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

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh?

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 Edinburgh. 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 serene, remote, and stunning archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a charming, character-filled, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Edinburgh. Although Outer Hebrides and Edinburgh are popular destinations, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and hiking. Edinburgh is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also well known for The Edinburgh Castle. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Edinburgh from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for theatre. However, Outer Hebrides is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Outer Hebrides is not a theatre destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Outer Hebrides has a huge number of terrific 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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

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

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Outer Hebrides is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is known as a music capital around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Outer Hebrides is not a live music destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place for the beache. However, Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Edinburgh offers plenty to see. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

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 Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides and Edinburgh both very good destinations for a couple.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Couples visit Edinburgh frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

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

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Many students visit Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

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 Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh?

In either Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Edinburgh because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-5 days is enough time in Edinburgh.

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

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

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

One day in Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh?

You'll find food around the archipelago of Outer Hebrides. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Edinburgh, you'll find nightlife and live music. 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 Edinburgh?

You'll find food around the remote destination of Outer Hebrides. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh?

You'll find food around the stunning archipelago of Outer Hebrides. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

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

Outer Hebrides is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Outer Hebrides, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the quaint city of Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive?.

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

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 Edinburgh in the Summer?

Both Edinburgh and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Edinburgh. Typically, the summer temperatures in Outer Hebrides in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

Both Edinburgh and Outer Hebrides during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.

In October, Outer Hebrides is generally around the same temperature as Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 9°C (49°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Edinburgh. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than Edinburgh. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Edinburgh. The cuisine are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. It's quite cold in Outer Hebrides in the winter. Outer Hebrides is a little warmer than Edinburgh in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.

Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Edinburgh in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is around the same temperature as Edinburgh. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Outer Hebrides