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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Liverpool?

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

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a serene, tranquil, and natural archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a diverse, historic, and fun-filled port city. It's also popular because of the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Orkney Islands and Liverpool: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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
  • Numerous theater shows
  • 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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Liverpool?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Liverpool. Although Orkney Islands and Liverpool are both popular with visitors, Liverpool has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Liverpool is more popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Orkney Islands is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Liverpool is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." It is also home to The Liverpool Cathedral. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Liverpool?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.


Is Orkney Islands or Liverpool Better for Theater?

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

Liverpool is great for its shows and theatre. However, Orkney Islands is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Orkney Islands is not a theatre destination.

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

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

Orkney Islands is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Orkney Islands or Liverpool Better for Nightlife?

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

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

Many people head to Liverpool for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Orkney Islands or Liverpool Better for Music?

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

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

Liverpool has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Orkney Islands is not a live music destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Liverpool Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

Orkney Islands is well known for the beache. However, Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Liverpool Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

Orkney Islands is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Liverpool?

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Liverpool. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Liverpool Better for Families?

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

Liverpool 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 Liverpool. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

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 Liverpool Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

Orkney Islands is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Liverpool is a good archipelago for couples to visit. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.


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

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

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

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago to visit for backpackers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Plenty of backpackers visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Is Orkney Islands or Liverpool Better for Students?

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

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

Liverpool is very popular with students. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

Orkney Islands and Liverpool both offer good 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.

Liverpool has a few public transit options. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.


Is Orkney Islands or Liverpool a more walkable city?

Orkney Islands
Liverpool

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

Liverpool is a very walkable destination.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Liverpool or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Liverpool?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Liverpool. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Liverpool. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Liverpool.

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

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


  • How many days in Orkney Islands or Liverpool? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orkney Islands 3-7 
    Liverpool 2-3

One day in Orkney Islands or Liverpool?

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 Liverpool, you'll find nightlife and live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Liverpool?

You'll find museums and food around the tranquil 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.

Liverpool 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 Liverpool?

You'll find food and museums around the natural 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 Liverpool. 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 Liverpool?

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 museums and theater when visiting the port city of Liverpool. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Liverpool 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 Liverpool is £161. 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 Liverpool in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orkney Islands £60
    Liverpool £76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orkney Islands £120
    Liverpool £152
Compare Hotels in Orkney Islands and Liverpool

Looking for a hotel in Orkney Islands or Liverpool? 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 Liverpool


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: Liverpool Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orkney Islands £56
    Liverpool £26

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liverpool

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Liverpool:


  • City bike hire Liverpool
    £6.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liverpool

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liverpool:

  • Departure Private Transfer: Liverpool to Manchester Airport MAN in Luxury Van: $195
  • Beatles-Themed Private Taxi Tour with Transfers: $162
  • Liverpool Airport (LPL): Transfer to Liverpool Cruise Port: $148
  • Liverpool Airport (LPL): Transfer to Liverpool Accommodation: $148
  • Liverpool Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Liverpool: $148
  • Liverpool Private Transfer from central Liverpool to Liverpool Airport: $123
  • Departure Private Transfer: Liverpool to Manchester Airport MAN in Business Car: $121
  • Private Transfer from Liverpool Airport (LPL) to Holyhead Port: $103
  • Liverpool Cruise Port to Liverpool hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
  • Liverpool Airport (LPL) to Liverpool Port - Round-Trip Transfer: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Liverpool Airport LPL to Liverpool in Luxury Van: $79
  • Liverpool to Manchester Airport(MAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Orkney Islands or Liverpool?

Prices for flights to both Liverpool 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
    Liverpool £59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liverpool

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

  • Brewery Bus Tour with Beer Tasting and Pizza: $81
  • Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus: $89
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orkney Islands £27
    Liverpool £36

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

Tours and Activities in Liverpool

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

  • A Hope Street Stroll: A self-guided tour from the Metropolitan Cathedral to LIPA: $5.20
  • A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour: $22
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Liverpool: $51
  • Awesome Corners of Liverpool – Family Walking Tour: $286
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL History & Culture Tour-From The Cruise Terminal: $27
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL-Heritage, History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $27
  • Beatles & Beyond: A Liverpool Legacy Tour: $303
  • Beatles Classic Tour of Liverpool by Private Taxi: $234
  • Beatles Famous Walking Tour Of Liverpool-From the Cruise Terminal: $27
  • Beatles Magical Mystery Tour: $25
  • Best of Liverpool Sightseeing Tour by Private Taxi: $252
  • Brews, Views, football & History Tour: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orkney Islands £6.43
    Liverpool £13

Sample the Local Flavors in Liverpool

Also in Liverpool, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
  • Liverpool Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $50
  • Pirate Pub Crawl & Boat Tour: $56


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

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 Liverpool Expensive?.



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

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 Liverpool in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Liverpool. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Liverpool in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Liverpool. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and Liverpool fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Liverpool. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liverpool receives 176 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Liverpool. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orkney Islands 12°C (54°F) 
    Liverpool 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Liverpool in the Autumn?

Both Liverpool and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Liverpool for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Liverpool in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Liverpool fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Liverpool during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Liverpool receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Liverpool. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orkney Islands 9°C (48°F) 
    Liverpool 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Liverpool in the Winter?

Both Liverpool and Orkney Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Orkney Islands can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Orkney Islands is cooler than Liverpool. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Liverpool averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Liverpool. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liverpool receives 53 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 Liverpool. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orkney Islands 4°C (39°F) 
    Liverpool 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Liverpool in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Liverpool. The spring months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Liverpool. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Liverpool fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Liverpool during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Liverpool receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orkney Islands 6°C (43°F) 
    Liverpool 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Liverpool and Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands Liverpool
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)