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

Should you visit Ephesus or Edinburgh?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Edinburgh, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Ephesus

Ephesus is a world-renowned, fascinating, and ancient archeological site. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Ephesus travel costs.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a gothic, ancient, and charming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of Edinburgh is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Edinburgh travel costs.

Ephesus and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ephesus or Edinburgh?

You'll generally find more things to do in Edinburgh than Ephesus. Edinburgh is bigger than Ephesus, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ephesus is more popular for its food. Ephesus is well known for its well-preserved ruins and vast size Edinburgh is well known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle.

How is Ephesus different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums and tourist attractions in Ephesus are world-renowned. Of course, the iconic site is the ruins of Ephesus. There are also several fascinating museums in the area that offer deeper insights into the region's rich history and culture. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is popular. It has an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Just outside the museum, the Temple of Artemis section displays remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Selçuk Museum of Ephesus is another excellent spot to explore, with exhibits that highlight both the daily life of ancient Ephesians and their religious practices. A short drive from Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary museum, a revered site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, with a chapel and peaceful surroundings. Lastly, the İsa Bey Mosque and Museum in Selçuk adds to the area's historical depth, offering a glimpse into the Seljuk architecture and Islamic heritage of the region.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Edinburgh on the map. 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.

Is Ephesus or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a great city for its theatre productions. However, Ephesus is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Ephesus is not a theatre destination.

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

Ephesus is a archeological site with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Ephesus has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most of the food options are found in the nearby town of Selçuk. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Many restaurants are casual and cater specifically to the tourist crowds.

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 Ephesus or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is a great city for nightlife and partying. However, Ephesus is not known for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Edinburgh has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Ephesus specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The there are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music in the town of Selçuk, but generally the nightlife is very low key.

Is Ephesus or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is renowned for its live music scene. However, Ephesus is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Ephesus is not a live music destination.

Is Ephesus or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is renowned for its old town. However, Ephesus does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Edinburgh is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Ephesus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ephesus or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its shopping areas.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Ephesus to go shopping. Selçuk has a variety of local shops and markets. Traditional handicrafts such as carpet and kilim weaving, ceramics, and leather goods are popular souvenirs. The Selçuk Market is held on Saturdays and offers fresh produce, spices, and other local products.

Is Ephesus or Edinburgh More Beautiful?

Edinburgh is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Edinburgh is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It has a long history and a lot of architectural beauty. The weather may be the most challenging part of a visit to Edinburgh.

Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ephesus or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Edinburgh is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Ephesus is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who are into history or archeology will enjoy a visit to the famed ruins of Ephesus. There's also the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where everyone can learn about ancient Greek and Roman cultures in an interactive setting. The nearby House of the Virgin Mary offers a peaceful stop where kids can learn about its historical and religious significance in a tranquil environment. For an active experience, families can enjoy a short hike to Pamucak Beach, where children can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

Is Ephesus or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for couples.

Edinburgh is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Ephesus is a good archeological site for couples to visit. Many couples stop off at these ruins as part of a bigger tour of Turkey. The ruins are well preserved and impressive, but can get crowded if you visit during the peak times.

Is Ephesus or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Edinburgh is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Ephesus is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stay in the nearby town of Selçuk, which has several hostels. This is also where you'll find a number of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Is Ephesus or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Ephesus is not popular with students.

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

Ephesus is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Ephesus can get you to some places easily. The town of Selçuk is well-connected by dolmuşes (shared minivans) that run frequently and offer affordable rides to nearby destinations, including Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Pamucak Beach area.

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 Ephesus or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its ease of walking around.

Edinburgh is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

Ephesus is a somewhat walkable archeological site. The ruins are spread out over a large area, but most of the key sites, like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, are within walking distance of each other. From Selçuk, it's about a half hour walk to the entrance of the Ephesus ruins, but most visitors prefer to take a short taxi or dolmuş ride to the site. Within Selçuk, many of the sites can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Ephesus?

How long in Ephesus or Edinburgh?

In either Ephesus or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Edinburgh than Ephesus because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ephesus, and 2-5 days is enough time in Edinburgh.

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the archeological site of Ephesus. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ephesus has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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.

A weekend in Ephesus or Edinburgh?

You'll find museums and food around the world-renowned destination of Ephesus. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this archeological site has to offer. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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.

Five days in Ephesus or Edinburgh?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the ancient archeological site of Ephesus. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

A week in Ephesus or Edinburgh?

Ephesus is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Edinburgh, 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 Ephesus or Edinburgh?

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 Ephesus or Edinburgh in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Edinburgh. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ephesus is much warmer than Edinburgh in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ephesus or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Edinburgh. Many travelers come to Ephesus for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ephesus is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Edinburgh. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ephesus or Edinburgh in the Winter?

Both Edinburgh and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ephesus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ephesus or Edinburgh in the Spring?

Both Edinburgh and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Ephesus is much warmer than Edinburgh in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Edinburgh. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Ephesus