A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Aberdeen vs. Glencoe for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Aberdeen or Glencoe?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aberdeen or Glencoe? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a architectural, authentic, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a natural, serene, and beautiful village. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food and hiking.

Aberdeen and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Glencoe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aberdeen than Glencoe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aberdeen is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Glencoe is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aberdeen is well known for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. Also, Aberdeen is famous for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Glencoe is well known for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

How is Aberdeen different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glencoe and Aberdeen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Glencoe?

Aberdeen is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Aberdeen. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Glencoe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Aberdeen and Glencoe can be an enjoyable experience.

Aberdeen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Glencoe has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Aberdeen or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

Aberdeen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Aberdeen or Glencoe Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

Aberdeen is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

Is Aberdeen or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Glencoe is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Glencoe is a popular spot for hiking. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Glencoe?

Aberdeen is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Aberdeen to go shopping. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aberdeen or Glencoe Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aberdeen or Glencoe.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Glencoe is very family-friendly. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

Is Aberdeen or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Glencoe is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Glencoe is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Aberdeen or Glencoe Better for Students?

Aberdeen is a city with good options for students. However, Glencoe is not popular with students.

Aberdeen is popular with students. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Glencoe is not popular with students.

Is Aberdeen or Glencoe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aberdeen is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Aberdeen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Aberdeen or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Aberdeen is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

Aberdeen is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable city. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Glencoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aberdeen and Glencoe. In our opinion, Aberdeen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Aberdeen than Glencoe. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Glencoe.

Families should spend more time in Aberdeen than Glencoe. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aberdeen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Aberdeen than Glencoe. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aberdeen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aberdeen than Glencoe if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Aberdeen.

One day in Aberdeen or Glencoe?

In Aberdeen, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful village of Glencoe offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Glencoe?

In Aberdeen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aberdeen has to offer.

Glencoe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this village makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Glencoe, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Glencoe?

Aberdeen is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Glencoe is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Aberdeen. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Glencoe is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This village offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 3-Day Tours from London.

When comparing the travel costs between Aberdeen and Glencoe, we can see that Aberdeen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aberdeen Expensive? and Is Glencoe Expensive?.