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

Should you visit Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a livable, cultural, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Nottingham and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nottingham or Edinburgh?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Nottingham. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Nottingham attracts visitors for its food. Edinburgh is more touristy than Nottingham and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also well known for The Edinburgh Castle. Nottingham is famous for its authenticity and local cuisine.

How is Nottingham different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

Is Nottingham or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is well known for theatre. However, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham is not a theatre destination.

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

Nottingham is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Nottingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

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 Nottingham or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is well known for nightlife. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Nottingham has a few options to choose from. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

Is Nottingham or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is very popular for live music. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its live music scene.

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.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Nottingham. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Is Nottingham or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is very popular for its historic old town. However, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Edinburgh?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Edinburgh and Nottingham.

Nottingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. 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 Nottingham or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Edinburgh is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Nottingham offers lots of family activities. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

Is Nottingham or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is well known for romance. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Nottingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Is Nottingham or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is very popular for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Nottingham or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Edinburgh is well known for students. However, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham is not popular with students.

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

Nottingham 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 Nottingham can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

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 Nottingham or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is very popular for its walkability. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Nottingham is a very walkable city. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Edinburgh?

In either Nottingham or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Edinburgh than Nottingham because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nottingham, and 2-5 days is enough time in Edinburgh.

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Nottingham. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nottingham has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With live music and shopping around the ancient city of Edinburgh, 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 Nottingham or Edinburgh?

You'll find live music and food around the authentic destination of Nottingham. 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.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Edinburgh, 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 Nottingham or Edinburgh?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Nottingham. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Nottingham or Edinburgh?

Nottingham 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 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Nottingham. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Edinburgh?

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 Nottingham or Edinburgh in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Edinburgh. The summer months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.

In the summer, Nottingham is a little warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nottingham in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in July than Edinburgh. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

Both Edinburgh and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nottingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nottingham is generally a little warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during autumn. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nottingham or Edinburgh in the Winter?

Both Edinburgh and Nottingham during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Edinburgh can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nottingham. Nottingham is a little warmer than Edinburgh in the winter. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in January than Edinburgh. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Edinburgh in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Edinburgh. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nottingham is a little warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nottingham in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during spring. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nottingham usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Nottingham