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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia 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 gothic, ancient, and charming 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. Visitors also love the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a historic, cultural, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Edinburgh and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Philadelphia?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Philadelphia. While Philadelphia is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is better known for its music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Philadelphia is more popular for its food, christmas markets, and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Philadelphia and is 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. Philadelphia is well known for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history.

How is Edinburgh different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Philadelphia on the map. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

Is Edinburgh or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Visitors will find high quality theaters and performances in Edinburgh and Philadelphia.

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.

Philadelphia offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

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

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

Philadelphia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

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 Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Edinburgh and Philadelphia.

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.

Philadelphia is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

Is Edinburgh or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its music scene.

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.

Philadelphia has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Is Edinburgh or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Edinburgh can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Philadelphia offers a nice historic old town area. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Philadelphia?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Edinburgh and Philadelphia.

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 Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Is Edinburgh or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Edinburgh does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Philadelphia is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Edinburgh does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Edinburgh or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for visiting Christmas markets. However, Edinburgh does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Edinburgh does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Edinburgh or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Philadelphia are high quality 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.

Philadelphia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Is Edinburgh or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Philadelphia is a good city for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Is Edinburgh or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Philadelphia is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Is Edinburgh or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Both Edinburgh and Philadelphia are high quality destinations 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.

Many students visit Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

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

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia can get you to some places easily. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

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 Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Edinburgh and Philadelphia are first-rate 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 Philadelphia on foot is easy. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Philadelphia?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Edinburgh than Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?

In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the museums and theater that this ancient city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

People visit Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?

Edinburgh is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

People visit Philadelphia because there is so much to do. 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 Philadelphia?

In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this gothic destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

A week in Edinburgh or Philadelphia?

Edinburgh is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Philadelphia 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When comparing the travel costs between Edinburgh and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia in the Summer?

Both Philadelphia and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Edinburgh is much colder than Philadelphia in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. In July, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and Edinburgh during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

In the autumn, Edinburgh is cooler than Philadelphia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 56°F (14°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphia. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Philadelphia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Philadelphia. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Philadelphia. It's quite cold in Edinburgh in the winter. In January, Edinburgh is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 3°C (38°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives around the same amount of rain as Philadelphia. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Philadelphia. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Edinburgh is much colder than Philadelphia in the spring. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Philadelphia. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Edinburgh