This guide featuring the best places to stay in Glasgow is ideal for those coming to Scotland for the first time and willing to experience the city to the fullest.

Clyde Arch. Photo by Giuseppe Milo.

Glasgow is normally referred to as Scotland’s Second City. Despite not being the capital it is actually the largest and most densely populated city in Scotland with more than 2 million inhabitants.

Tourism in Glasgow: Overview

Glasgow is a lesser known tourist attraction than other places in Scotland. However, the numbers have grown recently due to large scale events such as the Commonwealth Games being held in the city.

Glasgow has worked hard to grow its attractions and to accentuate its cultural opportunities to accommodate the influx of tourists. They have an excellent shopping district, museums and a couple of good art galleries. Most of their cultural architecture dates from the 19th and early 20th century. A major contributor to this attraction is Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Many of their buildings have felt his influence.

Best Places to Stay in Glasgow

If you travelling by train to Scotland, the area around the Central station is quite handy for your stay in Glasgow. It is right in the center of the city with a great choice of restaurants and hotels.You can also get an express bus to the airport from Hope Street, near the station. Alternatively you can take a train to Paisley Gilmour Street and from there a short bus ride to the airport.

The area around the Buchanan Galleries can be an excellent choice to stay in Glasgow, especially if you like shopping. It is also in the center of the city, and you will have possibly the best selection of stores in one place in Scotland.

As Glasgow is not as “mainstream” as Edinburgh, accommodation prices are slightly lower in the city, and its definitely less crowded.

Cost of Travel in Glasgow

The cost of travel in Glasgow is fairly average for the UK. Trips on the metro cost around £1.20 each. Day passes allow people to travel unlimited times on any metro train for £3.50. There is also a week long travel pass that allows people to take buses, local trains and metros around the city available for £18.50.

Flights to Glasgow are also fairly average in price, with a good choice of budget airlines. Also, due to its relevance, Glasgow has many direct international flights, allowing it high connectivity.

Best Months to Visit Scotland

Glasgow, much as the rest of Scotland, can be cold and wet throughout most of the year. The weather varies greatly in the late Spring and early Summer, being a matter of luck to get a whole week of 25-degree sunshine or a whole week of rain.

For the most part, summer is the best time to visit Glasgow and Scotland as a whole. However, it is busier due to school holidays and large scale events in the city.

Late spring and early autumn can also be pleasant, if a little cooler. Winter holds a lot to offer to Christmas shoppers, but the weather can be bitterly cold and wet. Also, contrary to popular opinion, it does not snow much in this area of Scotland.

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Are you planning a trip to Scotland but don’t know whether it would be better to visit Glasgow or Edinburgh? Scotland’s capital and second city have a fierce rivalry and are proud of their heritage and culture. Both show completely different sides to Scotland, but which one is better for you: Glasgow or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh and Glasgow offer everything you could want from a city break. There are plenty of museums and galleries, festivals and nightlife, and both are close to the stunning Scottish countryside. In this article, we’ll look at the best of both cities and help answer the question: which is better, Glasgow or Edinburgh?

Overview of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and the seat of the country’s government. It’s famous for its medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town, either side of the city’s 11^th century castle. Extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat offers fantastic views of the city and the Firth of Forth. Edinburgh is also home to the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe.

Overview of Glasgow

Glasgow is in the west of Scotland, and it’s the country’s largest and most populated city. Scotland’s cultural hub is home to the Scottish Opera, Ballet, and National Theatre. Many famous musicians hail from Glasgow and it still has a vibrant music scene. The city’s role as a port on the River Clyde meant that from the 18^th century it was very prosperous. This can be seen in the city’s beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture.

Edinburgh vs Glasgow: Nightlife

Both cities are great for going out but offer different experiences. Edinburgh has a range of nightlife venues including cool spots where you can find alternative and folk music. There are some more trendy and hip bars too. In August, the Fringe festival has theatre and comedy shows until the wee small hours.

Glasgow’s music scene is a great start for nightlife, and it doesn’t disappoint. Scotland’s second city really has everything when it comes to nightlife. Whether you want a sophisticated spot for a dram after the theatre, or a wild night out, you’ll find a place. You can enjoy more variation in Glasgow, so it’s the winner here.

Verdict: Glasgow

Edinburgh vs Glasgow: Sightseeing

It’s hard to split Edinburgh and Glasgow when it comes to attractions. There are architectural marvels, museums, and parks that you can visit for free in Glasgow. Edinburgh edges it though. History comes alive in Edinburgh as you feel you’re walking through it. Start at the castle and stroll down the Royal Mile. Add in the National Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland before heading to Arthurs Seat. These are just some of the many things to do in the capital.

Verdict: Edinburgh

Edinburgh vs Glasgow: Old Town

Glasgow’s Old City is east of the city centre and close to the Glasgow Cross and Cathedral. It’s known as Old Merchant City. Old Merchant City is a nice place to walk around and there are lots of shops, restaurants, and bars there.

Edinburgh’s Old Town dates back further though, and countless narrow alleys have inspired ghost stories and tales of murder. It’s a pleasant area now though and is home to several great attractions. There are also lots of restaurants and souvenir shops. Thanks to being bigger and older, Edinburgh wins again.

Verdict: Edinburgh

Edinburgh vs Glasgow: Cost of Travel

There’s not much to split these two cities when it comes to travel costs. Both will set you back over £100 a day. In Glasgow, it’s easier to find cheap places to eat which is a lifesaver when travelling on a budget. Edinburgh is especially expensive during the fringe festival in summer, and accommodation prices rocket. Glasgow wins!

Verdict: Glasgow

Edinburgh vs Glasgow: Food and Restaurants

Edinburgh has lots of fine dining restaurants and swanky places to eat. Glasgow offers a lot of variation and while there’s some haute-cuisine, it’s easier to find somewhere affordable. Of course, both cities have ample opportunities to try traditional Scottish cuisine like haggis and cranachan. Edinburgh wins by 4 Michelin stars!

Verdict: Edinburgh

Edinburgh vs Glasgow: Transportation

Edinburgh and Glasgow both have extensive bus networks with park and ride facilities. There are several rail connections to the rest of Scotland in the UK. Edinburgh has a recently opened tram service, while Glasgow has the 3^rd oldest subway in the world. It’s a draw!

Verdict: Draw

Edinburgh vs Glasgow: Weather

Neither Glasgow nor Edinburgh are blessed with great weather. It’s very changeable in both cities. Whichever one you choose, bring layers and waterproofs.

Verdict: Draw

Edinburgh vs Glasgow: Verdict

Edinburgh is our narrow 3-2 winner! Both cities are great to visit though. Glasgow is a more traditional representation of Scotland whereas Edinburgh caters more for tourists.

Verdict: Edinburgh

Hotels in Glasgow

Motel One Glasgow – a great option close to the Central Train Station in Glasgow.

Mercure Glasgow City Hotel – another excellent option to stay in Glasgow.

Hotels in Edinburgh

Gifford House – Located in the Newington area, this property is ideal for guests looking for a peaceful Scottish holiday.

Alba House – A family run property located in the Newington area, in a house built in the XIX century.

Other Resources for travelling in Scotland

If you traveling in Scotland you might want to check some of our other guides to this amazing European country. Check the best places to stay in Glasgow and our guide to where to stay in Edinburgh.

For those considering traveling further in the UK, you can check  where to stay in Liverpool and the best areas to stay in Belfast.

Already in Glasgow or Edinburgh? Leave your thoughts and questions in the comment box below.

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