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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Nashville?

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 Nashville 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. 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 nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Nashville

Nashville is a southern, country music lovers, and eclectic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, food, and museums.

Edinburgh and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Nashville?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Nashville. While Nashville is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Nashville attracts visitors for its food and resorts. Edinburgh is more touristy than Nashville and is known 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. Nashville is famous for its influence in country music and its many live music venues.

How is Edinburgh different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

Is Edinburgh or Nashville Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for theatre. However, Nashville 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.

Nashville is not a theatre destination.

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

Nashville is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Nashville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

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 Nashville Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Edinburgh and Nashville.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Nashville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Is Edinburgh or Nashville Better for Music?

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

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 Nashville you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Is Edinburgh or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nashville makes a nice vacation spot. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Edinburgh or Nashville Better for its Old Town?

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

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Nashville?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Edinburgh or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a city with good options for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Edinburgh does not offer Christmas activities.

Christmas holiday activities are popular when visiting Nashville. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Edinburgh does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Edinburgh or Nashville Better for Families?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Edinburgh or Nashville Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Edinburgh or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nashville 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Is Edinburgh or Nashville Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for 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.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

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

Edinburgh is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Edinburgh or Nashville a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options 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

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Edinburgh and Nashville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Edinburgh than in Nashville. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nashville.

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint city of Edinburgh. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Nashville. 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 Nashville?

You'll find live music and shopping around the ancient destination of Edinburgh. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the southern destination of Nashville. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Nashville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the charming city of Edinburgh. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the country music lovers city of Nashville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Nashville?

Edinburgh 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.

Nashville is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Edinburgh and Nashville, 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. Even though Edinburgh is in Europe and Nashville is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Nashville, 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 Nashville?

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 Nashville in the Summer?

Both Nashville and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

In July, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Nashville during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Nashville. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Nashville in the Autumn?

Both Nashville and Edinburgh during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Nashville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Edinburgh is much colder than Nashville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Nashville. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Edinburgh or Nashville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Nashville. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Nashville in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nashville can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In the winter, Edinburgh is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Nashville averages at about 38°F (4°C).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Nashville during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Nashville. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Nashville. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Nashville for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Nashville. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nashville. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Nashville. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nashville and Edinburgh