A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Saint-Etienne for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a tranquil, natural, and pristine archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Orkney Islands and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orkney Islands. Although Orkney Islands and Saint-Etienne are both popular with visitors, Orkney Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orkney Islands is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its nightlife and shopping. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. It is also home to The Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Orkney Islands different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Orkney Islands has a huge number of terrific 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is great for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Orkney Islands for it's beautiful 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Orkney Islands and Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

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

Couples should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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.

One day in Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the remote destination of Orkney Islands. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the pristine destination of Orkney Islands. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful archipelago of Orkney Islands. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the city of Saint-Etienne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Etienne. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

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

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Saint-Etienne. The winter months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. The weather in Orkney Islands can be very cold. In the winter, Orkney Islands is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Saint-Etienne. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Orkney Islands