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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Positano?

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 Positano 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 charming, character-filled, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums.

Positano

Positano is a picturesque, colorful, and stunning Mediterranean village. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Edinburgh and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Edinburgh. Although Edinburgh and Positano are both popular with visitors, Edinburgh has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Edinburgh is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Positano is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Edinburgh is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also home to The Edinburgh Castle. Positano is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere.

How is Edinburgh different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Edinburgh has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Edinburgh or Positano Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is great for its shows and theatre. However, Positano is not a theatre destination.

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.

Positano is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Many restaurants in Positano have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

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 Positano Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is great for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Edinburgh for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Edinburgh or Positano Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Positano is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Positano is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Positano Better for Resorts?

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

Positano is a world class resort vacation destination. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Edinburgh or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Edinburgh or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with good options for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Positano. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Both Edinburgh and Positano have fantastic historic old towns worth visiting.

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.

The old town of Positano is one of the most recognized in the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Is Edinburgh or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Positano. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Positano?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Edinburgh and Positano.

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 Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Edinburgh or Positano Better for Families?

Edinburgh is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Edinburgh. 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.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Edinburgh or Positano Better for Couples?

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

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon 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 Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Edinburgh, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Is Edinburgh or Positano Better for Students?

Edinburgh is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with 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.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Edinburgh and Positano.

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 Positano, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Edinburgh or Positano a more walkable city?

Edinburgh and Positano are fantastic 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 Positano on foot is easy. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Positano?

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

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

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

The beautiful city of Edinburgh offers theater and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Positano?

Edinburgh is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this Mediterranean village has to offer. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Positano?

Edinburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this Mediterranean village has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Positano?

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Positano 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 Positano, 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Positano?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Positano. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Edinburgh is much colder than Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Edinburgh in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Positano. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Positano. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Positano. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 10°C (49°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Positano. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Edinburgh can get quite cold in the winter. Edinburgh is much colder than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In January, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Positano. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Edinburgh during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Edinburgh is much colder than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Edinburgh in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Positano. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Edinburgh