A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Delft for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Delft?

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

Orkney Islands

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

Delft

Delft is a quaint, charming, and historic town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Delft travel costs.

Orkney Islands and Delft: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Delft?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orkney Islands than Delft, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orkney Islands is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Delft is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Delft is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. Also, Orkney Islands is famous for The Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

How is Orkney Islands different from Delft?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Delft and Orkney Islands.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. 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.

Delft is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

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

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Delft 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 Delft. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Orkney Islands or Delft Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is respectable in both Orkney Islands and Delft.

Orkney Islands doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You'll find the most pubs and a few nightclubs in the main town of Kirkwall.

Most people don't head to Delft specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Orkney Islands or Delft Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Delft 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.

Delft is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Delft Better for its Old Town?

Delft 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 Delft. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Delft Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Delft 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.

Delft is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Delft?

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

Delft has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Delft More Beautiful?

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Orkney Islands is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Stunning beaches and beautiful countryside make this landscape truly breathtaking.

Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Orkney Islands or Delft Better for Families?

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

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.

Delft is a family-friendly place to visit. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

Is Orkney Islands or Delft Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for romance. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Orkney Islands makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Delft makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

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

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Delft is lacking in good options 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.

Delft is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some affordable accommodation options, but many backpackers head to Delft as a day trip from the nearby city of The Hague.

Is Orkney Islands or Delft Better for Students?

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

Delft is very popular with students. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Delft is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

The public transit in Delft can get you to most places easily. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Delft a more walkable city?

Delft is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a good destination for its walkability.

Delft is a very easy town to get around on foot. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable archipelago. Walking is a great way to enjoy the beauty, but you'll need a vehicle to travel from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Delft or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Delft?

Orkney Islands and Delft both offer plenty of fun activities. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than Delft because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1 day is enough time in Delft.

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

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this pristine destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Delft, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Delft?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Delft is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Delft?

Orkney Islands is a fun place to experience. In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the museums and food that this serene destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the town of Delft. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands.

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

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 Delft Expensive?.

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

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 Delft in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Delft. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Delft in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is cooler than Delft. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Delft averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Delft this time of the year. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Delft during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Delft. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Delft receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Delft in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Delft. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Delft for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Delft. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Delft fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Delft. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 105 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Delft. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Delft receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Delft in the Winter?

Both Delft and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Delft because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Delft can be very cold. Orkney Islands can be very cold during winter. Orkney Islands is much warmer than Delft in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Delft fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Delft during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Delft. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Delft receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Delft in the Spring?

Both Delft and Orkney Islands during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Orkney Islands is cooler than Delft. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Delft averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Delft. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 158 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Delft. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Delft receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Delft and Orkney Islands