A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Glasgow vs. Anchorage for Nightlife, Attractions, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Glasgow or Anchorage?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Anchorage, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a friendly, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a breathtaking, cultural, and artsy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Glasgow and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Anchorage?

You'll generally find more things to do in Glasgow than Anchorage. Glasgow is bigger than Anchorage, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Glasgow is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Anchorage is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Anchorage is more touristy than Glasgow and is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. Glasgow is well known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. Also, Glasgow is famous for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

How is Glasgow different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Glasgow or Anchorage?

Glasgow is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Glasgow. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Is the Food Better in Glasgow or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Glasgow and Anchorage offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Glasgow is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Anchorage offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Glasgow or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Glasgow is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Glasgow or Anchorage Better for Music?

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Anchorage is not a live music destination.

Glasgow is a world class music destination. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Anchorage is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Anchorage Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Glasgow to see the historical old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

Is Glasgow or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Anchorage draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Anchorage?

If you're looking to go shopping, Glasgow and Anchorage both offer plenty of notable spots.

Glasgow has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Anchorage is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Glasgow or Anchorage Better for Families?

Glasgow and Anchorage are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Glasgow offers lots of family activities. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

Anchorage is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Glasgow or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Anchorage is great for couples. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Anchorage is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Glasgow is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

Is Glasgow or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Anchorage are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Glasgow. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Anchorage is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is Glasgow or Anchorage Better for Students?

Glasgow is a well-known place for students. However, Anchorage is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Glasgow. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

Is Glasgow or Anchorage Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Glasgow is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Glasgow is fairly effecient and thorough. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Glasgow or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Glasgow is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Glasgow is very walkable. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Glasgow Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Anchorage?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Glasgow than Anchorage 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 Glasgow.

One day in Glasgow or Anchorage?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Glasgow. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Anchorage, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Glasgow or Anchorage?

You'll find live music and food around the high energy destination of Glasgow. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Anchorage, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Anchorage has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the high energy city of Glasgow. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Glasgow or Anchorage?

Glasgow is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Anchorage. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Glasgow and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage 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. Even though Glasgow is in Europe and Anchorage is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Anchorage?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Anchorage, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Glasgow or Anchorage?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Glasgow or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Glasgow during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Glasgow is around the same temperature as Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Anchorage. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Anchorage in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Glasgow is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Anchorage. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during winter. Glasgow can get quite cold in the winter. Glasgow is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the spring, Glasgow is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Glasgow