A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Glasgow vs. Boston for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Old Town

Should you visit Glasgow or Boston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Boston, 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Boston

Boston is a loyal, historic, and traditional city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Glasgow and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Boston?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boston than Glasgow, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boston is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Glasgow is more popular for its nightlife and music. Boston is more touristy than Glasgow and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail. Glasgow is well known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.

How is Glasgow different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Boston is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Boston has many famous sights for visitors. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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.

Is Glasgow or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is great for its shows and theatre. However, Glasgow is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Glasgow is not a theatre destination.

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

Boston is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Boston has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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.

Is Glasgow or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Boston 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.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Glasgow or Boston Better for Music?

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for live music. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its live music scene.

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.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is Glasgow or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is adequate for the beach. However, Glasgow is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Glasgow is not a beach destination.

Is Glasgow or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

The rich history of Boston can be explored in its historical center. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Boston?

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

Boston is a great destination for shopping. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Glasgow or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Glasgow does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is a very popular destination during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Glasgow does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Glasgow or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Glasgow does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to Boston to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Glasgow does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Glasgow or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Boston is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Glasgow is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Glasgow or Boston Better for Couples?

Glasgow and Boston are both notable to visit as a couple.

Glasgow is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Boston is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Glasgow or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Boston 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.

Boston is a good city to visit for backpackers. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Glasgow or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Boston is a great destination for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

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.

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

Boston is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Boston has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

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.

Is Glasgow or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Boston is a very easy city to get around on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Boston or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Boston?

In either Glasgow or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than Glasgow because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

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

One day in Glasgow or Boston?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Glasgow. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Because Boston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Glasgow or Boston?

Glasgow 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.

Because Boston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Glasgow or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glasgow. 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.

Boston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boston has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Glasgow or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the high energy destination of Glasgow. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Boston. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Glasgow and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Glasgow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Glasgow is in Europe and Boston is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Glasgow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glasgow 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Glasgow.

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Boston?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Boston, 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 Boston?

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 Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and Glasgow during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Glasgow is much colder than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Boston. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Boston. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Boston. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Glasgow is generally cooler than Boston. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Boston during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 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 Boston. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Boston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Boston. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Boston can be very cold. Glasgow can be very cold during winter. Glasgow is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Boston. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Boston. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In the spring, Glasgow is cooler than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Boston during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives less rain than Boston. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Boston and Glasgow