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

Should you visit Dundee or Glencoe?

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

Should I visit Dundee 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.

Dundee

Dundee is a historic, coastal, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Dundee and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Dundee or Glencoe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dundee than Glencoe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dundee is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Glencoe is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Glencoe is more touristy than Dundee and is known for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting. Dundee is well known for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. Also, Dundee is famous for Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

How is Dundee different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dundee
Glencoe

Dundee is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dundee. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Dundee
Glencoe

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dundee and Glencoe can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Dundee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

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 Dundee or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Dundee
Glencoe

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

Dundee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

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 Dundee or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Dundee
Glencoe

Glencoe is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Dundee 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.

Dundee is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Glencoe?

Dundee
Glencoe

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

Dundee has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dundee or Glencoe Better for Families?

Dundee
Glencoe

Glencoe is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Glencoe is 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.

Dundee is a family-friendly city. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

Is Dundee or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Dundee
Glencoe

Glencoe is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city 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.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.


Is Dundee or Glencoe Better for Students?

Dundee
Glencoe

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

Dundee is popular with students. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Glencoe is not popular with students.

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

Dundee
Glencoe

Dundee 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 Dundee, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has a public bus system.

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 Dundee or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Dundee
Glencoe

Dundee is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

Dundee is a somewhat walkable city. There are a number of walks through the town.

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 Dundee Worth Visiting? and Is Glencoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dundee and Glencoe. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Glencoe than in Dundee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Dundee, and 1-3 days is enough time in Glencoe.

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

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


  • How many days in Dundee or Glencoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dundee 1-2 
    Glencoe 1-3

One day in Dundee or Glencoe?

In Dundee, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Glencoe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dundee or Glencoe?

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

Glencoe is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dundee or Glencoe?

Dundee is a great place to explore. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glencoe. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Dundee or Glencoe?

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

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the serene destination of Glencoe. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, Glencoe or Dundee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dundee is £234, while the average daily cost in Glencoe is £117. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dundee and Glencoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Glencoe £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Glencoe £118
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Glencoe

Looking for a hotel in Dundee or Glencoe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dundee


Hotels in Glencoe


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dundee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Glencoe £37

Is it cheaper to fly into Dundee or Glencoe?

Prices for flights to both Glencoe and Dundee change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dundee £47
    Glencoe £33
Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Typical Food Prices in Glencoe

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Glencoe:


  • Lunch for 2
    £46
  • Lunch for 2
    £23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dundee £106
    Glencoe £29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dundee are as follows:

  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $83

Tours and Activities in Glencoe

Here are a few actual costs in Glencoe for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Walking Tour in Fort William Town Centre : $13
  • Seal Island Cruise Tour: $46
  • Evening Cruise in Scotland: $46
  • From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour: $61
  • Loch Linnhe Rib Adventures in Aurora: $64
  • From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express: $219

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dundee £13
    Glencoe £6.77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dundee and Glencoe, we can see that Dundee is more expensive. And not only is Glencoe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glencoe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glencoe and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dundee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dundee than you might in Glencoe.

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