A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Orkney Islands for Food, Families, Attractions, and Couples

Should you visit York or Orkney Islands?

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

Should I visit York or Orkney Islands? 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 fanciful, historic, and medieval city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a natural, pristine, and remote archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

York and Orkney Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Orkney Islands?

Visitors will usually find more to do in York than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. York is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Also, York is famous for The Shambles. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is York different from Orkney Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

York is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

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.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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

York is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its local cuisine and restaurants.

York has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

Is York or Orkney Islands Better for Nightlife?

York is great for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to York for the nightlife scene. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is York or Orkney Islands Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for its beaches. However, York is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is considered a top beach destination. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Orkney Islands Better for its Old Town?

York is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

The old town of York is one of the most recognized in 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.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is York or Orkney Islands Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, York is not a hiking destination.

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Orkney Islands?

York is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

York has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is York or Orkney Islands Better for Families?

York is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its family-friendly activities.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is York or Orkney Islands Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Orkney Islands make for a great 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.

Orkney Islands makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Is York or Orkney Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Orkney Islands are great destinations for backpackers.

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.

Many backpackers visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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

Both York and Orkney Islands offer notable public transit options.

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

Orkney Islands has some public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is York or Orkney Islands a more walkable city?

York is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Orkney Islands or York?

How long in York or Orkney Islands?

Both York and Orkney Islands have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in York. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 3-7 days is enough time in Orkney Islands.

Families should spend more time in York than Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands?

In York, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Orkney Islands?

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Orkney Islands is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Orkney Islands?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the serene destination of Orkney Islands. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Orkney Islands?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of York. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the serene archipelago of Orkney Islands. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Orkney Islands, we can see that Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit York or Orkney Islands?

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 Orkney Islands in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Orkney Islands. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, York is generally a little warmer than Orkney Islands. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the summer, York often gets more sunshine than Orkney Islands. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Orkney Islands receives 129 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit York or Orkney Islands in the Autumn?

Both Orkney Islands and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

York is a little warmer than Orkney Islands in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Orkney Islands during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Orkney Islands receives 73 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. In October, York usually receives less rain than Orkney Islands. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Orkney Islands in the Winter?

Both Orkney Islands and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Orkney Islands can be very cold during winter. York can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, York is around the same temperature as Orkney Islands. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Orkney Islands averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Orkney Islands. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Orkney Islands receives 29 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. York usually gets less rain in January than Orkney Islands. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Orkney Islands in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Orkney Islands. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, York is generally a little warmer than Orkney Islands. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Orkney Islands during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Orkney Islands receives 135 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Orkney Islands. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Orkney Islands and York