A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. Glencoe for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Biarritz or Glencoe?

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

Should I visit Biarritz 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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a serene, beautiful, and picturesque village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food and hiking.

Biarritz and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Glencoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Biarritz. Although Biarritz and Glencoe are both popular with visitors, Biarritz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Biarritz is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Glencoe is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Glencoe and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also home to Grande Plage. Glencoe is popular for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

How is Biarritz different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Biarritz is a seaside town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Biarritz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Glencoe. 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 Biarritz or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is well known for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Biarritz or Glencoe Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is well known for its resorts. However, Glencoe is not a resort destination.

In Biarritz, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Glencoe is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Glencoe Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is well known for the beach. However, Glencoe is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Biarritz attract visitors from all over. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Glencoe is not a beach destination.

Is Biarritz or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Glencoe is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Glencoe. 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.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Glencoe?

Biarritz is well known for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Biarritz or Glencoe Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or Glencoe.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Glencoe is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Biarritz or Glencoe Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Biarritz and Glencoe make for a excellent place to visit.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Couples visit Glencoe frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is Biarritz or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is well known for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

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

Biarritz is a seaside town 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 Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

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 Biarritz or Glencoe a more walkable city?

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

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Biarritz and Glencoe. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Glencoe. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Glencoe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz 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 Biarritz.

One day in Biarritz or Glencoe?

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town 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 Biarritz or Glencoe?

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Biarritz or Glencoe?

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. 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 Biarritz or Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Biarritz and Glencoe, we can see that Glencoe 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 Biarritz Expensive? and Is Glencoe Expensive?.