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

Should you visit Isle of Skye or London?

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 London. 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 scenic, picturesque, and stunning island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

London

London is a international, historic, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Isle of Skye and London: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in London than Isle of Skye, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. London is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Isle of Skye is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. London is more touristy than Isle of Skye and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Isle of Skye is well known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles.

Big Ben

How is Isle of Skye different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Travelers visit London from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Isle of Skye or London Better for Theater?

London is terrific for theatre. However, Isle of Skye is not a theatre destination.

London is considered to be a world-class theater destination. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Isle of Skye is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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 London. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

Is Isle of Skye or London Better for Nightlife?

London is terrific for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

London is a must-see party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or London Better for Music?

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

London is known as a music capital around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Isle of Skye is not a live music destination.

Is Isle of Skye or London Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is a great island for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

Isle of Skye is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

London is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or London Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is terrific for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Isle of Skye specifically for its hiking. 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.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or London?

London is terrific for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in London. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or London Better for Christmas?

London is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Isle of Skye does not offer Christmas activities.

London offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Isle of Skye does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Isle of Skye or London Better for Christmas Markets?

London is terrific for visiting Christmas markets. However, Isle of Skye does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in London are not to be missed. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Isle of Skye does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Isle of Skye or London Better for Families?

London is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, London is very family-friendly. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London Better for Couples?

London is terrific for romance. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

London is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

Couples visit Isle of Skye frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

London 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 London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London Better for Students?

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

London is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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 London a more walkable city?

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in London. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

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

How long in Isle of Skye or London?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London 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 London.

One day in Isle of Skye or London?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Isle of Skye. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 London?

Isle of Skye is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

London is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Isle of Skye or London?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 London?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the diverse destination of Isle of Skye. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

London is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 London, we can see that London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 740 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye and London, 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 London?

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 London in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and London. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to London in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than London. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 13°C (55°F), and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than London during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than London. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as London. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Isle of Skye is cooler than London in the autumn. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than London. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 107 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in October than London. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both London and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to London because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in London can be very cold. Isle of Skye can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Isle of Skye is around the same temperature as London. Typically, the winter temperatures in Isle of Skye in January average around 4°C (40°F), and London averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than London during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Isle of Skye. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than London. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both London and Isle of Skye during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to London this time of year.

In April, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than London. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 7°C (44°F), and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets more sunshine than London. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 147 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in April than London. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for London and Isle of Skye