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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Utrecht?

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 Utrecht 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. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Utrecht

With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Utrecht: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Utrecht?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Utrecht than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Utrecht is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking. Utrecht is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. Also, Utrecht is famous for the Dom Tower. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Utrecht?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

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

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Orkney Islands or Utrecht Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Utrecht for the nightlife scene. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Utrecht Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Utrecht Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Utrecht is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Utrecht Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Utrecht is not a hiking destination.

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Utrecht is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Utrecht?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Utrecht. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Utrecht Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Utrecht.

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.

Utrecht is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Is Orkney Islands or Utrecht Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Utrecht are great 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.

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

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

For backpackers, both Orkney Islands and Utrecht are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Is Orkney Islands or Utrecht Better for Students?

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

Utrecht is very popular with students. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Utrecht 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 Utrecht can get you to most places easily. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

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 Utrecht a more walkable city?

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

Utrecht is a very easy to get around on foot. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Utrecht or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Utrecht?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Utrecht. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Utrecht. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Utrecht.

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

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

One day in Orkney Islands or Utrecht?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Utrecht, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Utrecht?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Utrecht is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Utrecht?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Utrecht. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Utrecht?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint of Utrecht. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.

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

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

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 Utrecht in the Summer?

Both Utrecht and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is cooler than Utrecht. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Utrecht averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Utrecht. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Utrecht. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Utrecht in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Utrecht. The autumn months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Utrecht during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Utrecht. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Utrecht in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Utrecht. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Utrecht. It's quite cold in Orkney Islands in the winter. Orkney Islands is much warmer than Utrecht in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Utrecht fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Utrecht. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Utrecht. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Utrecht in the Spring?

Both Utrecht and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Utrecht in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Utrecht during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Utrecht. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Orkney Islands