A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Glasgow vs. Belfast for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Glasgow or Belfast?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Belfast, 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.

Glasgow and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Belfast?

You'll generally find more things to do in Glasgow than Belfast. Glasgow is bigger than Belfast, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. 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. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Glasgow different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Belfast 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 Belfast?

Glasgow is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Glasgow can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Glasgow is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Glasgow or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Glasgow or Belfast Better for Music?

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Belfast Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Belfast?

If you're looking to go shopping, Glasgow and Belfast 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.

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Glasgow or Belfast Better for Families?

Glasgow and Belfast 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.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Glasgow or Belfast Better for Couples?

Glasgow is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Glasgow or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Glasgow or Belfast Better for Students?

Glasgow is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Glasgow is a great city to visit as a student. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Glasgow or Belfast a more walkable city?

Glasgow is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Belfast?

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

Families should spend more time in Glasgow than Belfast. 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 Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast?

In Glasgow, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Belfast, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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 Belfast?

In Glasgow, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Glasgow has to offer.

In Belfast, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Belfast has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Belfast?

Glasgow 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.

Belfast 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.

A week in Glasgow or Belfast?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Belfast?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Belfast, 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 Belfast?

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 Belfast in the Summer?

Both Belfast and Glasgow during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

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

In the summer, Glasgow often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Belfast. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Belfast in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Belfast. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Glasgow is generally around the same temperature as Belfast. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Belfast during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 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 Belfast. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Belfast in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Belfast. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Belfast in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Glasgow. Glasgow is cooler than Belfast in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Belfast. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Belfast. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Belfast in the Spring?

Both Belfast and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Glasgow is around the same temperature as Belfast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Belfast averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Belfast during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Belfast. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Glasgow