A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Isle of Skye vs. Cambridge for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Cambridge?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Cambridge. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a diverse, dramatic, and scenic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a scholarly, charming, and historic university town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Isle of Skye and Cambridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Cambridge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cambridge. Although Isle of Skye and Cambridge are both popular with visitors, Cambridge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cambridge is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Isle of Skye is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is popular for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Cambridge is popular for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. It is also home to King's College and the King's College Chapel.

How is Isle of Skye different from Cambridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cambridge and Isle of Skye. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Cambridge?

Cambridge is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cambridge. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Cambridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Isle of Skye and Cambridge.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Is Isle of Skye or Cambridge Better for Nightlife?

Cambridge is a good destination for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cambridge. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Cambridge Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Cambridge is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Isle of Skye for it's beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Cambridge is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Cambridge Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Cambridge is not a hiking destination.

Isle of Skye is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Cambridge is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Cambridge?

Cambridge is a very popular place for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Cambridge Better for Families?

Both Isle of Skye and Cambridge are good family-friendly destinations.

Isle of Skye is a family-friendly island. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cambridge. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Isle of Skye or Cambridge Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Cambridge both excellent destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

Couples visit Cambridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Is Isle of Skye or Cambridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Isle of Skye is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Is Isle of Skye or Cambridge Better for Students?

Cambridge is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

Cambridge is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

Is Isle of Skye or Cambridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cambridge is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cambridge has some public transit options. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Cambridge a more walkable city?

Cambridge is terrific for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cambridge. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Cambridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cambridge or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Cambridge?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Isle of Skye or Cambridge to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Isle of Skye than Cambridge because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cambridge.

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

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

One day in Isle of Skye or Cambridge?

You'll find food around the island of Isle of Skye. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

In Cambridge, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful university town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this university town.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Cambridge?

You'll find food around the dramatic destination of Isle of Skye. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Cambridge is a fun place to experience. 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.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Cambridge?

You'll find food around the stunning island of Isle of Skye. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scholarly destination of Cambridge. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isle of Skye or Cambridge?

Isle of Skye is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Cambridge is a popular place to visit. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 3-Day Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isle of Skye and Cambridge, we can see that Cambridge is more expensive. And not only is Isle of Skye much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Isle of Skye would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Isle of Skye 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 Cambridge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cambridge than you might in Isle of Skye.

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

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Cambridge?

Cambridge has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye and Cambridge, 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.