A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Edinburgh for Nightlife, Music, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a stunning, cultural, and historic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a gothic, ancient, and charming 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 theater, nightlife, and live music.

Palma de Mallorca and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Edinburgh. Although Palma de Mallorca and Edinburgh are about the same size, Edinburgh has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Palma de Mallorca attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Palma de Mallorca is famous for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Edinburgh is famous 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.

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Edinburgh and Palma de Mallorca. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is an excellent place to visit for theatre. However, Palma de Mallorca is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Palma de Mallorca is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Palma de Mallorca has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Palma de Mallorca is a must-see party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Edinburgh is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for live music. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

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.

Palma de Mallorca has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is a island with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is terrific for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Palma de Mallorca is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The rich history of Edinburgh can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a island with good options for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Edinburgh are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Edinburgh is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a great island to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Edinburgh is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Edinburgh.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh?

In either Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Edinburgh has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Edinburgh than Palma de Mallorca. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 2-5 days is enough time in Edinburgh.

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

Couples should spend more time in Edinburgh than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the island of Palma de Mallorca. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

With museums and theater around the destination of Edinburgh, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh?

You'll find live music and food around the cultural destination of Palma de Mallorca. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With theater and nightlife around the charming city of Edinburgh, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the stunning island of Palma de Mallorca. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

With nightlife and live music around the ancient destination of Edinburgh, there's plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Edinburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palma de Mallorca and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Palma de Mallorca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palma de Mallorca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palma de Mallorca 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh than you might in Palma de Mallorca.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Edinburgh Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Palma de Mallorca. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca and Edinburgh, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh in the Summer?

Both Edinburgh and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

Both Edinburgh and Palma de Mallorca during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Palma de Mallorca is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 19°C (66°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in October than Edinburgh. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Edinburgh. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Edinburgh in the winter. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Edinburgh in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Edinburgh. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 7°C (45°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets more rain in April than Edinburgh. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Palma de Mallorca