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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Nice?

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 Nice 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.

Nice

Nice is a chic, glamourous, and beautiful seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Edinburgh and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Nice?

You'll generally find more things to do in Edinburgh than Nice. Edinburgh is bigger than Nice, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. 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. Nice is well known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities.

How is Edinburgh different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Edinburgh or Nice Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for its theatre productions. However, Nice 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.

Nice is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

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

Nice is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Music?

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

Nice is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Nice Better for Resorts?

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

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Edinburgh or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a seaside destination 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 Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Edinburgh or Nice Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Nice attract visitors from all over. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is renowned for its old town. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Nice?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Edinburgh and Nice.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Edinburgh or Nice Better for Families?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Edinburgh is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Nice is a family-friendly city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Edinburgh or Nice Better for Couples?

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

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is renowned for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit 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 Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Edinburgh or Nice Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for students. However, Nice 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice 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 Nice can get you to some places easily. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

Edinburgh and Nice are world-class when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Nice?

In either Edinburgh or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the quaint seaside destination of Nice. 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 Nice?

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 shopping and nightlife around the trendy destination of Nice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This seaside destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the character-filled 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the glamourous seaside destination of Nice. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this seaside destination makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside destination has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Nice?

The ancient 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.

Nice is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Nice?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

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

Edinburgh is much colder than Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in July than Nice. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice 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 Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Edinburgh is much colder than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. In October, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Nice. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice 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. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In January, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 3°C (38°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

Should I visit Edinburgh or Nice in the Spring?

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

Edinburgh is much colder than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Nice. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Edinburgh