Home » EUROPE » Edinburgh Outpaces London As The Most Expensive City Break Destination in Western Europe

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Edinburgh has been identified as the most expensive city break destination in Western Europe, according to a comprehensive new analysis by Post Office Travel Money, which examined typical tourist expenses including accommodation, transport, and entrance fees across 38 major European cities.

This finding positions Scotland’s capital above London and other prominent cities, reflecting the high cost travelers face during short leisure stays.

Key Drivers Behind Edinburgh’s High Costs

The main factor driving Edinburgh’s ranking is accommodation costs. Based on data collected from Hotels.com for stays between June 6th and 8th, the average price for two nights in a three-star city centre hotel in Edinburgh is approximately £399. This figure represents the average cost of the ten cheapest en-suite rooms available during this period.

Notably, prices tend to increase significantly during peak travel times such as the summer school holidays and Edinburgh’s world-famous festivals in August, which attract large crowds.

The Scottish government, through its official tourism body VisitScotland, acknowledges the pressures seasonal demand places on accommodation. While these festivals boost the local economy, they contribute to substantial spikes in lodging prices, affecting affordability for many visitors.

Impact of Short-Term Let Regulations on Prices

The report also highlights the influence of recent changes in regulations affecting short-term rental properties, which have inadvertently raised accommodation prices. In October 2023, new restrictions came into effect across Scotland aiming to regulate short-term lets to protect long-term housing availability. These measures, intended to prevent the displacement of permanent residents by vacation rentals, have faced criticism from platforms such as Airbnb.

Airbnb warns that these restrictions are “highly restrictive” and argue that they have caused unintended consequences including increased rents and record-high hotel prices in Edinburgh. This regulatory environment has further tightened accommodation supply, pushing prices upward during the city’s peak tourist season.

Additional Tourist Costs in Edinburgh

Aside from accommodation, other typical expenses in Edinburgh also contribute to its high ranking. For example:

  • A 48-hour public transport pass costs around £22, which is higher than many comparable European cities.
  • Admission to Edinburgh Castle, the city’s premier heritage attraction, is £19.50.
  • A cup of filter coffee in a café or bar averages £3.50.

Despite the cost pressures, some cultural attractions offer free entry, including the National Museum of Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland, helping to offset the overall expense to some extent.

Comparison with Other European Cities

The total cost for a city break in Edinburgh, including accommodation, transport, meals, and typical tourist activities, was estimated at £601.50. This is more than double the cost of the cheapest city break in Western Europe, Lisbon, which was priced at £292.27.

When the report expanded to 38 cities across Europe, it found that Eastern European destinations offer the best value for travelers. For instance:

  • Riga, Latvia, ranked as the most affordable city break with a total cost of £252.63.
  • Vilnius, Lithuania, followed closely with £254.32.
  • At the other end of the spectrum, Oslo, Norway, was the most expensive city overall with a cost of £636.20.

Within the UK, Edinburgh ranked 36th, with Cardiff and London at 17th and 26th respectively. London’s city break cost was estimated at £523.40, significantly less than Edinburgh, challenging the common perception that London is the priciest city in the region.

The Role of Accommodation Price Fluctuations

Laura Plunkett, Head of Travel Money at Post Office, noted the volatility in accommodation costs, which can fluctuate dramatically during peak travel months depending on availability.

For example, she highlighted that Vilnius lost its previous top spot as the cheapest destination due to a 9% increase in hotel prices, while Riga saw a 20% decrease over the same period.

These swings underscore the importance for travelers to book early and remain flexible with their travel dates to manage costs effectively.

Government and Tourism Authorities’ Perspectives

While the Post Office Travel Money report offers valuable insights for travelers, it also shines a light on challenges facing Edinburgh’s tourism industry and local government. The Scottish Government’s tourism department, VisitScotland, was approached for comment, reflecting an ongoing dialogue about balancing tourism growth with affordability and community impact.

VisitScotland promotes sustainable tourism strategies, aiming to support local businesses and communities while enhancing the visitor experience. Their official portal highlights initiatives to improve transport infrastructure, diversify accommodation options, and manage visitor flow during major events to reduce pressure on city services.

Practical Advice for Travelers Considering Edinburgh

For travelers considering Edinburgh as a city break destination, government sources including VisitScotland recommend the following to optimize budget and experience:

  • Book accommodation well in advance, especially for stays during the summer festivals or school holidays.
  • Explore alternative lodging options, such as bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, or nearby towns with easy transport links.
  • Take advantage of free cultural sites like museums and galleries to enrich the visit without adding costs.
  • Use public transport passes efficiently or consider walking to experience the city’s historic areas while saving on transit fees.
  • Monitor exchange rates and plan currency exchanges wisely, as noted by Post Office Travel Money, to maximize travel budgets.

Conclusion

Edinburgh’s designation as the most expensive city break destination in Western Europe challenges common assumptions and highlights the complex factors influencing travel costs.

Accommodation prices driven by festival demand and regulatory changes in short-term rentals are primary contributors. Combined with higher local transport and attraction fees, these elements make Edinburgh a costly choice for city break tourists compared to other European cities.

Despite these costs, Edinburgh remains a cultural and historical gem with unique experiences, bolstered by free access to major museums and art galleries. The Scottish Government and VisitScotland continue to work on strategies to balance economic benefits from tourism with affordability and sustainability.

Travelers planning a visit should carefully consider timing, accommodation options, and advance bookings to mitigate the impact of high prices.

Meanwhile, ongoing policy adjustments and tourism development efforts aim to maintain Edinburgh’s appeal as a world-class destination that is accessible and welcoming to all visitors.