A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Hamburg for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg. 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 remote, stunning, and spectacular archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a cultural, vibrant, and historic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Outer Hebrides and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Hamburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hamburg than Outer Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hamburg is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Outer Hebrides is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. Also, Hamburg is famous for St. Michael's Church. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Outer Hebrides
Hamburg

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Outer Hebrides
Hamburg

Outer Hebrides is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Outer Hebrides is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Outer Hebrides or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Outer Hebrides
Hamburg

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

Hamburg has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Hamburg Better for Music?

Outer Hebrides
Hamburg

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

Hamburg is known as a music capital around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Outer Hebrides is not a live music destination.


Is Outer Hebrides or Hamburg Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides
Hamburg

Outer Hebrides is well known for the beach. However, Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Hamburg Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides
Hamburg

Outer Hebrides is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking. 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.

Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Hamburg?

Outer Hebrides
Hamburg

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Outer Hebrides or Hamburg Better for Families?

Outer Hebrides
Hamburg

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides
Hamburg

Outer Hebrides is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Outer Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

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

Outer Hebrides
Hamburg

Outer Hebrides and Hamburg are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.


Is Outer Hebrides or Hamburg Better for Students?

Outer Hebrides
Hamburg

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

Plenty of students visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Outer Hebrides
Hamburg

Hamburg is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

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 Hamburg a more walkable city?

Outer Hebrides
Hamburg

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

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.


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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Hamburg?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Outer Hebrides or Hamburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Outer Hebrides 4-10 
    Hamburg 1-3

One day in Outer Hebrides or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg, you'll find nightlife and live music. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Hamburg?

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.

Hamburg 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Outer Hebrides or Hamburg?

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 port city of Hamburg. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg or Outer Hebrides?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Outer Hebrides is £123, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is £100. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Outer Hebrides and Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Outer Hebrides £62
    Hamburg £46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Outer Hebrides £124
    Hamburg £92
Compare Hotels in Outer Hebrides and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Outer Hebrides or Hamburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Outer Hebrides


Hotels in Hamburg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Outer Hebrides £51
    Hamburg £25

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    £1.45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $83
  • Round Trip Transfer Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by van: $209
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers : $267
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $262
  • Private transfer from Fuhlsbüttel Airport to Hamburg City Center: $114
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hannover with 2h of Sightseeing: $271
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM Departure : $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $234
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Hotels to Bremerhaven Cruise Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg City Hotels: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport(HAM): $38
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Outer Hebrides or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg and Outer Hebrides change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Outer Hebrides £31
    Hamburg £30

Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    £13
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    £4.28
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    £5.13
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    £13
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    £3.42
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    £5.13
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    £2.99
  • Coffee and Donut
    £3.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Outer Hebrides £20
    Hamburg £34

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    £2.99

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hamburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $287
  • Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
  • "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $69
  • "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $181
  • "Highlights of Hamburg" Biketour: $39
  • 1 Hour Kiez Speed Tour for Adults: $19
  • 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
  • 10 secrets of Hamburg's old town - exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $71
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $93
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $75
  • 2 Hours Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Outer Hebrides £6.36
    Hamburg £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513


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

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 Hamburg Expensive?.



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

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

Both Hamburg and Outer Hebrides during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 13°C (55°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Hamburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets less rain in July than Hamburg. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Outer Hebrides 13°C (55°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Hamburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Hamburg. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Outer Hebrides is around the same temperature as Hamburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Outer Hebrides 9°C (49°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Hamburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Hamburg. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hamburg can be very cold. Outer Hebrides can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Outer Hebrides is much warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Outer Hebrides in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Hamburg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the winter. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Hamburg. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Outer Hebrides 4°C (40°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Hamburg in the Spring?

Both Hamburg and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

In April, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 7°C (44°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Outer Hebrides 7°C (44°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 11°C (53°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 126 mm (5 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)