A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Sorrento for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Edinburgh or Sorrento?

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 Sorrento 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. 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. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a laid back, colorful, and historic small 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. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Edinburgh and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Edinburgh. Although Edinburgh and Sorrento are popular destinations, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Sorrento attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Edinburgh is more touristy than Sorrento and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also well known for The Edinburgh Castle. Sorrento is famous for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast.

How is Edinburgh different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Edinburgh that are not to be missed. 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Edinburgh or Sorrento Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a great destination for theatre. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Many restaurants in Sorrento have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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 Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Edinburgh know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Edinburgh or Sorrento Better for Music?

Edinburgh is renowned for live music. However, Sorrento is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is a world class music destination. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Sorrento is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

In Sorrento, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Edinburgh or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento 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 Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Edinburgh or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sorrento. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is renowned for its historic old town. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Edinburgh or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento 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 Sorrento. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Sorrento?

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

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 Sorrento. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Is Edinburgh or Sorrento Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Sorrento are great 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.

Sorrento is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Is Edinburgh or Sorrento Better for Couples?

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

Sorrento is a great small city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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 Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh and Sorrento are both world-class 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.

Sorrento is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

Is Edinburgh or Sorrento Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a great destination for students. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Sorrento 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 Sorrento can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

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 Sorrento a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is renowned for its walkability. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Sorrento is a very walkable city. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Sorrento?

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

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

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

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

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the small city of Sorrento. 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 Sorrento?

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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the accessible destination of Sorrento. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This small city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Sorrento?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the accessible small city of Sorrento. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this small city 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 small city has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento 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 Sorrento, 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Sorrento?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Edinburgh during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

In July, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Sorrento, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in July than Sorrento. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Sorrento. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sorrento for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Edinburgh is much colder than Sorrento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Sorrento. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Sorrento in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In the winter, Edinburgh is much colder than Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Sorrento in the Spring?

Both Sorrento and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Edinburgh