A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Windsor vs. Edinburgh for Attractions, Old Town, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Windsor or Edinburgh?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a character-filled, vibrant, and gothic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and theater.

Windsor and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Edinburgh?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Edinburgh than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Windsor is more popular for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Edinburgh is more touristy than Windsor and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle. Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

How is Windsor different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Edinburgh are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Windsor specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Is Windsor or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is well known for its theatre productions. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a theatre destination.

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

Windsor is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Windsor has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

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 Windsor or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Windsor is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Edinburgh In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Windsor is not a live music destination.

Is Windsor or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Edinburgh is revered around the world. 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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Edinburgh is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Edinburgh is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Edinburgh is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Edinburgh make for a excellent place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Edinburgh is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Is Windsor or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Edinburgh is well known for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Edinburgh is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Edinburgh.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While Edinburgh offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Windsor or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Edinburgh?

In either Windsor or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Edinburgh than Windsor because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Windsor, and 2-5 days is enough time in Edinburgh.

Families should spend more time in Edinburgh than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Edinburgh?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Windsor has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Edinburgh, you'll find museums and theater. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Edinburgh?

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Edinburgh, you'll find theater and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Edinburgh has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Edinburgh?

Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Edinburgh has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Edinburgh?

Windsor is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. Many people enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting Edinburgh. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Windsor and Edinburgh, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Edinburgh Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor or Edinburgh?

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 Windsor or Edinburgh in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Edinburgh. Many visitors come to Windsor in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Windsor is a little warmer than Edinburgh in the summer. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Edinburgh. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

Both Edinburgh and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Windsor is a little warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Windsor usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Edinburgh in the Winter?

Both Edinburgh and Windsor during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Windsor because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.

It's quite cold in Edinburgh in the winter. The weather in Windsor can be very cold. In January, Windsor is generally a little warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Edinburgh. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Edinburgh in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Edinburgh. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Windsor is a little warmer than Edinburgh in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Windsor usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Windsor