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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Paris?

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

Orkney Islands

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

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Orkney Islands and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Paris?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paris than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Paris is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Orkney Islands different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris 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, Paris has many famous sights for visitors. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Paris Better for Theater?

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

The theater scene in Paris is world-class. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Orkney Islands is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Orkney Islands or Paris Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Paris Better for Music?

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

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Orkney Islands is not a live music destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Paris Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is great for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Paris Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is great for hiking. However, Paris 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.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Paris?

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

Many people travel to Paris specifically to go shopping. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Paris Better for Christmas?

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

With so many activities, Paris is a top place to visit during Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Orkney Islands does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orkney Islands or Paris Better for Families?

Paris 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.

Paris is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

Paris 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, Paris has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris 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 Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Paris 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.

Paris has a great public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris a more walkable city?

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

Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Paris?

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

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

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

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

One day in Orkney Islands or Paris?

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this natural 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.

Because Paris 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 Paris?

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.

Paris 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 Paris?

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 Paris. 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 Paris?

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.

Because Paris 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orkney Islands and Paris, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive?.

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

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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is much colder than Paris. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Paris averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Paris. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Paris during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Paris. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 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 Paris. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Paris in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Paris. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. It's quite cold in Orkney Islands in the winter. Orkney Islands is cooler than Paris in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Paris during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 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 Paris. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Paris in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Paris. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Orkney Islands is much colder than Paris. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Paris averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Paris. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than Paris. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Orkney Islands