A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Manchester vs. Aberdeen for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Manchester or Aberdeen?

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 Manchester and Aberdeen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a authentic, historic, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester and Aberdeen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Aberdeen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester than Aberdeen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Manchester is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Aberdeen is known for its historical sights. 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. Aberdeen is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities.

How is Manchester different from Aberdeen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Manchester or Aberdeen?

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Manchester or Aberdeen.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Aberdeen can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Is the Food Better in Manchester or Aberdeen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Manchester makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Manchester or Aberdeen Better for Nightlife?

Manchester is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Manchester offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is Manchester or Aberdeen Better for Music?

Manchester is a well-known place for live music. However, Aberdeen is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Manchester is very popular with diverse venues. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Aberdeen is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Aberdeen Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Aberdeen?

Manchester is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Manchester is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Manchester or Aberdeen Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Aberdeen.

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.

Aberdeen is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Is Manchester or Aberdeen Better for Couples?

Manchester is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Manchester or Aberdeen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Manchester or Aberdeen Better for Students?

Manchester is a well-known place for students. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Manchester is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

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

Manchester is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is Manchester or Aberdeen a more walkable city?

Aberdeen is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Manchester Worth Visiting? and Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aberdeen or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Aberdeen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Manchester and Aberdeen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Manchester than in Aberdeen. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aberdeen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester than Aberdeen 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 Manchester or Aberdeen?

Manchester is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Aberdeen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or Aberdeen?

Manchester is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Manchester, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Aberdeen, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Aberdeen?

Manchester is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Aberdeen, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Aberdeen?

Manchester is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Aberdeen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Aberdeen?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Aberdeen, 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 Manchester or Aberdeen?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Manchester or Aberdeen in the Summer?

Both Aberdeen and Manchester during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Manchester is a little warmer than Aberdeen in the summer. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Manchester often gets more sunshine than Aberdeen. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 157 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in July than Aberdeen. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Aberdeen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Aberdeen. The autumn months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year.

In the autumn, Manchester is a little warmer than Aberdeen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manchester in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 93 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aberdeen. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Aberdeen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Aberdeen. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Aberdeen. It's quite cold in Manchester in the winter. In January, Manchester is generally a little warmer than Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 4°C (39°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 52 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in January than Aberdeen. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Aberdeen in the Spring?

Both Aberdeen and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Manchester for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Aberdeen in the spring for the activities around the city.

Manchester is a little warmer than Aberdeen in the spring. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aberdeen. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aberdeen and Manchester