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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Cambridge?

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

Orkney Islands

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

Cambridge

Cambridge is a historic, beautiful, and collegiate university town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Cambridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Cambridge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cambridge than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cambridge is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Cambridge is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. Also, Cambridge is famous for King's College and the King's College Chapel. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Cambridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cambridge 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 Cambridge specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

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 Cambridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Orkney Islands and Cambridge.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cambridge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Is Orkney Islands or Cambridge Better for Nightlife?

Cambridge 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 Cambridge has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Cambridge Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Orkney Islands for it's beautiful 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.

Cambridge is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Cambridge Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cambridge 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.

Cambridge is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Cambridge?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Cambridge Better for Families?

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

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.

Cambridge is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Orkney Islands or Cambridge Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Cambridge are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Cambridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

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

Orkney Islands is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cambridge 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Is Orkney Islands or Cambridge Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Cambridge. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands and Cambridge 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.

Cambridge has a few public transit options. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Is Orkney Islands or Cambridge a more walkable city?

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

Cambridge is a very easy university town to get around on foot. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Cambridge or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Cambridge?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Cambridge to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Cambridge because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cambridge.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cambridge than Orkney Islands. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge?

You'll find food and museums around the archipelago of Orkney Islands. 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.

In Cambridge, 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 Cambridge?

You'll find museums and food around the serene destination of Orkney Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Cambridge 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 Cambridge?

You'll find food and museums around the remote archipelago of Orkney Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

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

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orkney Islands, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the university town of Cambridge. 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 Cambridge, we can see that Cambridge 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 Cambridge Expensive?.