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

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Manchester?

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 Manchester. 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. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Manchester

Manchester is a diverse, cultural, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Isle of Skye and Manchester: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Manchester. Although Isle of Skye and Manchester are both popular with visitors, Manchester has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Manchester is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Isle of Skye is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also home to The National Football Museum.

How is Isle of Skye different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Manchester 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 Manchester. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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 Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Isle of Skye or Manchester Better for Nightlife?

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

Manchester has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Manchester Better for Music?

Manchester is a very popular place for live music. However, Isle of Skye is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Manchester while you're in town. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Isle of Skye is not a live music destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Manchester Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is great for its beaches. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Manchester Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is very popular for hiking. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Manchester?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Manchester Better for Families?

Manchester 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.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Manchester both high quality 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 Manchester frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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

Isle of Skye is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Isle of Skye or Manchester Better for Students?

Manchester is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

Many students visit Manchester. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Manchester is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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 Manchester a more walkable city?

Manchester is a good destination for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

Manchester is somewhat walkable. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

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

How long in Isle of Skye or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Isle of Skye or Manchester. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Isle of Skye due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 2-4 days is enough time in Manchester.

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

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

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

One day in Isle of Skye or Manchester?

With food around the dramatic island of Isle of Skye, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in Manchester 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 Manchester?

With food around the destination of Isle of Skye, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Manchester 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 Manchester?

Isle of Skye, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the dynamic big city of Manchester. 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 Manchester?

Isle of Skye is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Manchester 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 Manchester, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Manchester?

Manchester 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 Manchester, 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 Manchester?

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 Manchester in the Summer?

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

Isle of Skye is cooler than Manchester in the summer. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Manchester during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Manchester. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

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

In the autumn, Isle of Skye is cooler than Manchester. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Isle of Skye in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Manchester averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Manchester. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 97 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 Manchester. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Manchester 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 Manchester because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Manchester can be very cold. Isle of Skye can be very cold during winter. In January, Isle of Skye is generally a little warmer than Manchester. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 4°C (40°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Manchester during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 53 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 Manchester. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Manchester 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. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Manchester this time of year.

Isle of Skye is cooler than Manchester in the spring. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in April than Manchester. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Isle of Skye