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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or London?

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 London 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. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

London

London is a diverse, iconic, and global city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Orkney Islands and London: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or London?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London. Although Orkney Islands and London are popular destinations, London has more sights and attractions for tourists. London is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Orkney Islands attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. London is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

Big Ben

How is Orkney Islands different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

London is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, London has many famous sights for visitors. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 Orkney Islands or London Better for Theater?

London is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Orkney Islands is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in London is world-class. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Orkney Islands is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Orkney Islands and London.

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, London makes for a great culinary experience. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

Is Orkney Islands or London Better for Nightlife?

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

London is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or London Better for Music?

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

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Orkney Islands is not a live music destination.

Is Orkney Islands or London Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for the beach. However, London 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.

London is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or London Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for hiking. However, London 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.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or London?

London is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or London Better for Christmas?

London is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Orkney Islands does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, London is a top place to visit during Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Orkney Islands does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orkney Islands or London Better for Christmas Markets?

London is renowned for visiting Christmas markets. However, Orkney Islands does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel to London specifically to enjoy its famous Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Orkney Islands does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Orkney Islands or London Better for Families?

London is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its family-friendly activities.

London is one of the most popular family destinations. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London Better for Couples?

London is renowned for couples. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, London has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

London is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Orkney Islands or London Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

London is renowned 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.

London has a great public transit system. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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 London a more walkable city?

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

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in London or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or London?

Both Orkney Islands and London have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, London has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in London than Orkney Islands. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in London than Orkney Islands. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in London that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Orkney Islands 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 London.

One day in Orkney Islands or London?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or London?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

London is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Orkney Islands or London?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Orkney Islands or London?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the serene destination of Orkney Islands. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 London, we can see that London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive?.

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

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 London in the Summer?

Both London and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year.

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

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than London during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than London. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or London in the Autumn?

Both London and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is cooler than London. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and London averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than London. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 107 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than London. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or London in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and London. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to London in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

London can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than London. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and London fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than London during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than London. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or London in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as London. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Orkney Islands is much colder than London in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than London. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 147 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than London. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for London and Orkney Islands