A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Edinburgh for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sydney or Edinburgh?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney 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.

Sydney

Sydney is a diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh

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

Sydney and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Edinburgh?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Edinburgh than Sydney. While Sydney is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is more popular for its theatre productions, music, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Sydney is known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Sydney 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. Sydney is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants.

How is Sydney different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Sydney or Edinburgh.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Sydney on the map. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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.

Is Sydney or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is well known for its shows and theatre. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Sydney has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

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

Sydney is a must-see party destination. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Sydney is not a live music destination.

In Edinburgh you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Sydney is not a live music destination.

Is Sydney or Edinburgh Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a city 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 Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Edinburgh Better for Beaches?

Sydney is terrific for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Sydney is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Sydney or Edinburgh Better for Hiking?

Sydney is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Edinburgh?

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

Known for shopping, Sydney draws large crowds to its stores. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney or Edinburgh Better for Families?

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

Sydney is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

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

Sydney is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney and Edinburgh are first-rate places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sydney is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney or Edinburgh Better for Students?

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

Sydney is a very popular city for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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

Sydney 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 Sydney can take you anywhere. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Edinburgh on foot is easy. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

Sydney is very walkable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Edinburgh?

In either Sydney or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than Edinburgh because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 2-5 days is enough time in Edinburgh.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Edinburgh?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sydney or Edinburgh?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Edinburgh?

People visit Sydney 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 great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Edinburgh?

Sydney 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 Sydney, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant destination of Edinburgh. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, 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 Sydney and Edinburgh, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Edinburgh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific 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 Edinburgh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Edinburgh 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney than you might in Edinburgh.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Edinburgh?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Edinburgh?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Edinburgh has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Edinburgh in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Edinburgh. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Sydney is generally much warmer than Edinburghin July. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 23°C (73°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the summer, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Edinburghin July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sydney usually gets more rain in January than Edinburghin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

Both Edinburgh and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

Sydney is much warmer than Edinburgh in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in October.

Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. In April, Sydney usually receives more rain than Edinburghin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Edinburgh in the Winter?

Both Edinburgh and Sydney during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sydney in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. In the winter, Sydney is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sydney in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 3°C (38°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the winter, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Edinburghin January. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Edinburghin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Edinburgh in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Edinburgh. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In October, Sydney is generally much warmer than Edinburghin April. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 18°C (64°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Sydney usually receives more rain than Edinburghin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Sydney