Glasgow vs Edinburgh: An Honest Comparison (By A Local) 2025
Planning a trip to Scotland and wondering which city is better: Glasgow vs Edinburgh
As Scots we are often asked about which we prefer to spend time in Glasgow vs Edinburgh! What a great question because our 2 biggest Scottish cities are only 50 miles apart but each offer some of the UK and Europe’s most amazing travel experiences.
We have made great memories during our time in both cities over many years. So here’s our honest local views on what these cities are really like from things to do, costs to visit and transport to get around town.
Glasgow vs Edinburgh: Which City Is Better?
Deciding which is for you – Glasgow vs Edinburgh – really depends on how you prefer to spend your time. If you’re planing to visit Scotland for a week, maybe two it’s definitely possible to see something of them both!
There’s always events going on, not to mention the year round stunning natural beauty and history that Scotland is known for.
Read on and we’re confident that if you have to pick one, this will help you decide. From unique things to do, which is more touristy, differences in food, prices and public transport, we’ve got it all covered for you.
Which City is Better to Visit?
When making a decision on which city to visit in Scotland – Glasgow vs Edinburgh – it’s probably going to come down to your time available and interests.
Edinburgh’s Medieval Royal Mile & Castle are iconic sights the world over, and rightly so. Scotland’s capital city is regularly voted as one of the best destinations in Europe.
Traditions here like the annual Fringe Festival and Royal Military Tattoo draw thousands of visitors. But Edinburgh is also a city of quiet parks, hidden walks, side street cafes and walkable shorelines.
Shopping in Edinburgh ranges from weekend local markets to high end stores that line George Street. Restaurants, cocktail bars, local pubs are dotted around downtown as are nightclubs reflecting a large student population. Hosting the nation’s Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh is where to come to watch rugby!
Transforming from a world leader in heavy industry, Glasgow has reinvented itself into a modern vibrant city. It lives up to its slogan ‘People Make Glasgow’.
If you love a good night out, then Glasgow is the place to be! Before night falls, there are riverside and canal pathways to walk or cycle along throughout the city. Kelvingrove’s world class art collection is not to be missed.
Come to Glasgow for big sporting events and a huge array of festivals and live music. Yes, Glasgow marches to its own beat.
You can play golf at several fantastic courses and explore coastlines close by the city or sail on the Clyde! Hampden Park is the national football stadium and you can tour it as well as go see a match!
The Scottish Football Museum is getting rave reviews from fans so this is another great experience while you’re in town.
Glasgow is also the perfect jumping off point for a stunning train ride west to Oban.
From here you can catch ferries to the western islands like Mull & Iona. You’re also a stones throw from Loch Lomond and the West Highland Way (a 96 mile hike!)
Thousands come to Scotland every year. Honestly, each city offers a unique and exciting introduction to the Scottish culture. Here’s a few more facts to help you make your decision.
Which City Is Better to Live In?
It’s going to depend on your reason for coming to Scotland. If its work, you probably want to live closer to that location (unless you are able to work remotely). Glasgow will feel more like a ‘regular city’ most of the time. In contrast, Edinburgh can feel overcrowded in the summer months and it’s no fun trying to get around.
It is more expensive for housing costs in Edinburgh. The average price for buying a property in Edinburgh in 2023 was £343,520. In Glasgow it was £183,141. Source: Edinburgh government report).
Rentals are also cheaper in Glasgow vs Edinburgh if you are thinking about an extended stay in southern Scotland. You just need to factor in any travel costs when making a final decision.
Both cities have well developed airports and train links across Scotland and into England. It’s a mere hop over from Glasgow to the islands. From Edinburgh it’s another short journey up to St Andrews and Perthshire’s hills. In this respect, they are pretty much on a par.
Glasgow vs Edinburgh Key Differences
We think the main differences to consider when thinking about Glasgow vs Edinburgh are budget, weather, your interests and time available!
So let’s start with the all important budget! The good news is you don’t need to spend a huge amount of money to enjoy either city to its full!
Costs and Prices
Public transport, food in supermarkets and high street shopping are similar in both cities. But overall we find Edinburgh is more expensive if you want to tour attractions like the castle and palace which require entrance fees.
If you are looking to stay in a central hotel, prices will also be similar except perhaps in August (festival month) or New Year’s Eve (Hogmanay). During these times prices in Edinburgh literally spike through the roof.
The good news is that Edinburgh City trams and buses are cheap and really convenient to get from the airport into and around the city. In fact, you can get to Leith (port) and Newhaven (fishing village) in minutes. So you can sleep and eat outside of the main tourist areas to reduce your costs and travel cheaply to the city center.
Glasgow has its 500 Express Bus Service into town from the airport. There’s an excellent city subway and bus service based out of Buchanan Street with great deals for multi-day passes. If you enjoy cycling, check out OVO Bikes website for how to hire one during your visit.
Similarly top hotels in the ‘Merchant City’ district of central Glasgow will be on a par with the capital Edinburgh. But stay a little further out, say in the Kelvingrove area, and you’ll find better prices. If your budget is tight, check out staying at the University Halls in Glasgow or in Edinburgh.
Because of the many large concerts and sporting events in Glasgow, hotel prices in central city area will also go up and down, too. Check ahead of time to avoid any premium dates (eg. old firm games (Celtic vs Rangers FCs), major concert dates), unless of course that’s your reason for coming here 🙂
Daily Budget Suggestions Glasgow vs Edinburgh
On average, in 2024, expect to spend £250 per day in Edinburgh and £200 in Glasgow for quality accommodation, food and entertainment. However, you can easily find lower cost options with Bed and Breakfast, smaller hotels and hostels. Also, if you avoid coming here in August (festival months) and Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) prices will be lower.
Also, you don’t need a car to visit either city so that will save on your budget! If you want to get around, just use public transport! We suggest using taxis in Glasgow if you have a bit further to go at night. Parking in both cities is expensive with emission limitations/charges and can be hard to find at peak times!
Overall, unique attractions in Edinburgh are more expensive to visit. But in our view they are world-class and not to be missed when you visit. The exception in Edinburgh are the many museums, main botanical gardens, parks and the cathedral. Glasgow’s Museums are also free to enjoy along with their excellent botanic gardens, parks, river and mural walks.
Weather
Scotland is a small country and our west coast (ie. Glasgow) is on the Atlantic Ocean. We locals feel there is more rain in Glasgow than Edinburgh but it’s not always so! Temperature wise they are very similar throughout the year.
Overall, the climate in Scotland is cool as it is located in Northern Europe with average highs around 66F in summer and between 35-45 in winter months. Both cities enjoy long summer light nights with almost 18 hours of daylight vs around 7 in mid winter!
Food and Eating Out
Ah, our food in Scotland! There’s much misinformation here – we don’t eat haggis and drink whisky every day although both are something to try when you visit. If you’re here on an extended trip, head to local supermarkets for day to day basics and small market shops where you can pick up cheaper fruit and vegetables.
Glasgow vs Edinburgh for eating out is a tough one. Both offer top class restaurants, bistros, local cafes, multi-ethnic cuisine and lots of local pubs. You will find quality but cheap food but also Michelin star prices in both cities covering everything from traditional to vegan.
There’s excellent food delivery in both cities if you prefer a night in to eating out and overall prices are not that different; it’s more the restaurant you choose than the city! You can easily eat out cheaply in both cities if you choose to.
For example, buy local fish and chips for under £10! Head to a local pub for great traditional food at a fraction of what you will pay in the city center. Curry houses are also usually great value and well engrained into our Scottish culture!
We do feel there are more ‘tourist’ traps in Edinburgh where the food may not be as high quality. Just read latest reviews & get a view of us locals to find your spot with the atmosphere you’re after.
Culture
You’ll find a warm welcome in Scotland wherever you go. In fact, it’s a source of pride for us that people enjoying come here and meeting us! Our Scottish culture is quite traditional in some ways yet modern and progressive in others with open inclusive attitudes.
Architecturally old Edinburgh has a distinctive medieval city sky line with curved classic Georgian streets in the New Town. Glasgow showcases beautiful Victorian styles along with the ‘Charles Rennie McIntosh’ era of design.
Both have impressive contemporary architecture too. From the Riverside Museum on the Clyde to the futuristic Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
Many locals enjoy chatting to visitors in their local pubs or around town. We do tend to talk quite quickly and throw in a few words that will make no sense at first. But ‘friendly banter’ or chitchat is part of what makes Scotland’s vibe so unique.
Glasgow is perhaps more friendly in its grass roots than Edinburgh because it is far less touristy. A wee warning – accents do differ. So, this is another local debate! Which is easiest for an overseas visitor to understand – Glasgow vs Edinburgh accents??
Both cities have large student populations from around the globe so you may well bump into a waiter/server from your home country at a restaurant who is in one of the cities studying.
Size and Geography
Edinburgh is a city built on hills, seven of them so the story goes although there are plenty more in the nearby areas ! It does mean that you will find yourself walking up and down as you explore both central and surrounding areas.
The Firth of Forth and Port of Leith are easy to explore and the nearest beach in Portobello is just 20 minutes by bus from the city center.
Glasgow, located on the banks of the River Clyde is larger than Edinburgh in geographic size. For Scots who emigrated, this was their last view of Scotland as they sailed west. Today around 635,000 people live in Glasgow, the 3rd largest city in the UK and 526,000 in Edinburgh.
Safety
Glasgow has got a bit of a reputation for being ‘grittier’ and therefore being less safe than Edinburgh. The reality is that both cities have low levels of reported crime. So your main concern is simply being aware of your surroundings and not taking risks walking alone in the wee hours (late!).
It’s true! Edinburgh Castle sits on a volcanic rock. But it’s been dormant for centuries so you’re not going to have to worry about seismic activities 🙂
Solo female travelers are plentiful in Scotland. Our culture is very inclusive, friendly and down to earth. Perhaps the biggest thing to worry about is other tourists bad habits and intentions!
Glasgow: Best Things to Do
Come to Glasgow for perhaps a more authentic experience of Scotland away from top tourist attractions and crowds.
While our biggest city may lack the aesthetics of Edinburgh’s skyline, it has an authenticity that sums up Scotland’s heartbeat better than anywhere else.
Friendly, boisterous, passionate and ever changing, Glasgow has charms you only discover when you come here in person.
Get To Know Glasgow With A Walking Tour
If you want to understand Glasgow a little better, try walking around the city from George square, down St Vincent Street to meet the River Kelvin. Continue to several museums in the area. Maybe join the ‘Hop On-Hop Off bus’ after Riverside Museum.
If you prefer something more organized, Invisible Cities Tours are hosted by people impacted by homelessness in the past and are highly recommended.
Another great option is the Glasgow City Centre Mural Trail, rated in the Top 5 across the UK, which you can do on your own or with a guide.
From murals celebrating Billy Connelly’s 75th birthday to designer Charles Rennie McIntosh these massive reflections of Glaswegian lives are stunning to see in person.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Free Entrance. Hours: 10-5 daily except 11-5 Fridays and Sundays.
This is a stunning building, worth visiting just to soak in the marvels of its design and great acoustics. When you enter through the revolving wooden door, it feels like you’re stepping into a different world of past grandeur.
Look up at the rich ceiling decor and the massive lamps hanging in pairs along the hallway. Pause as your eye picks out the huge organ on the first floor.
Cruise The World’s Last Seagoing Paddle Steamer
Family Friendly. Departure Point: Glasgow Science Centre
The Waverley Paddle Steamer is an experience not to miss in Glasgow. Although it offers excursions around the country, its home is here in Glasgow. During July to August, daily sailings leave from the heart of the city around the coast. The schedule even heads over to some of Scotland’s islands!
🎒TPOP Tip
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the steamer being donated. Kids under 16 travel for £1.00 and 5 are FREE! Folks over 60 can bring a friend for free, if they’re also 60+.
Listen to Live Music – From Big Venues to Local Pubs
As the UK’s only UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow offers both local and visitors countless choices for a night out listening to live music. The city is the best place in Scotland for music choices. It benefits from large venues like the national football stadium to purpose built venues like the Hydro.
Although maybe less visible than the Edinburgh Tattoo and Fringe Festival, Glasgow hosts world class music festivals every year. These include the ever popular TRSMT in July. For Scottish music check out The Reeling each year. Check out all this year’s outdoor venue performers here.
If you love learning about the roots of music, this inspiring 2 hour 1 mile long ‘City of Music’ walking tour is for you. You’ll hit all the ‘big name’ venues including King Tut’s where several big UK bands spent their early days. Guests require to be 14+ (license law) – Meeting Point for Tour: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sauchiehall Street. Tours are on Saturdays at 2pm.
Visit the Riverside Museum & Tall Ship
Entrance: Free. Open Daily from 10am-5pm.
The futuristic building contrasts perfectly against the historical banks of the Clyde and next to an anchored Tall Ship. The space was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. These are the same architects who created the stunning Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. Once you step inside you see why this is the perfect place to house a rich assortment of bygone life.
The emphasis here is on transport but there’s a lot more to enjoy because the exhibits are built around life from how they took local girls to dances to getting to school.
Head outside to the quayside and tour the Tall Ship. This has been beautifully restored due to generous donations and lottery funds. Also free to enter, wander around the large deck and descend into the main quarters, now offering itself as a wedding venue.
Enjoy A Night Out in Town
For music and nightlife we give Glasgow our vote. It really doesn’t matter what day of the week it is, Glasgow is always a city that embraces a night out. Whether it be to see major sports from football to curling, live theatre perfomances, jazz, opera, or comedy shows Glasgow has it
Enjoy a casual evening at a local pub or dress up and splurge at a top cocktail lounge like Anchor Line, RED Sky Bar, Metropolitan or The Gardener. Then head to one of the city’s nightclubs like student haunt The Garage in Sauchiehall Street, Bamboo or SWG3.
🎒TPOP Tip
We’d normally add The People’s Palace in our Top things to do in Glasgow suggestions but it is currently closed for a major refurbishment until 2027!
Edinburgh: Best Things To Do
Scotland’s capital is unique within Europe with an almost unmatched medieval heart but actually Edinburgh only took on this role in 1498. Although the city has evolved and even today has its distinct Old Town and New Town areas. For a capital city it’s compact and really easy to explore on foot.
Tour Edinburgh Castle and Stroll The Royal Mile
Pre-Book on Line. Open Daily from 9.30am-6pm. £19.50 adults/£11.40 for kids 7-15. Younger children have free entry.
Look up anywhere in the city and you’ll see the sombre yet almost stately fortress structure that is Edinburgh castle. It has looked over the city since the 12th century, perched on long time extinct volcanic rock.
Book a self-guided or guided tour to see the Stone of Destiny (only returned here in 1996!) and our Scottish Crown Jewels. If you’re at the castle (or around town) at 1pm, don’t panic if you hear a loud bang. Our ritual of firing the 1 o’clock gun is over 150 years old although it’s more a tradition these days than a ship navigation aid.
Stroll The Royal Mile’s Cobbles
If you can, come here early in the day before tour bus groups and crowds descend after visiting the castle. When you walk here, you’re actually following the footsteps of medieval Scots who came and went to the castle and there is history at every turn.
Although there are numerous souvenir shops here, we suggest you explore the many stairways and passageways (we call them ‘closes’), each telling its own story. The Real Mary King’s Close, Writer’s Museum (down Lady Stair’s Close) St Giles Cathedral are all great.
🎒TPOP Tip
Climb to the top of St Giles for more city views and to enter the clock tower. Many people aren’t aware of this option. Also small group tours (pre-book to get a slot) are free.
Climb Calton Hill and/or Arthur’s Seat At Sunset
Edinburgh is built on 7 hills and these are 2 of our personal favourites to climb any time of year. When the sun is out in summer, and light nights stretch out til after 11pm, these are magical places to get out of the busy city and just soak in heart-stirring views.
Calton Hill is one of the lower hills with good access for those who can’t use the stone steps. As well enjoying incredible views from its brow, you can explore a series of somewhat bizarre landmarks.
Yes, we have an unfinished Parthenon, a Nelson Monument to mention a couple.
Book ahead for The Lookout restaurant at the top, named because that’s exactly what you get from the floor to ceiling glass fronted seating area. The food is excellent too!
Arthur’s Seat is our highest Edinburgh peak rising grandly above Hollywood Park (part of Hollywood Palace, the official royal residence in Edinburgh). It’s a bit of a hike up, but kids will manage it.
From the top you can see for miles over the city and over the Water of Leith to the Firth of Forth. Pack a picnic and sit on the grassy area at the summit. It’s also the setting of the recent popular Netflix series ‘One Day’.
Next, walk along the adjoining cliff area, called Salisbury Craig. Go past the lake and make your way towards the palace and the Scottish Government Parliament.
Discover Edinburgh’s Underground – Blair Street Vaults
Here’s your opportunity to take a peek back in time into a perhaps lesser told story of how people in Edinburgh lived. Hidden from sight are 19 arches that run for around 300 meters.
They are part of the city’s South Bridge structure built in 1788. It wasn’t long before they became useful storage spaces. Traders moved into to work here and before long, bars and social gathering venues.
Along with this popularity, the vaults became a place to come and not be seen! It became so unsafe with wild goings on that within 3 decades it was closed and only rediscovered in the 1980s by a pub owner.
Today, the area is well maintained so we can enjoy learning about another aspect of life in our capital. Mercat Tours include the vaults in their Historic Underground walk. We love to take ‘out of towners’ on this tour.
Take The Tram to Leith for £2
In 2023, the tram line between Edinburgh city and Leith was finally operational! It’s a short hop now down to the Water of Leith.
Here you will find Edinburgh’s Old Leith Port reinvented for the 21st century with great seafood restaurants, quality pubs and if you enjoy things nautical, an opportunity to tour the Royal Yacht Britannia.
If you’re a foodie, you will find 2 Michelin star restaurants in Leith! Book ahead as they are incredibly popular although we tend to prefer just hanging by the waters.
Visit National Museum of Scotland
Free Entrance. Kid Friendly. Location in Edinburgh
If you’re in Edinburgh and the weather isn’t great, spend a few hours here for a spectacular introduction to Scotland’s past and present. The 2 wings called Old and New blend together showcasing everything from Dolly the Sheep (the first mammal cloned back in 1996) to hands on science exhibits kids will love.
Drop by the cafe for a scone and coffee in the Grand Gallery area and don’t miss the museum shop for quality gifts.
Make sure you make your way up to the roof top where you can enjoy more spectacular views of the city.
🎒TPOP Tip:
Look out for unique exhibits like the viking grave and Arthur’s Seat mini coffins discovered back in 1836!
FAQs
Is Glasgow worth a day trip from Edinburgh?
Absolutely, if you decide to stay in Edinburgh but really want to get a sense of Glasgow you can easily do a day trip.
Book an early (fast) train from Waverley Station to Glasgow Queen’s Street – they run pretty much every hour. Once you’re in Glasgow, join a walking tour to get a sense of the city, its culture and some of the main sights.
Make time for lunch or dinner at one of the many central restaurants like The Ubiquitous Chip. We first ate here 40 years ago (yikes!) and it was just as great when we had lunch here in June 2024!
For a weekend brunch, try The Corinthian Club which offers a great range of food. If you love curry, we like Mother India (also in Edinburgh!).
There’s just time to catch some live music around town and then take a late train back to Edinburgh for a nightclub at one of the folk clubs.
What is better, Edinburgh or Glasgow?
Both are incredible cities to spend time in during a visit to Scotland. If you love medieval architecture and history, Edinburgh is an exciting destination. Both cities cater well for kids with lots of hands on activities from museums to outdoor parks.
If you love live music and less touristy hubs, head to Glasgow for a few days and then explore Loch Lomond or head west to Oban and the islands.
Of course it’s possible to do these excursions from Edinburgh too with a little more planning.
Is Glasgow less expensive than Edinburgh?
Overall, it is a little less expensive because it doesn’t attract as many overseas visitors as Edinburgh. You will find eating out more casual and so cheaper with lots of delivery options. Night clubs and live music venues cater for students and prices reflect this.
Of course there are top end restaurants, hotels and bars in the city center which are comparable to hotels in Edinburgh and London, so if your budget is tight stay a little further out.
Glasgow has a good subway system to get around so you won’t feel stranded out of town!
Is Glasgow a bigger city than Edinburgh?
Yes. Glasgow is our biggest city both in terms of its geographic spread and population. It has a long history of industry around its main river, The Clyde.
Is Glasgow less busy than Edinburgh?
Yes, most of the time and overall there are way less tourists in Glasgow. That said, Glasgow is the place for great nightlife in Scotland. Therefore, on any given weekend, it will be lively with countless things to do around town.
Edinburgh will be noticeably quieter in November, early December and again late January and February. As the weather isn’t as great and days are short many tourists stay away.
The exception will be December. Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market draws thousands making it a popular getaway. Also New Year’s Eve brings a huge street party and fireworks in Edinburgh and many visitors join in the fun!
Is it worth visiting Glasgow with kids?
In our experience, kids will love both cities. Scotland is very child friendly, with lots of spaces to run around and have fun. Museums are well designed with great attractions for youngsters and most are free to visit.
If we were to pick a great park for kids in each city, it would be The Meadows in Edinburgh. With its huge expanse of grass and lots of kiddies activities, especially on summer weekends it’s a perfect spot. Enjoy an ice-cream or even have a BBQ here.
Glasgow’s Green Park has plenty of activities like sandpits, swings and open spaces for picnics. You can go boating here and if your kids love to skateboard this is their place.
Wrap Up: Glasgow vs Edinburgh
With so much to do in Scotland it’s a tough decision but we suggest if this is your first visit to Scotland, head to Edinburgh. If you can avoid peak tourist season (July and August), you’ll enjoy exploring the city more.
Many hotels will be cheaper and local restaurants may have space without reservations. Check out our Edinburgh Itinerary for lots more ideas of things to do in Scotland’s capital.
But if you have a week here, take a day and go to Glasgow by train. Use our day trip outline below and get a feel for Scotland’s biggest city. Then, when you return to Scotland (and thousands of visitors do each year), why not base yourself in Glasgow for a few days before heading to the islands.
If you are a Scotch whisky fan, combining A Trip to Isle of Islay is another unforgettable way to get to know Scotland and to enjoy a ferry ride.
Whichever city you choose, you won’t be disappointed with a trip to Scotland and our own Visit Scotland – Year Round Guide is packed with ideas of what to do and festivals and events by month.