Comparison · Belfast vs Edinburgh · United Kingdom
Belfast vs Edinburgh
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Belfast for Titanic, Political murals and lower day-to-day costs; choose Edinburgh for Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, beaches and free sights. Belfast is generally less expensive, and the two are about 230 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 230 km
- Less expensive
- Belfast
- Best time for Belfast
- May–June and August–September
- Best time for Edinburgh
- May–June and September
Side by side
| Belfast | Edinburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Known for | Titanic, Political murals and Victorian pubs | Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Festival Fringe |
| Best time to visit | May–June and August–September | May–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $150–$260 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 19°C (66°F) | July, 19°C (66°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 8°C (46°F) | January, 7°C (45°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 13 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 8 |
| Beaches | — | Portobello Beach |
| Airports | BFS, BHD | EDI, GLA |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Belfast for…
Titanic, Political murals and lower day-to-day costs. Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, grew rich on linen, rope-making and shipbuilding — the Harland & Wolff yard built the Titanic here — and that history is told at Titanic Belfast on the old slipways. The compact centre around City Hall is walkable…
Choose Edinburgh for…
Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, beaches and free sights. Edinburgh is built across volcanic hills between the Firth of Forth and the Pentland Hills, and its two UNESCO-listed halves sit side by side: the medieval Old Town strung along the Royal Mile from the Castle to Holyrood, and the Georgian grid of the New…
Top sights compared
| # | Belfast | Edinburgh |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Titanic Belfast | Edinburgh Castle |
| 2 | SS Nomadic | The Royal Mile |
| 3 | Belfast City Hall | St Giles' Cathedral |
| 4 | Ulster Museum | Palace of Holyroodhouse |
| 5 | Botanic Gardens and Palm House | Arthur's Seat |
Food compared
| Belfast | Edinburgh |
|---|---|
| Ulster fry | Haggis, neeps and tatties |
| Soda bread and potato bread | Cullen skink |
| Champ | Full Scottish breakfast |
| Irish stew | Scotch whisky |
Which is cheaper?
Belfast is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $150–$260 per person there, against $180–$320 in Edinburgh (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Belfast on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Belfast and Edinburgh are about 230 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Belfast and 3 in Edinburgh.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Belfast or Edinburgh cheaper?
Belfast is usually less expensive: about $150–$260 a day mid-range against $180–$320 (estimates).
+Is Belfast or Edinburgh better for a first trip?
Pick Belfast for Titanic, Political murals and lower day-to-day costs, or Edinburgh for Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, beaches and free sights.
+How far is Belfast from Edinburgh?
About 230 km in a straight line.