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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Venice?

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 Venice 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 vibrant, gothic, and ancient 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 museums, theater, and nightlife.

Venice

Venice is a historic, beautiful, and romantic city. 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 shopping, museums, and food.

Edinburgh and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Venice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Edinburgh than Venice, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Edinburgh is more popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Venice is known for its food, shopping, 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. Venice is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges.

How is Edinburgh different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Venice on the map. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Is Edinburgh or Venice Better for Theater?

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

Edinburgh has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Venice is not a theatre destination.

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

Venice is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Venice has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

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 Venice Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice 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 Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Edinburgh or Venice Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Both Edinburgh and Venice have amazing 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 Venice is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Venice?

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

Known for shopping, Venice draws large crowds to its stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Venice are superb 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.

Venice is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Edinburgh or Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Edinburgh or Venice Better for Students?

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

Venice is a very popular city for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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 Venice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Venice 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 Venice can take you anywhere. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice a more walkable city?

Edinburgh and Venice are amazing 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 Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Venice?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Venice. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Venice?

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Venice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the romantic city of Venice. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the gothic destination of Edinburgh. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Venice is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Venice?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Venice. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Edinburgh is much colder than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Edinburgh in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Venice during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Venice. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Venice in the Autumn?

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

In October, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 10°C (49°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Venice. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Venice. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

It's quite cold in Venice in the winter. The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. Edinburgh is a little warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Venice during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Edinburgh or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Edinburgh during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Venice for the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Venice. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Venice. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Edinburgh