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

Should you visit Glasgow or Cancun?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Cancun, 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 cultural, historic, and high energy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cancun

Cancun is a active, adventurous, and wild city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Glasgow and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Cancun?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glasgow. Although Glasgow and Cancun are about the same size, Glasgow has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Glasgow is more popular for its music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Cancun is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cancun is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

How is Glasgow different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Cancun 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 Cancun. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

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

Both Glasgow and Cancun offer a number of good 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.

Cancun offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Glasgow or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is terrific in both Glasgow and Cancun.

Glasgow is a world class party destination. 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.

Cancun is a must-see party destination. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

Is Glasgow or Cancun Better for Music?

Glasgow is renowned for its live music scene. However, Cancun is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Glasgow. 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.

Cancun is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Glasgow is not a resort destination.

Cancun offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Glasgow is not a resort destination.

Is Glasgow or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Glasgow is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Cancun specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Glasgow is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Glasgow or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Glasgow is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Cancun are among the best in the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Glasgow is not a beach destination.

Is Glasgow or Cancun Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is very good for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Glasgow. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Is Glasgow or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Cancun?

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

Cancun is a great destination for shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Glasgow or Cancun Better for Families?

Cancun 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.

Cancun is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

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 Cancun Better for Couples?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Cancun has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

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 Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun 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 Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

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 Cancun Better for Students?

Glasgow is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.

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

Cancun is not popular with students.

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

Glasgow is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Glasgow or Cancun a more walkable city?

Glasgow and Cancun are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Cancun?

Both Glasgow and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Glasgow. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

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

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

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

One day in Glasgow or Cancun?

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 Cancun, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Cancun?

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 Cancun, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Cancun?

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.

Cancun is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cancun has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Glasgow or Cancun?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the friendly 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 Cancun. In Cancun, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Cancun?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Cancun, 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.