A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Edinburgh for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Melbourne or Edinburgh?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Edinburgh? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a character-filled, vibrant, and gothic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and theater.

Melbourne and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Edinburgh?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Melbourne is more popular for its food, beaches, and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Melbourne different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Edinburgh are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Is Melbourne or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its theatre productions. However, Melbourne is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Melbourne is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Edinburgh.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, 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 Melbourne or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is very popular for its live music scene. However, Melbourne is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Melbourne or Edinburgh Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a very popular place for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Melbourne attract visitors from all over. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is very popular for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Edinburgh has a world-famous historical 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Edinburgh?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Melbourne and Edinburgh.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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 Melbourne or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Edinburgh.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Edinburgh is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Edinburgh Better for Students?

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

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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 Melbourne or Edinburgh Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Melbourne is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Melbourne can get you to some places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Edinburgh?

In either Melbourne or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Edinburgh has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Edinburgh than Melbourne. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Edinburgh than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Edinburgh?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint city of Edinburgh. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

A weekend in Melbourne or Edinburgh?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find live music and shopping around the ancient destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Edinburgh?

People visit Melbourne 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. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find shopping and museums around the ancient city of Edinburgh. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Edinburgh?

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.

When comparing the travel costs between Melbourne and Edinburgh, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Melbourne is in Pacific and Edinburgh is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Edinburgh?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Edinburgh?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Edinburgh has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Edinburgh in the Summer?

Both Edinburgh and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Edinburgh in the summer. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Edinburghin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Melbourne or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

Both Edinburgh and Melbourne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Melbourne is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 10°C (49°F)in October.

In the autumn, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Edinburghin October. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in April than Edinburghin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Edinburgh in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Edinburgh. The winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.

It's quite cold in Edinburgh in the winter. In July, Melbourne is generally much warmer than Edinburghin January. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Edinburghin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Melbourne or Edinburgh in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Edinburgh. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Melbourne is much warmer than Edinburgh in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In the spring, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Edinburghin April. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets more rain in October than Edinburghin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Melbourne