A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Outer Hebrides for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit York or Outer Hebrides?

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

Should I visit York or Outer Hebrides? 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a tranquil, serene, 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 Outer Hebrides: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Outer Hebrides?

Tourists will generally find more to do in York. Although York and Outer Hebrides are both popular with visitors, York has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. York is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Outer Hebrides is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles. Outer Hebrides is popular for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is York different from Outer Hebrides?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

York is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

York is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through York, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Is York or Outer Hebrides Better for Nightlife?

York is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

York has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is York or Outer Hebrides Better for Beaches?

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

Outer Hebrides is considered a top beach destination. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Outer Hebrides Better for its Old Town?

York is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is York or Outer Hebrides Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, York is not a hiking destination.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Outer Hebrides?

York is a good destination for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is York or Outer Hebrides Better for Families?

York is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, York is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is York or Outer Hebrides Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Outer Hebrides make for a superb 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.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Is York or Outer Hebrides Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

York is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

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

York is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is York or Outer Hebrides a more walkable city?

York is a good destination for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Outer Hebrides or York?

How long in York or Outer Hebrides?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Outer Hebrides to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Outer Hebrides than York because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 4-10 days is enough time in Outer Hebrides.

Families should spend more time in York than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides?

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 food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides?

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.

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides?

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 food when visiting the remote destination of Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides?

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 when visiting the tranquil archipelago of Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides, we can see that Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit York or Outer Hebrides?

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 Outer Hebrides in the Summer?

Both Outer Hebrides and York during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to York for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

York is a little warmer than Outer Hebrides in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Outer Hebrides fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the summer, York often gets more sunshine than Outer Hebrides. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Outer Hebrides receives 117 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Outer Hebrides. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Outer Hebrides in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Outer Hebrides. The autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year.

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

York usually receives more sunshine than Outer Hebrides during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Outer Hebrides receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, York usually receives less rain than Outer Hebrides. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Outer Hebrides in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to York as well as Outer Hebrides. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Outer Hebrides. It's quite cold in York in the winter. In January, York is generally cooler than Outer Hebrides. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Outer Hebrides fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Outer Hebrides. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Outer Hebrides receives 33 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. York usually gets less rain in January than Outer Hebrides. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Outer Hebrides in the Spring?

Both Outer Hebrides and York are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Outer Hebrides during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Outer Hebrides receives 149 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Outer Hebrides. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Outer Hebrides and York