A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Manchester vs. Inner Hebrides for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Manchester or Inner Hebrides?

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 Inner Hebrides can help you decide which place is right for you.

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 food, shopping, and museums.

Inner Hebrides

Inner Hebrides is a tranquil, stunning, and natural islands. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Manchester and Inner Hebrides: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Manchester or Inner Hebrides?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Manchester. Although Manchester and Inner Hebrides are both popular with visitors, Manchester has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Manchester is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Inner Hebrides is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Manchester is more touristy than Inner Hebrides and is known 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. Inner Hebrides is popular for its rugged landscape, beautiful coastline, and local whisky.

How is Manchester different from Inner Hebrides?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Manchester
Inner Hebrides

Manchester is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Inner Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Manchester offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Inner Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Manchester
Inner Hebrides

Manchester is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Inner Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Inner Hebrides. It wasn't long ago that there was a limited selection of restaurants on the islands, but these days you shouldn't have much trouble finding some Scottish classics. The area continues to grow its restaurant scene, which highlights regional ingredients and the local whisky distilleries.

Is Manchester or Inner Hebrides Better for Nightlife?

Manchester
Inner Hebrides

Manchester is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Inner Hebrides 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.

Inner Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Manchester or Inner Hebrides Better for Music?

Manchester
Inner Hebrides

Manchester is a very popular place for live music. However, Inner Hebrides 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.

Inner Hebrides is not a live music destination.


Is Manchester or Inner Hebrides Better for Beaches?

Manchester
Inner Hebrides

Inner Hebrides is great for its beaches. However, Manchester is not a beach destination.

Inner Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The islands offer a truly unexpected sight, with white sand beaches and blue waters. Some of the best beaches to visit include Calgary Beach on the Isle of Mull, Machir Bay on the Isle of Islay, and Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Manchester or Inner Hebrides Better for Hiking?

Manchester
Inner Hebrides

Inner Hebrides is great for hiking. However, Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Inner Hebrides for the hiking trails. To fully experience the area's natural beauty, you really should go on a few hikes. The hikes are varied in landscape, length, and skill level. Some of the favorites include Beinn an Òir, Coire Dubh, and Ben More.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Inner Hebrides?

Manchester
Inner Hebrides

Manchester is a very popular place for shopping. However, Inner Hebrides 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.

Inner Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Manchester or Inner Hebrides Better for Families?

Manchester
Inner Hebrides

Manchester is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Inner Hebrides 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 Inner Hebrides. Beaches, wildlife spotting, and boat tours all make for a fun adventure for the whole family. These islands offer a unique and truly rewarding experience that is fun for everyone.

Is Manchester or Inner Hebrides Better for Couples?

Manchester
Inner Hebrides

Both Manchester and Inner Hebrides are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Inner Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who want to move at a slower pace and soak up natural beauty will appreciate these islands. There are sandy beaches, welcoming communities, and spectacular views that offer both romance and a little adventure.

Is Manchester or Inner Hebrides Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester
Inner Hebrides

For backpackers, both Manchester and Inner Hebrides are good places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to visit Inner Hebrides. The islands have some campsites that let you fully enjoy the area's stunning natural beauty.


Is Manchester or Inner Hebrides Better for Students?

Manchester
Inner Hebrides

Manchester is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Inner Hebrides is not popular with students.

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.

Inner Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Manchester
Inner Hebrides

Manchester is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Inner Hebrides 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 generally limited in Inner Hebrides. Ferries and some local buses are available. It's also possible to find there-and-back day cruises to the islands.

Is Manchester or Inner Hebrides a more walkable city?

Manchester
Inner Hebrides

Manchester is a popular place for its walkability. However, Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.


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

Should I spend more time in Inner Hebrides or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Inner Hebrides?

In either Manchester or Inner Hebrides, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Inner Hebrides than Manchester because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 3-5 days is enough time in Inner Hebrides.

Families should spend more time in Manchester than Inner Hebrides. 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 Inner Hebrides. 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 Inner Hebrides 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.


  • How many days in Manchester or Inner Hebrides? Ideal Length of Stay
    Manchester 2-4 
    Inner Hebrides 3-5

One day in Manchester or Inner Hebrides?

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With food around the natural islands of Inner Hebrides, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A weekend in Manchester or Inner Hebrides?

Manchester is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With food around the destination of Inner Hebrides, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Manchester or Inner Hebrides?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Inner Hebrides, a popular islands, 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 islands. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Manchester or Inner Hebrides?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Manchester. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Inner Hebrides 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.


Which place is cheaper, Inner Hebrides or Manchester?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is £184, while the average daily cost in Inner Hebrides is £142. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Manchester and Inner Hebrides in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester £71
    Inner Hebrides £67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester £142
    Inner Hebrides £134
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Inner Hebrides

Looking for a hotel in Manchester or Inner Hebrides? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Manchester


Hotels in Inner Hebrides


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Manchester Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester £19
    Inner Hebrides £76
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    £11
  • Parking in Manchester
    £3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

Also for Manchester, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Southampton Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Manchester: $8.12
  • Private Transfer from Worsley to Manchester Airport (MAN): $60
  • Private Transfer from Walkden to Manchester Airport (MAN): $65
  • Private Transfer from Trafford Park to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Salford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Salford Quays to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Rochdale to Manchester Airport (MAN): $88
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Wrexham: $233
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Todmorden: $113
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stoke on Trent: $115
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stockton Heath: $65
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stockport: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Manchester or Inner Hebrides?

Prices for flights to both Inner Hebrides and Manchester change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Manchester £55
    Inner Hebrides £31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

For Manchester, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $35
  • Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience: $63
  • 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester: $76
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $87
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $89
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manchester £30
    Inner Hebrides £22

Tours and Activities in Manchester

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Manchester.

  • SEA LIFE Manchester Admission Ticket: $21
  • 3-Hour Manchester Shopping Tour with a Stylist: $119
  • 3-day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour from Manchester: $522
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Manchester: $21
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Manchester: $51
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $235
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $463
  • Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester: $74
  • Christmas Charms of Manchester – Private Walking Tour: $566
  • City River Tour: $15
  • Craft Beer Tour around Manchester: $51
  • Craft Brews of Manchester – A Private Beer Tour: $666

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manchester £9.90
    Inner Hebrides £7.71

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $101


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

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