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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Bath?

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 Bath can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Bath

Bath is a charming, historical, and beautiful spa town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Bath: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Bath?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bath than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bath is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking. Bath is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums. Also, Bath is famous for The Historic Roman Baths. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

The Historic Roman Baths

How is Orkney Islands different from Bath?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Bath has many famous sights for visitors. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

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 Bath? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orkney Islands. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Is Orkney Islands or Bath Better for Nightlife?

Bath 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 Bath has a few options to choose from. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Bath Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Bath is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Bath is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Bath Better for its Old Town?

Bath 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 Bath. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Bath Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Bath is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Orkney Islands. 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.

Bath is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Bath?

Bath is great for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bath. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Bath Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Bath.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. 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.

Bath is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

Is Orkney Islands or Bath Better for Couples?

Bath is renowned for couples. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Bath has plenty to offer. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

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.

Is Orkney Islands or Bath Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Orkney Islands is very popular with the backpacker crowd. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bath. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

Is Orkney Islands or Bath Better for Students?

Bath is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Bath is very popular with students. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands and Bath 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.

Bath has a few public transit options. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

Is Orkney Islands or Bath a more walkable city?

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

Bath is a very easy spa town to get around on foot. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Bath or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Bath?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Bath. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Bath. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bath.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Bath 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 Bath?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bath, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Bath?

Orkney Islands is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bath 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 Bath?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the serene destination of Orkney Islands. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A week in Orkney Islands or Bath?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the natural archipelago of Orkney Islands. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the spa town of Bath. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Bath, we can see that Bath 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 Bath Expensive?.