami. The winter months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. In the winter, Edinburgh is much colder than Miami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Miami averages at about 67°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Miami. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in January than Miami. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Miami. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Miami during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Miami and Edinburgh