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

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Bristol?

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 Bristol. 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 natural, tranquil, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Bristol

Bristol is a diverse, cultural, and friendly 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 Bristol: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Bristol?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bristol than Outer Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bristol is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Outer Hebrides is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bristol is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Also, Bristol is famous for The Bristol Harbour. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Bristol?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bristol 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 Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Outer Hebrides is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Outer Hebrides has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bristol Better for Nightlife?

Bristol is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Bristol has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bristol Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is great for the beach. However, Bristol is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Outer Hebrides attract visitors from all over. 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.

Bristol is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bristol Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Around Outer Hebrides visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Bristol?

Bristol is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bristol Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and Bristol are notable family-friendly destinations.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bristol. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bristol Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides is great for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Outer Hebrides is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

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

Outer Hebrides is a archipelago with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Outer Hebrides is a good archipelago to visit for backpackers. 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.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bristol Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Bristol. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Bristol 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.

Bristol has some public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

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 Bristol a more walkable city?

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

Bristol is very walkable. The city center is well designed for walking.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Bristol or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Bristol?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Bristol. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Bristol. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bristol.

Couples should spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Bristol. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Bristol 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 Outer Hebrides.

One day in Outer Hebrides or Bristol?

In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Bristol?

In Outer Hebrides, you'll find 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Bristol 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 Outer Hebrides or Bristol?

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 city of Bristol. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Outer Hebrides and Bristol, we can see that Outer Hebrides is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol 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 Outer Hebrides would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Outer Hebrides than you might in Bristol.

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 Bristol Expensive?.

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

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 Outer Hebrides or Bristol in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Bristol. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bristol because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Bristol. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 13°C (55°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Bristol. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Bristol in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Bristol. The autumn months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bristol this time of year.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Bristol in the autumn. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Bristol fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than Bristol. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Bristol in the Winter?

Both Bristol and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bristol for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Outer Hebrides in the winter. In the winter, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Bristol. Typically, the winter temperatures in Outer Hebrides in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Bristol averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Bristol. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Bristol in the Spring?

Both Bristol and Outer Hebrides during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bristol in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Bristol. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 7°C (44°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in April than Bristol. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bristol and Outer Hebrides