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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Seattle?

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 Seattle 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. 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. Other popular activities here include theater, nightlife, and live music.

Seattle

Seattle is a bustling, progressive, and cultural 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 beaches.

Edinburgh and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Seattle?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Edinburgh than Seattle. While Seattle is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Seattle is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Seattle and 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. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies.

How is Edinburgh different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Edinburgh on the map. 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 a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Edinburgh or Seattle Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is notable for its shows and theatre. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for theatre.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

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

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

Seattle has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place 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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Seattle is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Edinburgh or Seattle Better for Music?

Edinburgh is renowned for its music scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for live music.

In Edinburgh you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Seattle has diverse options. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is Edinburgh or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a city with good options for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle does not have a historic old town.

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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Edinburgh or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle 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 Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Seattle?

Edinburgh is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Edinburgh or Seattle Better for Families?

Edinburgh is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Edinburgh or Seattle Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Edinburgh is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Edinburgh or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is renowned for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Edinburgh is a very popular city to visit 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.

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Edinburgh or Seattle Better for Students?

Both Edinburgh and Seattle 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 Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

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

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 Seattle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Edinburgh or Seattle a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Seattle?

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

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

In Edinburgh, you'll find museums and theater. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Seattle?

In Edinburgh, you'll find theater and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Edinburgh has to offer.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Seattle?

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Edinburgh has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural city of Seattle. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. Many people enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting Edinburgh. 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.

Seattle is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Seattle. 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 Seattle because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Edinburgh is cooler than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Edinburgh in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In October, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 10°C (49°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Seattle. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Edinburgh during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Edinburgh in the winter. Edinburgh is much colder than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

Seattle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Seattle. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seattle in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Edinburgh is cooler than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Edinburgh in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Seattle. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Edinburgh