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

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Edinburgh?

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 Edinburgh. 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 stunning, diverse, and dramatic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a charming, character-filled, and vibrant 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. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

Isle of Skye and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Edinburgh. Although Isle of Skye and Edinburgh are popular destinations, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Isle of Skye attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Edinburgh is more touristy than Isle of Skye and is known 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. Isle of Skye is famous for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles.

How is Isle of Skye different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is terrific for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Edinburgh from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Isle of Skye or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for theatre. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Isle of Skye has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

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 Isle of Skye or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is terrific for live music. However, Isle of Skye is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is known as a music capital around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Isle of Skye is not a live music destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Edinburgh Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is a very popular place for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Isle of Skye attract visitors from all over. 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.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is terrific for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

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.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Edinburgh Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Around Isle of Skye visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Edinburgh?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Isle of Skye. 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.

Is Isle of Skye or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Edinburgh both very good 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 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 Isle of Skye or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Edinburgh. 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.

Isle of Skye is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

Is Isle of Skye or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

Edinburgh 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.

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.

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 Edinburgh a more walkable city?

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

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

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

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

How long in Isle of Skye or Edinburgh?

In either Isle of Skye or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Edinburgh has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Edinburgh than Isle of Skye. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edinburgh than Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Edinburgh?

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 Edinburgh, many people enjoy the museums and theater that this character-filled city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Edinburgh?

You'll find food around the scenic 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.

Edinburgh is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Edinburgh?

You'll find food around the picturesque 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.

In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this gothic destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isle of Skye or Edinburgh?

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.

Edinburgh is a popular place to visit. 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. 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 Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh 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 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 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 Edinburgh Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye and Edinburgh, 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 Isle of Skye or Edinburgh?

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 Isle of Skye or Edinburgh in the Summer?

Both Edinburgh and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Isle of Skye is cooler than Edinburgh. Typically, the summer temperatures in Isle of Skye in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

Both Edinburgh and Isle of Skye during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

In October, Isle of Skye is generally around the same temperature as Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 9°C (49°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Edinburgh. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in October than Edinburgh. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Edinburgh in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Edinburgh. The cuisine are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. It's quite cold in Isle of Skye in the winter. Isle of Skye is a little warmer than Edinburgh in the winter. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.

Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Edinburgh in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Edinburgh. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Isle of Skye is around the same temperature as Edinburgh. Typically, the spring temperatures in Isle of Skye in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in April than Edinburgh. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Isle of Skye