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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Bristol?

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

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a serene, tranquil, and natural archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Bristol

Bristol is a friendly, authentic, and historic 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 Bristol: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Bristol?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bristol. Although Orkney Islands and Bristol are popular destinations, Bristol has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bristol is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Orkney Islands attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bristol is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. It is also well known for The Bristol Harbour. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Bristol?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bristol 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 Bristol specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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 Bristol? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Orkney Islands or Bristol Better for Nightlife?

Bristol is great for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Bristol for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Bristol Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is great for the beach. However, Bristol is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Orkney Islands attract visitors from all over. 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.

Bristol is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Bristol Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is great for hiking. However, Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails. 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.

Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Bristol?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Bristol Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Bristol.

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.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Orkney Islands or Bristol Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands is great for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

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

Orkney Islands is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Bristol Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Bristol. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands and Bristol both offer nice 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.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Orkney Islands or Bristol a more walkable city?

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

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Bristol or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Bristol?

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

Couples should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Bristol. 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 Bristol 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 Bristol?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Bristol, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Bristol?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Bristol 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.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Bristol?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bristol. 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 Bristol?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Bristol. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orkney Islands and Bristol, we can see that Orkney Islands is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol 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 Orkney Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orkney Islands than you might in Bristol.

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 Bristol Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Bristol?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Bristol in the Summer?

Both Bristol and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bristol in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Bristol in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Bristol fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Bristol. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Bristol in the Autumn?

Both Bristol and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bristol for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is cooler than Bristol. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Bristol averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Bristol. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Bristol in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Bristol. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bristol because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Orkney Islands can be very cold during winter. In January, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Bristol. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Bristol. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Bristol in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Bristol. The spring months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bristol this time of year.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Bristol in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Bristol fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than Bristol. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bristol and Orkney Islands