A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom London vs. Edinburgh for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit London or Edinburgh?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between London and Edinburgh can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a global, international, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a vibrant, gothic, and ancient 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 museums, theater, and nightlife.

London and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Edinburgh?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Edinburgh, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Edinburgh is known for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. London is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Edinburgh is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series.

Big Ben

How is London different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in London or Edinburgh?

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Edinburgh and London.

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

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Edinburgh that are not to be missed. 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.

Is London or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

London is terrific for its theatre productions. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shows and theatre.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in London that are not to be missed. 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.

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.

Is the Food Better in London or Edinburgh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

London has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

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 London or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

London is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Edinburgh is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is London or Edinburgh Better for Music?

London and Edinburgh are both destinations where visitors can find amazing live music.

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Edinburgh is a world class music destination. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Is London or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, London 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Edinburgh?

London is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, London draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is London or Edinburgh Better for Christmas?

London is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Edinburgh Better for Christmas Markets?

London is terrific for visiting Christmas markets. However, Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Edinburgh Better for Families?

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

London is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Edinburgh is known to be 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 London or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

London is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

London is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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 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 London or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both London and Edinburgh are amazing places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Edinburgh is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Is London or Edinburgh Better for Students?

London is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

London is a very popular city 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.

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.

Is London or Edinburgh 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. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is London or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

London and Edinburgh are amazing when it comes to walkability.

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

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

For even more information, also check out Is London Worth Visiting? and Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or London?

How long in London or Edinburgh?

In either London or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in London than Edinburgh because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-5 days is enough time in Edinburgh.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Edinburgh 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 London or Edinburgh?

People visit London because there is so much to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or Edinburgh?

People visit London because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in London or Edinburgh?

People visit London because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in London or Edinburgh?

London is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in London, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant destination of Edinburgh. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, London or Edinburgh?

London has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Edinburgh in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Edinburgh. Many travelers come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, London is generally a little warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

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

London is a little warmer than Edinburgh in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, London often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in October than Edinburgh. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Edinburgh in the Winter?

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

The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. London can be very cold during winter. In the winter, London is a little warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 3°C (38°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Edinburgh in the Spring?

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

In April, London is generally a little warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, London often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.

London usually gets more rain in April than Edinburgh. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and London