Glasgow or Edinburgh: Which Scottish City to Visit?

When planning a visit to Scotland, many would-be travellers wonder if they should plan to spend time in gritty Glasgow or head to historic Edinburgh if they’re interested in heading to one of the country’s vibrant cities.

Generally speaking, Edinburgh is a good choice for those interested in historic sites, traditional Scottish culture and Harry Potter fans. On the other hand, Glasgow is a great option for those after a modern, big-city vibe with great nightlife and live music.

Having lived in both cities, I have been able to discover both of these fantastic places in great detail and will hopefully make the decision of which to visit easier for you.

Glasgow

In the past, Glasgow was widely known as an industrial city due to its heavy focus on shipbuilding. Running through the city and serving as a divider between the north- and south sides, the Clyde River used to be home to several dockyards.

In more recent years most of these ports are history and Glasgow has become more known for its adventurous nightlife and its witty, outgoing inhabitants.

Accessibility

Both Glasgow and Edinburgh cities have international airports with incoming flights from across the globe and are both approximately a six-hour drive from London.

Both cities have centrally located train and bus stations with trains and buses running from London and other major UK cities frequently throughout the day – you can view train and bus timetables here.

In terms of getting around the city centre, the easiest way is by foot. However, if you are planning to go out of the city centre — which you should consider to get the full experience — you need to plan in some form of public transport.

When wanting to go between areas, the subway is probably the fastest and easiest way to travel between the city centre, southside and west end. Glasgow’s subway system is often referred to as one of the easiest in the world as it is in the shape of a circle with one line running clockwise and the other counterclockwise throughout the city.

I would not recommend renting a car if you are just planning to visit the city as Glasgow’s one-way traffic system and the lack of parking in the city centre can cause frustration even for the hardened local. If you are arriving by car, consider parking it where you are staying during your visit and use public transport.

When choosing between these two Scottish cities in terms of accessibility, the difference really is only where you are planning to potentially go after visiting one of the two cities. Glasgow is in the west of the country and offers the perfect gateway to head out to Loch Lomond, islands like the Isle of Arran or the Isle of Bute and the West Highlands.

Affordability

Looking at the costs associated with your visit is also something to consider. Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and has been a popular tourist destination for many years.

Glasgow, on the other hand, has less of these ‘tourist tax’ price raises and overall is still marginally cheaper for everything from public transport, accommodation and restaurants.

While some of the city centre hotels come with a more significant price tag, you can find a bed in one of Glasgow’s many hostels for as little as £20 a night.

You can easily get a set lunchtime deal quite cheaply in establishments across the city, and most pubs will offer standard pub food at a low price all day. If you are on a budget, I would recommend staying away from knowingly expensive areas such as Merchant City or Finnieston.

However, if you don’t mind spending the extra pounds, then I do recommend visiting these areas as they have a great variety of funky, independent bars and restaurants.

When in the city centre, prices will differ, so best is to shop around. Also, Glasgow’s museums(including the famed Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum) are all free unless you are planning to visit specific exhibitions. 

Things to do in Glasgow

Compared to Edinburgh, Glasgow is more about culture and the vibe. It really has something for every niche.

The music scene in Glasgow is thriving and has been for years. Make your way to the venue where rock band Oasis got signed or walk along Buchanan Street to listen to the variety of local buskers – you can even do a walking tour of Glasgow’s famous music sites.

There are so many bars, clubs and gig venues with daily shows and I am sure you will find something you love.

Glasgow is full of art – conventional and unconventional. Make the most of the free entry to museums and galleries. If galleries are not your thing, Glasgow is full of street art and murals can be found all across the city.

Be sure to visit the Duke of Wellington monument in front of the Gallery of Modern Art, and you will notice Glasgow’s wits. The statue has for years been parading a traffic cone on top of the duke’s head that keeps re-appearing despite the city council’s frequent attempts to remove it.

Of course, make sure to take in the imposing Glasgow Cathedral, as well, which is the oldest building in Glasgow and the oldest cathedral on mainland Scotland.

Take a stroll through the city’s west end. Go shopping for some vintage clothes in Kelvinbridge – a neighbourhood featured in a list of the 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 209 — or visit a converted church that now serves as a whisky bar and watch a play.

After a long day of walking, be sure to treat yourself to a cocktail (or two) in one of Finnieston’s trendy bars or visit Wellpark Brewery to taste a pint of Tennents – Glasgow’s own beer.

When planning to visit Glasgow, my main recommendation would be not to make a list of places to go, but a list of things you like to do. The main thing is to soak in the cities’ charms doing precisely what it is you enjoy doing.

Where to Stay in Glasgow

citizenM Glasgow – This trendy hotel is a great option if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more upmarket to stay in Glasgow. There are numerous rooms available, it’s centrally located within easy walking distance of all of the city’s main attractions.

Apex City of Glasgow Hotel – This is a great choice if you’re looking for a luxury place to stay in Glasgow. Centrally located, there are myriad plush rooms available, numerous amenities, an on-site bar and restaurant, and a great breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Glasgow Youth Hostel – If you’re a solo or budget traveller, then this hostel is a great choice for you. Located in the West End, they have a range of dorm and private rooms available, good common areas to meet other travellers and 24-hour reception.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Glasgow hotels!

Edinburgh

The city of Edinburgh is beautiful. I would even go as far as saying it is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to.

If you are choosing between Scotland’s two largest cities and are looking for a more picturesque experience and a more ‘compact’ city to walk around in, then a trip to Edinburgh is for you.

Accessibility

Edinburgh has an international airport that is serviced by many airlines. Just like Glasgow, it is approximately a six-hour drive from London. Both Edinburgh’s main train stations – Haymarket and Waverley – are conveniently located at each end of the inner city.

The same goes for the bus station which is only a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh’s High Street.

Within the city, the best way to get around is to walk. Edinburgh’s city centre really is so compact, and you will hardly ever have to walk more than 10 minutes between Edinburgh’s main sites. However, Edinburgh is quite a hilly place and often this will mean ascending a flight of stairs or a steep hill.

If you are planning on taking public transport, Edinburgh now has a tram network which conveniently also services Edinburgh airport. Better than the tram is Edinburgh’s bus system.

Edinburgh does offer parking within the city, but it can be quite pricey. Driving around the city centre, however, is something I would refrain from unless you are happy to share the road with flocks of people, many buses, trams and taxis.

Affordability

If you choose to visit the Scottish capital, you will have to take into consideration that prices in Edinburgh will be steeper than in Glasgow. This especially applies if you are planning to visit during the yearly Edinburgh Fringe festival.

Outside of Fringe season, it is possible to find accommodation in one of Edinburgh’s hostels of which there is plenty selection of within Edinburgh. During the Fringe this can change drastically, and prices can double – sometimes even triple.

Just like in Glasgow, it is advised to try and sway away from Edinburgh’s High Street or Royal Mile when on a budget and looking for something to eat.

Edinburgh’s city centre is quite compact, and it is easy to walk around in. Even just walking up or down one of the alleyways to a side of a busy street will often bring with it a considerable drop in prices.

Things to do in Edinburgh

When looking at things to do, Edinburgh does have a lot more ‘standard’ tourist sites. Places like Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Castle and the Scottish Parliament, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Old Town are all popular tourist destinations.

If you are looking for something more off the beaten track, the best thing to do is just to walk around without a set destination. Take a turn down an alleyway and see where it leads you.

Make sure to stroll down towards Dean Village, which is a beautiful little spot in Edinburgh – you will find it hard to believe you are still in the city when you are there.

Discover the different places that may have inspired JK Rowling such as Victoria Street – which is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley – or Greyfriars Kirkyard – a graveyard from which JK Rowling found some names she used in the books.

You can even visit the café where it all began. JK Rowling apparently wrote many of her original Harry Potter transcripts on napkins in ‘The Elephant House‘ – a small restaurant near the Grassmarket. While there be sure to also walk down the Grassmarket to find some great bars and quirky shops. Near there you will also find the Edinburgh Museum which is free to enter all year round.

For some great views, head up to Calton Hill and marvel at the city below and the great architecture on top of the hill.

If you are a fan of spooky or dark tourism, be sure to attend one of the many night tours taking you to the catacombs below the city.

Edinburgh’s nightlife might not be as well-known as Glasgow’s, but there are still some really great bars. For some great live music, be sure to visit a jazz bar and for something more relaxed, head to the Drum and Monkey and lean back into one of their couches sipping a delicious cocktail.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Cityroomz Edinburgh – This central hotel is a fantastic choice for mid-range travellers in Edinburgh. Located within easy walking distance of all of the Scottish capital’s main attractions, there are numerous clean and comfortable rooms available and an option to include breakfast on your nightly rate.

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel – A great luxury option in the heart of the city, they have a range of spacious rooms to choose from. There is also a wellness centre on site and a restaurant serving traditional Scottish food.

Castle Rock Hostel – This hostel is a great option for both budget and solo travellers alike. Centrally located at the foot of the Edinburgh Castle, there are a range of beds available and they have great common areas, making it easy to meet other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Edinburgh hotels!

Glasgow or Edinburgh: The Verdict

So, the verdict: Both cities have a lot of great things going for them and you certainly will not have a bad time no matter which city you do decide to go for.

If you are looking to submerge yourself in Scottish history and are looking for a city with a medieval feel and more traditional Scottish culture, then Edinburgh is the right city for you. If you are a big Harry Potter fan, you will also have found the right place with Edinburgh.

However, if you are someone who loves a busy, vibrant city with great nightlife and want to learn more about modern-day Scottish culture, then Glasgow is the city for you.

While Edinburgh has all the historic beauty, Glasgow is more of a city that never sleeps and still has a lot of great other cultural things to indulge in whenever you do want to do some sightseeing.

It is possible to visit both cities during your trip to Scotland. They are both only a 45-minute train ride apart. However, when you find yourself choosing whether to spend more time in Glasgow or in Edinburgh, I would definitely recommend setting more time aside for Glasgow.

Due to Edinburgh’s layout, it is easier to see more of it within a day, whereas in Glasgow you could easily spend more than a day exploring the west end alone.

Deciding between Glasgow and Edinburgh can be a tough choice to make, especially when considering the different great things both cities have to offer. However, weighing all the various aspects both cities could bring towards your travel experience against your own preferences, you should be able to make the best decision for you.

Are you planning on visiting these cities? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!