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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Manchester?

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

Orkney Islands

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

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Orkney Islands and Manchester: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Manchester?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Manchester than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Manchester is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Manchester is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Also, Manchester is famous for The National Football Museum. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Manchester 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 Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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, Manchester makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Orkney Islands or Manchester Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Manchester Better for Music?

Manchester is great for its music scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Manchester draws a good crowd. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Orkney Islands is not a live music destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Manchester Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is great for its beaches. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Manchester Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is great for hiking. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Manchester?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Manchester Better for Families?

Manchester 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 Manchester. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Manchester are very good 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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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

Orkney Islands is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Orkney Islands or Manchester Better for Students?

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

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Manchester 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 Manchester can get you to most places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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 Manchester a more walkable city?

Manchester is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable city. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Manchester or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Orkney Islands or Manchester. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in Manchester.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester 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 Manchester.

One day in Orkney Islands or Manchester?

With museums and food around the natural archipelago of Orkney Islands, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Because Manchester 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 Manchester?

With food and museums around the destination of Orkney Islands, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Manchester 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 Manchester?

Orkney Islands, a popular archipelago, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this archipelago. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Orkney Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Manchester. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orkney Islands and Manchester, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive?.

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

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 Manchester in the Summer?

Both Manchester 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 Manchester this time of year.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is cooler than Manchester. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Manchester averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Manchester during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Manchester. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Manchester in the Autumn?

Both Manchester 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. Also, many travelers come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Manchester. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Manchester. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 97 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 Manchester. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Manchester in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Manchester. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Manchester in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Manchester can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands is around the same temperature as Manchester in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Manchester fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Manchester during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 53 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 Manchester. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Manchester in the Spring?

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

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

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Manchester. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than Manchester. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Orkney Islands