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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Paris?

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 Paris 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 character-filled, vibrant, and gothic 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 shopping, museums, and theater.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Edinburgh and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Edinburgh. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Edinburgh attracts visitors for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Edinburgh is famous for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Paris is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Edinburgh different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Edinburgh and Paris.

The museums and tourist attractions in Edinburgh are world-renowned. 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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Paris on the map. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Is Edinburgh or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for its theatre productions. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shows and theatre.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Edinburgh offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

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

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

Many restaurants in Paris have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

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

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 Paris you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Is Edinburgh or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Paris?

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

Known for shopping, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Edinburgh does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Edinburgh does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Edinburgh or Paris Better for Families?

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

Paris is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

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

Paris is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh and Paris are both terrific destinations for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Edinburgh is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Is Edinburgh or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Paris is a very popular city for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Edinburgh is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Paris?

Both Edinburgh and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Edinburgh. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Edinburgh 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 Paris.

One day in Edinburgh or Paris?

In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this ancient 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 Paris because there is so much to do. 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 Paris?

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 Paris because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Paris?

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 Paris because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Paris?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the character-filled 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.

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Paris. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Paris during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Paris. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Paris. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in October than Paris. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Paris because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Paris can be very cold. Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Edinburgh is cooler than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Paris during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Paris. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Edinburgh during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Paris. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Paris. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Paris. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Edinburgh