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

Should you visit York or Edinburgh?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a character-filled, vibrant, and gothic 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and theater.

York and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Edinburgh?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while York attracts visitors for its food. Edinburgh is more touristy than York and is popular 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. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

How is York different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh?

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

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Edinburgh that are not to be missed. 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 York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Is York or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for theatre. However, York 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.

York is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Many restaurants in York have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

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 York or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Edinburgh are excellent when it comes to 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.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 York or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for live music. However, York is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is a world class music destination. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

York is not a live music destination.

Is York or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the terrific old towns in both York and Edinburgh.

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

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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Edinburgh is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. 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.

Is York or Edinburgh Better for Families?

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

York is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

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 York or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

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

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.

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.

Is York or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Edinburgh is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Many backpackers 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.

Is York or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for students. However, York 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Both York and Edinburgh offer nice public transit options.

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

Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is York or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Edinburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or York?

How long in York or Edinburgh?

In either York or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Edinburgh than York because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 2-5 days is enough time in Edinburgh.

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of York. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of York. 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.

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fanciful city of York. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Edinburgh. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Edinburgh?

York 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.

The charming city of Edinburgh offers museums and theater. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Edinburgh in the Summer?

Both Edinburgh and York during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, York is a little warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, York often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Edinburgh. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Edinburgh. Most visitors come to York for the shopping scene 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 October, York is generally a little warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Edinburgh in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to York as well as Edinburgh. The winter months attract visitors to York because of the museums, the shopping scene, 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 York can be very cold. York is a little warmer than Edinburgh in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Edinburgh. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Edinburgh in the Spring?

Both Edinburgh and York are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, York is a little warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 7°C (45°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and York