A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Orkney Islands vs. Aberdeen for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands and Aberdeen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a natural, pristine, and remote archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a authentic, historic, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Aberdeen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Aberdeen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aberdeen than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aberdeen is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Aberdeen is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. Also, Aberdeen is famous for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Aberdeen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

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

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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

Orkney Islands 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, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Aberdeen Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Aberdeen has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Aberdeen Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is considered a top beach destination. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Aberdeen Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is great for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Aberdeen Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Aberdeen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Aberdeen Better for Families?

Aberdeen is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Aberdeen. 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.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Orkney Islands or Aberdeen Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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 Orkney Islands or Aberdeen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Aberdeen Better for Students?

Aberdeen is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands and Aberdeen both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Aberdeen has a few 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 Orkney Islands or Aberdeen a more walkable city?

Aberdeen is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Aberdeen or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Aberdeen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Aberdeen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Aberdeen. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aberdeen.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Aberdeen?

The beautiful archipelago of Orkney Islands offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

In Aberdeen, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Aberdeen?

Orkney Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Aberdeen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Aberdeen?

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orkney Islands, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Aberdeen?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. This archipelago offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Aberdeen. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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 comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Aberdeen, we can see that Orkney Islands 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Aberdeen in the Summer?

Both Aberdeen and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, 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.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is cooler than Aberdeen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Aberdeen. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 157 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Aberdeen. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Aberdeen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Aberdeen. The autumn months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally around the same temperature as Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Aberdeen during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 93 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Aberdeen. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Aberdeen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Aberdeen. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands in the winter. Orkney Islands is a little warmer than Aberdeen in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Aberdeen. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 52 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Aberdeen. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Aberdeen in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Orkney Islands is cooler than Aberdeen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aberdeen. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aberdeen and Orkney Islands