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

Should you visit Glasgow or Bruges?

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

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

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, charming, and historic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Bruges?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glasgow than Bruges. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Glasgow is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Bruges attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. 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.

How is Glasgow different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Bruges 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 Bruges. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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

Bruges 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.

Bruges has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

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 Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Glasgow is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Glasgow or Bruges Better for Music?

Glasgow is very popular for its music scene. However, Bruges 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.

Bruges is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges 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 Bruges can be explored in its historical center. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

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 Bruges?

If you're looking to go shopping, Glasgow and Bruges both offer plenty of nice 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.

Bruges is a great destination for shopping. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Glasgow or Bruges Better for Families?

Glasgow and Bruges 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.

Bruges is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Is Glasgow or Bruges Better for Couples?

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

Bruges is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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 Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

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.

Is Glasgow or Bruges Better for Students?

Glasgow is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Bruges is not popular with students.

Is Glasgow or Bruges 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, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Bruges has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Glasgow or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges 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.

Bruges is a very easy city to get around on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and 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 Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Bruges?

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

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

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

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

One day in Glasgow or Bruges?

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.

In Bruges, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bruges?

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.

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

Five days in Glasgow or Bruges?

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.

Bruges is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic 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 Bruges. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bruges. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Glasgow and Bruges, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. And not only is Bruges much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bruges would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bruges 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 Bruges.

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Bruges?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Bruges, 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 Bruges?

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 Bruges in the Summer?

Both Bruges and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Glasgow is cooler than Bruges in the summer. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Bruges. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Bruges. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Glasgow or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and Glasgow during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Glasgow is cooler than Bruges. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Glasgow in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Bruges averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Bruges. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Bruges in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Bruges. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bruges because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bruges can be very cold. Glasgow can be very cold during winter. In January, Glasgow is generally around the same temperature as Bruges. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 3°C (38°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Bruges. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Glasgow or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Bruges. The spring months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

Glasgow is cooler than Bruges in the spring. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Bruges. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Glasgow