A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Kotor for Food, Old Town, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Edinburgh or Kotor?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Kotor can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a vibrant, gothic, and ancient city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Edinburgh 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 museums, theater, and nightlife. See Edinburgh travel costs.

Kotor

Kotor is a dramatic, scenic, and beautiful coastal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Kotor is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Kotor travel costs.

Edinburgh and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Edinburgh. Although Edinburgh and Kotor are popular destinations, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Edinburgh is more touristy than Kotor 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. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Edinburgh different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Edinburgh or Kotor?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Edinburgh or Kotor Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is well known for theatre. However, Kotor is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Kotor is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Many restaurants in Kotor have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Edinburgh or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Edinburgh is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Edinburgh or Kotor Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for live music. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Edinburgh or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a coastal town with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Edinburgh or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a coastal town with good options for the beach. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kotor. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Both Edinburgh and Kotor have amazing historic old towns worth visiting.

Edinburgh has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

The old town of Kotor is one of the most recognized in the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Is Edinburgh or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Around Kotor visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Kotor?

Edinburgh is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Edinburgh or Kotor More Beautiful?

Kotor is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Kotor is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The winding streets and isolated setting offer a beautiful escape from more touristy areas.

With stunning beauty, Edinburgh attracts visitors from all around. It has a long history and a lot of architectural beauty. The weather may be the most challenging part of a visit to Edinburgh.

Is Edinburgh or Kotor Better for Families?

Edinburgh is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Edinburgh is 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Edinburgh or Kotor Better for Couples?

Both Edinburgh and Kotor are superb destinations for a couple's 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.

Couples visit Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Edinburgh or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Edinburgh or Kotor Better for Students?

Edinburgh is well known for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

Edinburgh is very popular with students. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Edinburgh is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Edinburgh or Kotor a more walkable city?

Edinburgh and Kotor are amazing when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Edinburgh or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Edinburgh due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edinburgh than Kotor 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 Edinburgh or Kotor?

In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this gothic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Kotor?

Edinburgh is a fun place to experience. In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the museums and theater that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Edinburgh or Kotor?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the ancient destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Kotor?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Kotor, 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 Edinburgh or Kotor?

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 Edinburgh or Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Edinburgh during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Kotor. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kotor because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Edinburgh is much colder than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Kotor. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Kotor. The winter months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. In the winter, Edinburgh is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Kotor. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Edinburgh