A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Glasgow vs. Bristol for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Glasgow or Bristol?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Bristol, 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 high energy, friendly, and cultural 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, live music, and food.

Bristol

Bristol is a authentic, historic, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow and Bristol: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Bristol?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glasgow than Bristol. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Glasgow is very popular for its nightlife, music, and historical sights, while Bristol attracts visitors for its shopping. Glasgow is famous for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also well known for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Bristol is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies.

How is Glasgow different from Bristol?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Bristol and Glasgow.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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

Both Glasgow and Bristol offer a number of nice 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.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Glasgow or Bristol Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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.

Bristol has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Is Glasgow or Bristol Better for Music?

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Bristol is not a live music destination.

Glasgow has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Bristol is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Bristol Better for its Old Town?

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

Glasgow has an old town worth visiting. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Bristol?

Bristol is great for its shopping areas. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Glasgow is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Glasgow or Bristol Better for Families?

Glasgow and Bristol are both nice 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.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Glasgow or Bristol Better for Couples?

Glasgow and Bristol are both nice 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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Glasgow or Bristol Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Glasgow or Bristol Better for Students?

Glasgow is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Bristol is a good city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

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

Glasgow is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Glasgow can get you to most places easily. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Glasgow or Bristol a more walkable city?

Glasgow and Bristol are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Bristol is very walkable. The city center is well designed for walking.

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

Should I spend more time in Bristol or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Bristol?

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

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

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 Bristol, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Bristol?

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 Bristol, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Bristol has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Bristol?

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.

Bristol 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 Bristol?

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 Bristol. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bristol. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Glasgow and Bristol, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow than you might in Bristol.

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Bristol?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Bristol. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Bristol, 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 Bristol?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Glasgow or Bristol in the Summer?

Both Bristol and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Glasgow is cooler than Bristol in the summer. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Bristol fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Bristol. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Glasgow or Bristol in the Autumn?

Both Bristol and Glasgow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Bristol in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Glasgow is cooler than Bristol. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Glasgow in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Bristol averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Bristol. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Bristol in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Bristol. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bristol for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Glasgow can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Glasgow is generally much colder than Bristol. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 3°C (38°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Bristol. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Glasgow or Bristol in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Bristol. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bristol because of the activities around the city.

Glasgow is cooler than Bristol in the spring. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Bristol fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Bristol. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bristol and Glasgow