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Planning a trip to Europe and trying to choose between London and Edinburgh? You’re in the right place!
I’ve visited and loved both of these cities in the United Kingdom. The trouble is that they both have a ton to offer, but they’re very different destinations – which can make it hard to pick just one. While London is a sprawling metropolis that best compares in size to New York City, Edinburgh is smaller and packed with character.
I originally held off on visiting both of these cities because I was intimidated by the steep price points. It was only when I started to look a little closer that I realized I could, in fact, have a great time in either place, even on a budget. For me, that looked like a whole lot of walking around.
The good and bad news of this post is that there’s no clear, one-size-fits-most answer to the question, “Should I visit London or Edinburgh?” Truthfully, I think you could easily fall in love with both cities, but I’ll spend the rest of this post helping you weigh the pros and cons.
Table of Contents
London vs Edinburgh: Which City Is Better To Visit?
About London
About Edinburgh
Places of Interest
Food Scenes
Costs
Day Trips
London vs Edinburgh: FAQs
Conclusion
London vs Edinburgh: Which City Is Better To Visit?
London and Edinburgh are two beautiful, history-laden travel destinations and either would be a fantastic place to visit. Wonderful as they both are, they’re also very different.
While London is enormous and requires decent navigation skills, Edinburgh can be explored on foot. London’s grandiosity and lavishness are apparent everywhere you look, while Edinburgh is best described by words like “charming” and “whimsical”.
I don’t know that I’ll be able to tell you which city is better to visit because I fully intend to return to both… probably several times. Instead, I hope that I can capture the essence of each city and help you to decide which is better for your trip.
However, I can say that anyone on a strict budget should probably choose Edinburgh. While you may be able to find some deals in London, the accommodations, food, and transportation in Edinburgh are more affordable. You also won’t have to try nearly as hard in Edinburgh to find great, budget-friendly spots.
About London
I was introduced to London by a mother and daughter duo that I met by chance on a trip to the Arctic Circle in Norway. We sat together eating brothy soup in an arctic dome on my last day in Norway as they excitedly prepared me for my first trip to their city.
They were incredibly kind and happy to share all of their favorite spots in London, from restaurants to markets to theaters. I used their recommendations to plan my entire five day solo trip and had an absolute blast exploring the city. I’ve included several of their original recommendations in this post, along with some spots I found on my own.
Now, a quick overview of London.
This global city is home to a whopping 9 million people, approximately the same size as New York City. It is connected by a series of trains and buses that are relatively easy to use but costly, so be prepared to spend some time using public transit to get around. A staggering 30 million people visit London each year, so it has certainly earned its title as a destination for world travelers.
You could do just about any version of a city trip to London. If you enjoy museums, theater, galleries, and fine dining, London has it. If you want to go clubbing and eat Instagrammable brunches and shop until you drop, the city can accommodate.
For my part, I like to explore on foot, eat the best (and preferably cheapest) meals I can find.
About Edinburgh
I met Zoe Gemma Steward, the photographer and travel blogger behind @mylittleedinburgh, by chance on my first day in Edinburgh. She was filming some Wes Anderson-themed content when I bumped into her in an adorable cafe near my hostel.
When I told her I was visiting the city she exclaimed, “I’ve always secretly wished that I could see Edinburgh through the eyes of someone visiting for the first time. I was born and grew up here, so I never got the chance!” I think it’s the most beautiful way I’ve ever heard anyone describe a city.
Overview of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is considerably smaller than London, with a population of about 550,000. There are trains and buses that connect the city, but the central area is compact enough that you can mostly get around on foot. This beautiful city has serious Harry Potter energy, and it’s full of hills so bring your comfiest walking shoes.
Despite its small size, Edinburgh still attracts a healthy number of visitors. Each year, about 3.7 million people make their way through this city in the United Kingdom. It has great food, plenty of historic landmarks to explore, and lots of intriguing museums.
London vs Edinburgh: Places of Interest
London and Edinburgh both have interesting and historical places to visit, but you’ll notice that they have entirely different appeals. In London, the top places to visit are impressively glamorous, with ornate statutes, sprawling parks, and more than a little gold paint. Edinburgh, by contrast, has a dark and stormy aesthetic, with more dark stone buildings and bustling streets.
Top places to visit in London
There are so many top places to visit in London that I struggled to narrow the list down to these three. Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic spots in London, and although it really only takes a few minutes to visit I think it’s worth your time. From the fountain out front you can stand where millions of tourists before you have stood, hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal family or a changing of the guards.
Hyde Park is equally grand, though much better suited to spending an hour or two. You can stroll through this enormous city park while taking a phone call, listening to a podcast, or just enjoying the scenery. You could pay a visit to the Serpentine Gallery, a free art gallery located in Hyde Park.
Finally, many people come to London to enjoy the world class museums and the British Museum is arguably the most famous. This enormous, free museum has collections including the Rosetta Stone (yes, that Rosetta Stone), the Parthenon Sculptures, and mummies. With over 8 million cultural objects from around the world, you’re not likely to see everything in one day, so be strategic about how you navigate the collections.
✅ Buckingham Palace
✅ Hyde Park
✅ British Museum
A note on the British Museum
Where did all of the cultural objects in the British Museum come from? Most of them were stolen, and the museum has been pretty clear that it’s not planning to give them back. When deciding whether or not to visit the British Museum, I’d recommend watching the “Museums” episode of Last Week Tonight by John Oliver.
Top places to visit in Edinburgh
Whether you go inside or not, Edinburgh Castle should be on your list of places to visit. I first spotted the castle after walking out of my hostel to find some coffee, and I was immediately impressed. Because Edinburgh Castle is located on a big hill overlooking the city, you can see it from a number of vantage points.
Edinburgh Castle is also the beginning point of the Royal Mile, which runs to another royal residence, the Holyrood House. All along the Royal Mile you’ll find shops, pubs, and other gems.
St Giles Cathedral is a quick stop along the Royal Mile, but I really enjoyed this church in central Edinburgh. It features beautiful stained glass windows, intriguing architectural features, and was an impressive size. This cathedral is free to visit and you can see it in about 30 minutes.
Finally, I’d recommend that you visit the Water of Leith Walkway, the name for the footpath that follows the Water of Leith (a river that flows through Edinburgh). If you don’t have long to spend on the footpath, check out the area near Dean Village for beautiful views and photo opportunities. You can walk along the trail towards Leith for as long as you like, getting off when you get hungry or grow tired.
✅ Edinburgh Castle
✅ Royal Mile
✅ Water of Leith Walkway
London vs Edinburgh: Food Scenes
Although you might expect the easy answer to be London, both of these cities have fabulous food scenes. Whether you’re looking for traditional meals, international cuisine, or street food, you can find something you’ll love in both London and Edinburgh. These cities also have fabulous fine dining restaurants, including a host of spots with Michelin stars.
London’s Food Scene
You can find just about any cuisine you might desire in London, from sushi to birria tacos to a Whole Foods hot bar. The issue is that very little of the food near the tourist hotspots is great, so be prepared to travel around.
One centrally located foodie spot is the Borough Market. When I was there, I got an incredible chocolate cream donut from Bread Ahead and a smoked cheese sandwich from the Black Pig, two of the market stalls. Another win was my basic cheese sandwich from Paul Rothe & Son, which was a surprisingly affordable lunch in SoHo.
I am not afraid to travel for good food, and I made several small voyages while in London. I loved the mushroom and tofu bao buns from Daddy Bao in Tooting that I made sure to return on my next trip with my partner. I also loved Kaosarn Thai in Clapham Junction, which is BYOB (bring your own beverage) and cash only.
Edinburgh’s Food Scene
For a smaller city, I was impressed by Edinburgh’s food scene. I had wonderful breakfasts and snacks in the cafes around the city and an empanada from Empanadas and Co that I won’t soon forget. However, my favorite spot was a Middle Eastern restaurant called Shish Edinburgh, which also had creative, alcohol-free co*cktails.
I particularly loved the cafes along Queen Street near the Edinburgh New Town area, which had lovely coffee and food menus. I ordered a granola bowl at Mayvn Cafe, which was tasty, filling, and served with fresh fruit. I took a few minutes to journal while I was there, but you could easily squeeze in some work on your laptop if you were on a European workation.
If you’re brave (and not a vegetarian), you might try some Scottish specialties like haggis, a meaty dish traditionally made in a sheep’s stomach. You could also opt for the less intimidating fish and chips, or stick to Edinburgh’s fabulous vegan- and vegetarian-friendly restaurants.
London vs Edinburgh: Costs
There’s really no contest here, London is a much more expensive destination than Edinburgh. From transportation costs to accommodations to food to toiletries, almost everything is most expensive in London.
That’s not to say that Edinburgh is a budget traveler’s paradise. Rather, Edinburgh boasts more average prices for a western European city – comparable to Dublin or Cork in Ireland.
Transportation Costs
Transportation in London is much more expensive than Edinburgh, partly because you’ll need to travel much further in a day. Even if you stay in a very centrally located hotel in London, you could still find yourself spending 25 minutes on the train if you wanted to visit, say, Hyde Park.
Budget at least 10-15£ per person per day for local transportation in London. Even seemingly short trips can quickly add up in this city. I’d also recommend that you tap your credit card in and out when using public transit so that you don’t accidentally overpay for your fare at the ticket machines.
Accommodation Costs
Expect to spend more on your London hotel than you will in Edinburgh. In an attempt to offer the best comparison, I used two Point A hotels. This hotel chain is definitely of the no-thrills variety, but they’re nicely located and the rooms are clean.
Additionally, I included the prices for one night in a dorm-style hostel in a central area for budget travelers. I stayed in both of these hostels, but it’s worth noting that the Edinburgh hostel was definitely higher end than the London hostel, with individual bunks and a few more modern amenities.
Example London accommodation: Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras
This Point A Hotel in Kings Cross is located right in the middle of everything, perfect for exploring the area, going to the theater, and hopping on the tube to other parts of the city. The rooms are basic but comfortable.
My partner stayed in the Point A hotel in Canary Wharf and thought it was comfortable, though the Kings Cross location is much better suited for travelers (he was attending business meetings nearby).
Prices vary significantly in London, but a night in this hotel in September 2023 was approximately $230. By contrast, a night in Urbany Hostel in an 8-bed dorm was $48. I stayed in Urbany Hostel on my first solo trip to London and loved it, though I opted for the 6-bed dorm.
Example Edinburgh accommodation: Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
The Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket is located about a 15 minute walk from Edinburgh Castle and perfect for exploring the city on foot. Like their counterpart in London, expect the basics without many, if any, frills. The hotel is about a 7 minute walk from the Haymarket train station. A night in the Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket in September 2023 was about $190.
I stayed in CoDE Pod – The CoURT when I visited Edinburgh. This hostel is a bit more upscale and seemed to cater more to working professionals and older budget travelers, while still definitely having a hostel vibe. The beds were comfortable but I definitely needed the earplugs that were provided to be able to sleep through the noise from the street.
A night in a 10-bed mixed dorm at the CoDE Pod – The CoURT in September 2023 was $70. For comparison, the Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel is a very nice budget accommodation with more traditional dorms. A night at Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel in September 2023 was $40.
Food Costs
Meals in London were definitely a bit more expensive than Edinburgh. However, the biggest difference I found was that London had fewer good, budget-friendly spots, especially anywhere near the central areas. I mentioned a few of my favorite restaurants in the “Food Scene” section, but two of my favorite London restaurants were at least 30 minutes from Kings Cross by train.
This is not to say that there aren’t fabulous little spots that you can find while in central London. Instead, you’ll probably need to carefully research each restaurant or you could fall into a tourist trap and end up with an overpriced, underwhelming meal. My veggie sandwich from the Black Pig in central London was delicious and cost me 9 £ (about $11), but I was hungry again a few hours later.
Edinburgh, by contrast, seemed to have great spots to eat throughout the city, including plenty of budget-friendly joints. I wouldn’t advise that you eat in the most central streets of Edinburgh, but within a few blocks there seemed to be some decent options. I found the best food in the more residential parts of the city, namely near Queen Street and along Leith Walk.
One of my favorite meals in Edinburgh was an empanada and an arepa from Empanadas and Co. With a side of salsa, my meal cost about 15 £ ($19) and kept me fueled for hours.
London vs Edinburgh: Day Trips
The biggest difference between day trips from London and those from Edinburgh are the types of destinations. While most people leave London for smaller cities, Edinburgh offers the chance to head out into nature and explore parts of the Scottish Highlands. Truthfully, I’d say that both cities are well situated for day trips, but if I had to choose I’d give the edge to London.
I wouldn’t say that you need to spend a night in Brighton, Oxford, or Cambridge. However, I would recommend that you spend a few nights in the Scottish Highlands if you have time in your itinerary. If you can, I’d recommend spending a few days in Edinburgh then spending a few days in another part of the country, instead of trying to explore as a day trip.
Top Day Trips from London
London is very well situated for day trips, and many travelers choose to escape the city for at least a day during their visit. My favorite day trip is to the seaside town of Brighton, the LGBT capital of the UK. Brighton has fabulous food, great coffee shops, vintage shopping, and bookstores where you can lose yourself for a few hours.
Alternatively, you could visit the historical university towns of Oxford or Cambridge. Both of these cities boast incredible architecture, and either would make a great choice for a day trip. Between the two, Oxford is a bit more busy and bustling, while Cambridge is charming and more laid back.
✅ Brighton
✅ Oxford
✅ Cambridge
Top Day Trips from Edinburgh
You can see many of the major sites in Glasgow on a day trip from Edinburgh. I particularly enjoyed taking a street art tour that showcased the artists in Glasgow and even included an early Banksy piece. I thought it was a nice introduction to the city, and the guide was more than happy to make a few recommendations for the rest of my visit.
I included two other day trips in the beautiful and mountainous Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. Be forewarned that these are going to be long days. If you have the flexibility in your schedule, I’d personally visit them by spending a night in Glasgow (Loch Lomond) or Inverness (Loch Ness).
However, if a day trip is all you have time for, it can be done! Both destinations are accessible by public transit, but I’d personally rent a car to visit Loch Ness because the buses run infrequently. I wouldn’t recommend relying on the last bus of the day to get home, so be sure to carefully plan your journey before you set out.
✅ Glasgow
✅ Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park
✅ Loch Ness
London vs Edinburgh: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by travelers choosing between London and Edinburgh.
Is London or Edinburgh better?
Neither city is inherently better than the other to visit, but it’s important to recognize that they’re very different destinations. It’s sort of like choosing between New York City and New Orleans – one is an enormous metropolis with museums, culture, and great food, and the other is smaller and full of history.
Is London or Edinburgh more expensive?
Without a doubt, London is a more expensive destination than Edinburgh.
Is Edinburgh warmer than London?
No, the weather in Edinburgh and London is similar, so I wouldn’t expect a significant difference in temperature. However, London will be a bit warmer because it’s both further from the coast and a ways south of Edinburgh. In October, for example, the average and low temperatures in London are 16° / 10° C ( 61° / 50° F), respectively, versus 13° / 6° C ( 55° / 43° F) in Edinburgh.
Is Edinburgh or London better for students wishing to study abroad?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a satisfying answer to this question. Choosing a study abroad destination is a complex decision, and I don’t think that one city is inherently better suited for studying abroad than the other. When I was in college, I had friends who studied abroad in both Edinburgh and London and really enjoyed their time.
Students on a budget might be better off in the much cheaper city of Edinburgh, where your funds will take you much further. You can also get a deeper sense of Scottish culture while studying in Edinburgh, and you’ll be a train ride away from the mountainous Scottish Highlands.
However, If you’re planning to study finance, business, or any other subject where networking in London will be essential. Depending on your situation and goals, it might be worth the extra cost to live in London for a semester. In London, you’ll always have somewhere that you can go, an event to pop into, and a new restaurant to try – which can be invigorating (but probably also at times a bit overwhelming).
Is Edinburgh walkable?
Yes, Edinburgh is a very walkable city. If you enjoy walking around urban spaces, you could spend your entire trip to Edinburgh exploring on foot, catching a bus only to return to the airport.
While there are plenty of sidewalks and walking paths, note that Edinburgh is quite hilly. You’ll need to climb and descend the stairs and hills while navigating this city. For this reason, I’d recommend that you wear supportive, sturdy shoes for your days exploring Edinburgh.
Is London walkable?
Yes, London is walkable in that it has plenty of sidewalks, green spaces, and pedestrian areas. However, the magnitude of the city means that you’ll also need to rely on public transit or taxis to get around. In this way, London is comparable to New York City – it’s simply too large to get around solely on foot.
Are London and Edinburgh safe cities?
Yes, both London and Edinburgh are considered very safe cities to visit. As with any destination, you should take precautions when traveling and always keep an eye on your belongings. Do not leave your drinks unattended, and take care when walking at night or in isolated areas.
Consider taking a taxi if you need to get across the city late at night, especially if you’re a woman traveling alone. The emergency number for both London and Edinburgh is 999.
Conclusion: Should you visit London or Edinburgh?
There are compelling reasons why you’d choose to visit London or Edinburgh, as they’re both wonderful destinations in the UK. London is glamorous, with a seemingly endless list of potential activities. Edinburgh is charming, steeped in history, and full of surprises – you’ll feel like a train to Hogwarts could pull up at a moment’s notice.
If you’ve gotten this far in your research and you still can’t decide which city is right for you, here’s an exercise. Go check your bank account. Did that make you feel anxious, stressed, or upset? If so, you might just want to plan your trip to Edinburgh or a cheaper European destination like Naples, Italy.
I’m confident that you’ll have a great time in whichever city you choose!
