A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Outer Hebrides vs. Aberdeen for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Aberdeen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a tranquil, serene, and remote archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a cultural, architectural, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Aberdeen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aberdeen. Although Outer Hebrides and Aberdeen are both popular with visitors, Aberdeen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aberdeen is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Outer Hebrides is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Aberdeen is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Outer Hebrides is popular for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Aberdeen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aberdeen and Outer Hebrides. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Aberdeen. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Outer Hebrides is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Outer Hebrides makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen is a good destination for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Outer Hebrides is considered a top beach destination. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen is a good destination for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen Better for Families?

Aberdeen is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly destination. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for couples. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen Better for Students?

Aberdeen is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Is Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aberdeen is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen a more walkable city?

Aberdeen is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Outer Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aberdeen or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Aberdeen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Aberdeen. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aberdeen.

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

Couples should spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Aberdeen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Outer Hebrides that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen?

The beautiful archipelago of Outer Hebrides offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Aberdeen, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen?

Outer Hebrides is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Aberdeen 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 Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen?

Outer Hebrides is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Outer Hebrides, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. 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 Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen?

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Outer Hebrides has to offer. This archipelago offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Aberdeen. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Outer Hebrides and Aberdeen, we can see that Outer Hebrides is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Aberdeen Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen?

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 Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Aberdeen. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Aberdeen in the summer. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Aberdeen. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 157 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in July than Aberdeen. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen in the Autumn?

Both Aberdeen and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Aberdeen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides is around the same temperature as Aberdeen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Outer Hebrides in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Aberdeen during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 93 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Aberdeen. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen in the Winter?

Both Aberdeen and Outer Hebrides during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Aberdeen can be very cold during winter. Outer Hebrides can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Outer Hebrides is generally a little warmer than Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 4°C (40°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Aberdeen. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 52 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Aberdeen. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Aberdeen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Aberdeen. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the activities around the city.

Outer Hebrides is around the same temperature as Aberdeen in the spring. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Aberdeen. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aberdeen and Outer Hebrides