A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Aberdeen for Food, Old Town, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit York or Aberdeen?

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

Should I visit York or Aberdeen? 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a historic, cultural, and architectural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Aberdeen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Aberdeen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aberdeen than York, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Aberdeen is more popular for its big city activities, while York is known for its food, nightlife, and historical sights. York is more touristy than Aberdeen and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Aberdeen is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen.

How is York different from Aberdeen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Aberdeen?

Both York and Aberdeen have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Aberdeen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Is the Food Better in York or Aberdeen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is York or Aberdeen Better for Nightlife?

York is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is York or Aberdeen Better for its Old Town?

York is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, York offers plenty to see. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Aberdeen?

Both York and Aberdeen are good shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is York or Aberdeen Better for Families?

York is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Aberdeen is very family-friendly. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Is York or Aberdeen Better for Couples?

York is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is York or Aberdeen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is York or Aberdeen Better for Students?

Aberdeen is a popular place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Aberdeen is a good city to visit for students. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

York is not popular with students.

Is York or Aberdeen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both York and Aberdeen offer good public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is York or Aberdeen a more walkable city?

Aberdeen is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aberdeen or York?

How long in York or Aberdeen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Aberdeen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Aberdeen. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aberdeen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Aberdeen 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 York.

One day in York or Aberdeen?

The city of York offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Aberdeen?

York is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in York, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Aberdeen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Aberdeen?

York is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Aberdeen. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Aberdeen?

York is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

The historic city of Aberdeen offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York and Aberdeen, 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 York or Aberdeen?

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 York or Aberdeen in the Summer?

Both Aberdeen and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year.

York is a little warmer than Aberdeen in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Aberdeen during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 157 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Aberdeen in the Autumn?

Both Aberdeen and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, York is a little warmer than Aberdeen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Aberdeen. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 93 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Aberdeen. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Aberdeen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Aberdeen. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Aberdeen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Aberdeen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in York. In January, York is generally a little warmer than Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Aberdeen during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Aberdeen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Aberdeen. Also, most visitors come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city during these months.

York is a little warmer than Aberdeen in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 144 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Aberdeen. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aberdeen and York