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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Hamburg?

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

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Orkney Islands and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Hamburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hamburg. Although Orkney Islands and Hamburg are popular destinations, Hamburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hamburg is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Orkney Islands attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also well known for St. Michael's Church. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Orkney Islands
Hamburg

Hamburg 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 Hamburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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 Hamburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands
Hamburg

Orkney Islands is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Orkney Islands is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Orkney Islands or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Orkney Islands
Hamburg

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

Many people head to Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Hamburg Better for Music?

Orkney Islands
Hamburg

Hamburg is renowned for its music scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a live music destination.

Hamburg has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Orkney Islands is not a live music destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Hamburg Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands
Hamburg

Orkney Islands is well known for the beach. However, Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Hamburg Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands
Hamburg

Orkney Islands is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Hamburg?

Orkney Islands
Hamburg

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Hamburg Better for Families?

Orkney Islands
Hamburg

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands
Hamburg

Orkney Islands is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Orkney Islands frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

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

Orkney Islands
Hamburg

Orkney Islands is well known for backpackers. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Orkney Islands is a very popular archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.


Is Orkney Islands or Hamburg Better for Students?

Orkney Islands
Hamburg

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

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands
Hamburg

Hamburg 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 Hamburg can get you to most places easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

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 Hamburg a more walkable city?

Orkney Islands
Hamburg

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

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.


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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Hamburg?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Hamburg. 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.


  • How many days in Orkney Islands or Hamburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orkney Islands 3-7 
    Hamburg 1-3

One day in Orkney Islands or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg, you'll find nightlife and live music. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Hamburg?

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.

Hamburg 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Orkney Islands or Hamburg?

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 port city of Hamburg. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg or Orkney Islands?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Orkney Islands is £128, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is £100. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Orkney Islands and Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orkney Islands £60
    Hamburg £46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orkney Islands £120
    Hamburg £92
Compare Hotels in Orkney Islands and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Orkney Islands or Hamburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Orkney Islands


Hotels in Hamburg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orkney Islands £56
    Hamburg £25

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    £1.45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Hamburg Airport(HAM): Transfer to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $645
  • Fredericia Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg city: $585
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Transfer to Fredericia Cruise Port: $585
  • Private One-Way Transfer to or from Kiel Port: $422
  • Private Direct Transfer From Hamburg to Berlin, English Speaking Driver: $300
  • Private Direct Transfer From Hamburg to Wolfsburg; English Speaking Driver: $289
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hannover with 2h of Sightseeing: $271
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers : $267
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $262
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $235
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $234
  • Private Transfer From Hamburg To Bremen With a 2 Hour Stop: $233

Is it cheaper to fly into Orkney Islands or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg and Orkney Islands change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Orkney Islands £34
    Hamburg £30

Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    £13
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    £4.28
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    £5.13
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    £13
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    £3.42
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    £5.13
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    £2.99
  • Coffee and Donut
    £3.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orkney Islands £27
    Hamburg £34

Tours and Activities in Orkney Islands

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orkney Islands.

  • Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall : $246
  • From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour: $275

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    £2.99

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hamburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $287
  • Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
  • "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $69
  • "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $181
  • "Highlights of Hamburg" Biketour: $39
  • 1 Hour Kiez Speed Tour for Adults: $19
  • 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
  • 10 secrets of Hamburg's old town - exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $71
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $93
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $75
  • 2 Hours Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orkney Islands £6.43
    Hamburg £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513


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

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 Hamburg Expensive?.



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

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Hamburg. The summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Hamburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hamburg. In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Hamburg. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orkney Islands 12°C (54°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is around the same temperature as Hamburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Hamburg averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orkney Islands 9°C (48°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Orkney Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hamburg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands is generally much warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Hamburg. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orkney Islands 4°C (39°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Hamburg. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the natural beauty during these months.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Hamburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orkney Islands 6°C (43°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)