A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Singapore vs. Edinburgh for Attractions, Food, Music, and Families

Should you visit Singapore or Edinburgh?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Edinburgh? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Singapore

Singapore is a global, diverse, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a character-filled, vibrant, and gothic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and theater.

Singapore and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Singapore or Edinburgh?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Edinburgh than Singapore. While Singapore is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Singapore is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Singapore and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also home to The Edinburgh Castle. Singapore is popular for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets.

How is Singapore different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Singapore or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Edinburgh on the map. 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.

Many visitors head to Singapore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.

Is Singapore or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is notable for its shows and theatre. However, Singapore is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Singapore is not a theatre destination.

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

Singapore is terrific for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Singapore have been singled out for their culinary prowess. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

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 Singapore or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Edinburgh has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Singapore. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

Is Singapore or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Both Singapore and Edinburgh offer terrific live music venues.

In Singapore you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

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.

Is Singapore or Edinburgh Better for Resorts?

Singapore is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Singapore is a world class resort vacation destination. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Edinburgh Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore is not a good area for its diving and snorkeling. However, Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Most people don't go snorkeling in Singapore. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Edinburgh Better for Beaches?

Singapore is a city with good options for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Singapore. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Singapore or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Singapore does not have a historic 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.

Singapore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Edinburgh?

Singapore is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Singapore draws large crowds to its stores. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Is Singapore or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Singapore is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Singapore is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

Edinburgh is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Singapore or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Singapore is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Singapore is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

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 Singapore or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Singapore and Edinburgh are terrific destinations for backpackers.

Singapore is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

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.

Is Singapore or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Singapore is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Singapore is a very popular city for students. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

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.

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

Singapore is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Singapore can take you anywhere. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

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 Singapore or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Singapore and Edinburgh both are terrific when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Singapore on foot. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Edinburgh?

In either Singapore or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Singapore than Edinburgh because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Singapore, and 2-5 days is enough time in Edinburgh.

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

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

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

One day in Singapore or Edinburgh?

People visit Singapore because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint city of Edinburgh. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

A weekend in Singapore or Edinburgh?

People visit Singapore because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find live music and shopping around the charming destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Singapore or Edinburgh?

People visit Singapore because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant city of Edinburgh. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Singapore or Edinburgh?

Singapore is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Singapore, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Edinburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Singapore and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Singapore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Singapore is in Asia and Edinburgh is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Singapore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Singapore 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 Singapore.

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

Which is Bigger, Singapore or Edinburgh?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Singapore 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.