Dylan and Maddy
London vs. Edinburgh: Which UK City Should You Visit First?
When you’re planning a trip to the UK, two cities almost always top the list: London and Edinburgh. Both are packed with history, culture, and those “I can’t believe I’m here” moments—but they couldn’t feel more different once you’re on the ground.
We’ve experienced both cities in our own way, from the endless buzz of London to the storybook charm of Edinburgh. If you’re wondering which UK city should be your first stop, or you’re trying to decide how to split your time, this honest guide is for you. We’ll break down what makes each city special, share our favorite finds, and help you figure out where your next adventure should begin.
1. Overall Vibe & First Impressions
London: Bustling & Historic
London is a city we absolutely love—so much so that we’ve been three times now! It’s massive, energetic, and bursting with things to do. Every visit feels different because there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a West End show, a hidden market, or a stroll along the Thames. London also holds a special place in our hearts because it was our very first taste of Europe. There’s just something magical about seeing those famous landmarks in real life for the first time.
Edinburgh: Medieval Magic
On the other hand, Edinburgh stole our hearts with its medieval charm and undeniable Harry Potter vibes (seriously, if you’re a Potterhead, this city is a must). From the winding alleys of the Old Town to the colorful storefronts of Victoria Street, Edinburgh feels like stepping into another world. It’s smaller and more walkable than London, but it’s packed with character and history around every corner.
2. Top Sights & Experiences
London: World-Famous Icons
London is known for its iconic skyline, historic palaces, and a buzzing atmosphere that blends centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge modernity. The city’s top sights include some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, from Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to Tower Bridge and the British Museum. Beyond its famous attractions, London is also celebrated for its vibrant markets, lush parks, and an arts scene that rivals any global capital. Whether you’re into history, theater, or food, London’s endless variety means there’s always something new to experience. For a detailed guide on how to make the most of your visit, check out our 3 Days in London Itinerary for our favorite spots, tips, and hidden gems.
Must-See Sights in London:
- Iconic landmarks: Palace of Westminster, including Elizabeth Tower / Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the London Eye.
- The West End: If you love theater, you can’t miss catching a show here! It’s basically the Broadway of Europe.
- World-class Museums: The British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern.
- Markets: Borough Market, Camden Market, and Portobello Road.
- Parks: Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and St. James’s Park offer a peaceful break from the city buzz.
Edinburgh: From the Royal Mile to Calton Hill
Edinburgh is famous for its medieval Old Town, striking castle views, and a unique atmosphere that feels straight out of a storybook. The city’s top sights showcase its rich history and dramatic setting—from the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the winding Royal Mile and colorful Victoria Street. Edinburgh is also known for its literary connections, with many spots linked to Harry Potter and other classic works. With its blend of historic landmarks and panoramic viewpoints, Edinburgh offers a magical experience that’s both timeless and distinctly Scottish. If you want even more inspiration for your trip, check out our blog on the 14 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh for a deeper dive into the city’s must-see attractions and hidden gems.
Must-See Sights in Edinburgh:
- Edinburgh Castle: Perched above the city, it’s a must-visit for history lovers.
- The Royal Mile: Stroll this historic stretch packed with shops, street performers, and restaurants.
- Victoria Street: Said to be the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley — and honestly, we totally see it. JK Rowling had to have pulled from this magical street.
- Arthur’s Seat: Hike for panoramic views over the city.
- Calton Hill: An easier climb for some of the best panoramic views in Edinburgh—especially at sunrise or sunset. You’ll find iconic monuments here, like the National Monument, Nelson Monument, Dugald Stewart Monument, and the City Observatory, all adding to the hill’s unique skyline. This was one of our favorite things to do in Edinburgh.
- Harry Potter Sites: From the Elephant House café (where J.K. Rowling wrote early drafts) to Greyfriars Kirkyard and Victoria Street, you’ll feel the magic everywhere.
3. Food Scene
London: Culinary Capital
London’s food scene is incredibly diverse—you can literally find anything and everything you’re craving. From traditional British fare like fish and chips, burgers, and fries to just about every international cuisine under the sun, there’s always something for everyone. If you’re sticking to the “local” side, expect a lot of pub food, which honestly feels pretty similar to what you’d find in America.
We especially loved Prezzo Italian Restaurant—it was such a solid spot for pasta and pizza, and showed just how wide the variety of dining options in London really is. Overall, we found the food in London to be good, reliable, and super easy to navigate, whether you’re a picky eater or just want to try something new.
Edinburgh: Pubs to Ice Cream
Edinburgh’s food scene is pretty similar to London’s, just on a slightly smaller scale. You’ll find plenty of classic pub food and hearty dishes, with the Scottish breakfast being a real highlight for us—so tasty and seriously filling! While Edinburgh doesn’t have quite the same endless variety as London (it’s a smaller city, after all), it still offers a solid mix of local and international spots, and you’ll rarely struggle to find something that hits the spot. And for dessert? Don’t miss Mary’s Milk Bar—it’s incredible and easily some of the best ice cream we’ve ever had!
Our honest take:
We’re not going to pretend the food scene in either London or Edinburgh is on the same level as, say, Italy—but with so many options (and all those cozy pubs), it’s honestly hard to go wrong. Whether you want comfort food, something adventurous, or just a classic plate of fish and chips, both cities have you covered.
A note on gluten-free:
When we visited Edinburgh and London, Dylan didn’t know he had celiac disease—so we can’t speak much on the gluten-free side of things. That said, both cities are big, modern, and English-speaking, so we imagine finding gluten-free options is pretty manageable. If you’ve visited recently and have tips for gluten-free eats, let us know in the comments!
4. Atmosphere
London: Big City Energy
If we had to sum up London in one word, it would be lively. The city is always buzzing—very much like New York City in that there’s never a dull moment and there’s an endless amount of things to do. London has a high-energy feel, with friendly people and a constant sense of movement, whether you’re exploring a busy market or catching a show in the West End. At the same time, there’s a deep historical vibe woven into the city, thanks to all the iconic landmarks and centuries of stories around every corner. It’s the kind of place where modern life and rich history blend seamlessly together.
Edinburgh: Calm & Enchanting
Edinburgh, on the other hand, feels downright magical. The whole city has this medieval, gothic vibe that’s unlike anywhere else we’ve been. The architecture is striking, and the narrow, winding streets make it a dream to explore on foot. We love how walkable Edinburgh is—you can wander from castle to café to quirky shop in no time. And as huge Harry Potter fans, we can’t help but get excited about all the connections to the books and movies; the city just oozes that kind of inspiration. Edinburgh is also packed with history, but in a way that feels mysterious and enchanting rather than grand and bustling.
5. Budget & Value
London: Pricey but Worth It
London is definitely on the pricier side, especially when it comes to accommodation. If you want to stay in the heart of the city, be prepared for some sticker shock. We found it much more budget-friendly to book a place a bit outside the hustle and bustle—thanks to London’s super-efficient Tube system, it was easy to hop on a train and be in the city center in no time. Food costs are pretty similar to what you’d find in the U.S. (maybe a bit higher), with most dinners running around £20–£30 per person. As for attractions, prices can add up, but the London Pass is a great value if you want to hit up a bunch of the major sights. Overall, London is an amazing city, but it’s worth planning ahead to keep costs in check.
Edinburgh: Affordable Charm
Edinburgh is noticeably more affordable than London, especially when it comes to where you stay. We found accommodation to be much cheaper, and food costs were right in that same £20–£30 per person range for dinner. One of the best things about Edinburgh is that many of the top sights and attractions are free or can be enjoyed just by walking around the city—think exploring the Royal Mile, climbing Calton Hill, or wandering through the Old Town. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly UK destination that doesn’t skimp on charm or things to do, Edinburgh is the clear winner between the two.
6. Day Trips
London: Endless Excursions
London is an absolute goldmine for day trips—seriously, you could spend weeks just exploring the places within a short train ride from the city. Some of the classics include the University of Oxford, the stunning white cliffs at Seven Sisters, and, of course, the legendary Stonehenge. You can also check out Windsor Castle, the charming town of Bath for Roman history, or Cambridge for classic university town feels. With London as your base, it’s incredibly easy to see a lot of England without ever having to switch hotels.
Edinburgh: Highlands & History
While we didn’t have time for any day trips from Edinburgh ourselves, there are some epic options if you’re able to add an extra day or two. The most popular choices are hopping over to Glasgow for a different city vibe or heading out into the Scottish Highlands for jaw-dropping scenery, castles, and maybe even a bit of Loch Ness monster hunting. You can also visit St Andrews (famous for its university and golf). If you love nature and history, day trips from Edinburgh are well worth adding to your itinerary.
7. Getting Around & Transportation
London: Tube Life
Getting around London is a breeze thanks to the iconic Tube system. We relied on the Tube for pretty much everything—it’s fast, efficient, and connects you to just about every corner of the city. One thing we loved: you can use Apple Pay (or contactless credit/debit cards) to tap in and out, so there’s no need to mess with paper tickets or Oyster cards. Just be prepared—London is super spread out, so you’ll be hopping on and off the Tube a lot! Buses and black cabs are also options, but honestly, the Tube is the way to go for most travelers.
Edinburgh: Walkable & Chill
Edinburgh is the definition of walkable, which is one of the reasons we loved it so much. Most of the city’s top sights are clustered together, and wandering the cobblestone streets is half the fun. For places that are a little further out, the city’s bus system is a great option. We found the buses easy to use and convenient for reaching spots that are just beyond comfortable walking distance. If you’re not a fan of public transport, you’ll still be able to see a ton of Edinburgh on foot!
8. Which City Is Right For You? (Quick Guide)
Our Honest Take
Winner: If you have to pick just one, we think the obvious choice is London. It’s iconic for a reason—home to some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, endless things to do, and an energy that’s hard to match. Even though we’re not always drawn to the hustle and bustle, there’s just something about London that keeps us coming back. We adore the West End (theatre lovers, you’re in for a treat), and the Palace of Westminster with Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower is hands-down one of our favorite landmarks anywhere.
That said, we absolutely love Edinburgh too—especially as big Harry Potter fans. The city’s magical, medieval vibe is unlike anywhere else, and it’s a place we think everyone should experience at least once. Honestly, if you have the time, we really encourage you to visit both. They’re so different, and we love them in such different ways. London is grand and vibrant; Edinburgh is enchanting and full of character. You can’t go wrong with either, but together, they make for an unforgettable UK adventure.
FAQ: London vs. Edinburgh
How easy is it to travel between London and Edinburgh?
Super easy! The train ride between the two cities takes about 4.5–5 hours and offers some beautiful countryside views. There are also frequent, quick flights if you’re short on time, but we prefer the train for a more relaxing (and scenic) experience.
What’s the weather like in London vs. Edinburgh?
Both cities are famous for unpredictable weather, but Edinburgh tends to be a bit cooler and windier, especially outside of summer. Pack layers and a good rain jacket for either city, no matter the season!
Is English widely spoken in both cities?
Yes—English is the main language in both London and Edinburgh. In Edinburgh, you might hear some Scottish accents or even a bit of Scots or Gaelic, but you’ll have zero trouble communicating.
Are both cities safe for tourists?
Absolutely. Both London and Edinburgh are considered very safe for travelers. As with any major city, just keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and use common sense at night.
What’s the best time of year to visit London or Edinburgh?
Summer, Summer, SUMMER! Both cities can be cold and wet for much of the year, so visiting in the summer months gives you the best shot at warm, pleasant weather and longer days. It’s our top pick for making the most of outdoor sights, festivals, and just enjoying the city..
Can you do both cities in one trip?
Definitely! Many travelers pair London and Edinburgh in a single UK adventure. We recommend at least 3–4 days in London and 2–3 days in Edinburgh to get a good feel for both.
No matter which city you choose, you’re in for an incredible adventure—London and Edinburgh both have a special place in our hearts, and we hope they find a spot in yours, too.
Have you been to London or Edinburgh? Which city stole your heart, and what would you add to our list? Let us know in the comments or reach out on Instagram—we love hearing your stories and tips!
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