A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Loch Lomond National Park vs. Edinburgh for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Loch Lomond National Park and Edinburgh 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.

Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is a relaxing, scenic, and serene national park. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled 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 nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Loch Lomond National Park and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Edinburgh. Although Loch Lomond National Park and Edinburgh are both popular with visitors, Edinburgh has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Edinburgh is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Loch Lomond National Park is known for its hiking. Edinburgh is more touristy than Loch Lomond National Park and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also home to The Edinburgh Castle. Loch Lomond National Park is popular for becoming the first designated national park in Scotland in 2002.

How is Loch Lomond National Park different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Edinburgh and Loch Lomond National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Edinburgh has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Loch Lomond National Park and Edinburgh can be difficult as they are each decent in their own way.

Loch Lomond National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find some traditional Scottish food to sample but in general for the best food, head to one of the nicer hotels in the area.

Edinburgh offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Edinburgh has something for everybody. 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.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park 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.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have a historic old town.

Edinburgh offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh Better for Hiking?

Loch Lomond National Park is a national park with good options for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Loch Lomond National Park. You can choose from relaxing walks or more strenuous hikes and options run along the shoreline or into the surrounding hills and forests. Some of the more popular hikes in the area include Ben Lomond, Conic Hill, and Callander Crags.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Both Loch Lomond National Park and Edinburgh are great to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Loch Lomond National Park. You'll find a wide range of diverse activities for kids around the park. They can explore the maze at the Lodge Forest Visitor Center, get up close with animals at Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, or Loch Lomond Pony Trekking, or have an adventure at Doune Castle. Other highlights for the kids include Wellsfield Farm and the Maid of the Loch Paddle Steamer.

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Both Loch Lomond National Park and Edinburgh are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Loch Lomond National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. There are many waterfront accommodation options that make for a beautiful and peaceful couples retreat. The nature and serenity is perfect for couples who want to get away from it all.

Edinburgh is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Loch Lomond National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Loch Lomond National Park. There are some camping options available for backpackers and those who want to experience nature in its fullest.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Loch Lomond National Park is not popular with students.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Edinburgh is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Edinburgh offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Loch Lomond National Park. You can reach the park by train, but transportation option within the area are generally limited.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

Edinburgh is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Loch Lomond National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Loch Lomond National Park?

How long in Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh?

In either Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Edinburgh than Loch Lomond National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Loch Lomond National Park, and 2-5 days is enough time in Edinburgh.

Families should spend more time in Edinburgh than Loch Lomond National Park. 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 Loch Lomond National Park. 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 Loch Lomond National Park 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 Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh?

You'll find around the national park of Loch Lomond National Park. 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.

Visitors enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the character-filled city of Edinburgh. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh?

You'll find around the relaxing destination of Loch Lomond National Park. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Edinburgh. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic national park of Loch Lomond National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Edinburgh is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Visiting the old town is also a must. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Loch Lomond National Park or Edinburgh?

Loch Lomond National Park is a popular choice for travelers. 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 choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Loch Lomond National Park and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Loch Lomond National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Loch Lomond National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Loch Lomond National Park 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 Loch Lomond National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Loch Lomond National Park Expensive? and Is Edinburgh Expensive?.