A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Edinburgh or Toronto?

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 Toronto 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 ancient, charming, and character-filled 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and shopping. See Edinburgh travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

Edinburgh and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Toronto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Toronto. While Toronto is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is very popular for its theatre productions, music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Toronto attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Toronto and is known 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. Toronto is famous for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population.

How is Edinburgh different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Edinburgh and Toronto.

The museums and tourist attractions in Edinburgh are world-renowned. 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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Toronto on the map. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Is Edinburgh or Toronto Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for theatre. However, Toronto is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Toronto is not a theatre destination.

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

Toronto is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Toronto has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

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 Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Toronto is a must-see party destination. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Toronto Better for Music?

Edinburgh is terrific for live music. However, Toronto is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is known as a music capital around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Toronto is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Toronto Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is terrific for its historic old town. However, Toronto does not have a historic old town.

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.

Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Toronto?

Toronto is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Toronto draws large crowds to its stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Edinburgh. 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.

Is Edinburgh or Toronto More Beautiful?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Edinburgh is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It has a long history and a lot of architectural beauty. The weather may be the most challenging part of a visit to Edinburgh.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Edinburgh or Toronto Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Toronto are great to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. 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.

Toronto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Edinburgh or Toronto Better for Couples?

Both Edinburgh and Toronto are great 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 Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is Edinburgh or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Edinburgh. 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.

Toronto is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Edinburgh or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Toronto is a very popular city for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

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

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

Toronto is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Toronto can take you anywhere. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Toronto a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is terrific for its walkability. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Toronto?

Both Edinburgh and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Edinburgh. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Edinburgh than Toronto. 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.

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

In Edinburgh, you'll find museums and theater. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. 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 Toronto?

In Edinburgh, you'll find theater and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Edinburgh has to offer.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Toronto?

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Edinburgh has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. Many people enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting Edinburgh. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Edinburgh and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Edinburgh is in Europe and Toronto is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In July, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Toronto. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Toronto. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Edinburgh during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Edinburgh is cooler than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Toronto. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Toronto can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In the winter, Edinburgh is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Toronto. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Edinburgh is generally around the same temperature as Toronto. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Edinburgh