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

Should you visit Glasgow or Carcassonne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Carcassonne, 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Glasgow and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Glasgow or Carcassonne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Glasgow than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Glasgow is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Carcassonne is more popular for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carcassonne is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. 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.

How is Glasgow different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Glasgow
Carcassonne

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.


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

Glasgow
Carcassonne

Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow
Carcassonne

Glasgow is very popular for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Glasgow or Carcassonne Better for Music?

Glasgow
Carcassonne

Glasgow is very popular for live music. However, Carcassonne is not a live music destination.

Glasgow is known as a music capital 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.

Carcassonne is not a live music destination.


Is Glasgow or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow
Carcassonne

Glasgow and Carcassonne both have notable historical old towns that attract visitors.

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

Many visitors go to Carcassonne to see the historical old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Carcassonne?

Glasgow
Carcassonne

Glasgow is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Glasgow. 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Glasgow or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Glasgow
Carcassonne

Glasgow and Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.


Is Glasgow or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Glasgow
Carcassonne

Glasgow and Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Glasgow or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow
Carcassonne

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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 Carcassonne Better for Students?

Glasgow
Carcassonne

Glasgow is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.


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

Glasgow
Carcassonne

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

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.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Glasgow or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Glasgow
Carcassonne

Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is a very easy town to get around on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Glasgow or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Glasgow than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

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

Couples should spend more time in Glasgow than Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.


  • How many days in Glasgow or Carcassonne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Glasgow 2-3 
    Carcassonne 1-2

One day in Glasgow or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the high energy city of Glasgow. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Carcassonne, you'll find food and museums. This town 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 Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Glasgow. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Carcassonne, you'll find museums and food. 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 Carcassonne has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Carcassonne?

The historic city of Glasgow offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Glasgow. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Carcassonne. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. 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 France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Glasgow?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is £91. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Glasgow and Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Glasgow £74
    Carcassonne £52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Glasgow £148
    Carcassonne £104
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Glasgow or Carcassonne? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Glasgow


Hotels in Carcassonne


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Glasgow £27
    Carcassonne £6.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip Transfer Glasgow Airport(GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort: $207
  • Private Transfer: Glasgow to Glasgow International Airport (GLA): $68
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow : $82
  • Private 1-Way/Roundtrip Transfer to Glasgow Airport: $172
  • Easy Bus Transfer Between Airport and City Center: $12
  • Arrivals Airport Transfer to City Accommodations: $55
  • Glasgow to Stirling Luxury Car Transfer: $203
  • Glasgow to Inverness Direct transfer: $781
  • Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $241
  • Glasgow to Aberdeen Int Airport (ABZ)-Departure Private Transfer: $120
  • Glasgow hotels to Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Glasgow city to Glasgow Airport -Luxury Transfer Chauffeured : $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Glasgow or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne and Glasgow change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Glasgow £45
    Carcassonne £33
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:


  • Dessert at Farmer's Market
    £1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Glasgow £22
    Carcassonne £12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)
    £12
  • Two Bike Rental
    £34

Tours and Activities in Glasgow

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.

  • 1.5hr Glasgow Necropolis Tour: The City of the Dead: $144
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of Glasgow: $209
  • 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow: $260
  • 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour: $272
  • 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $284
  • Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
  • City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • Discover Glasgow's Finest - Private Walking Tour: $512
  • Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan - 2 Day Tour from Glasgow: $152
  • Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,124
  • From Glasgow, Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour: $1,031
  • From 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: $262

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Fortress Walking Tour: $171
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Photoshoot Experience: $160
  • Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Glasgow £15
    Carcassonne £11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:


  • Bottle of Wine
    £12
  • Ciders at Kilted Skirlie
    £3.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:

  • Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
  • Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
  • Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
  • Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
  • Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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

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


Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Carcassonne?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Carcassonne. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Glasgow is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Glasgow 15°C (59°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Carcassonne. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Glasgow is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Glasgow 10°C (49°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine.

Glasgow can be very cold during winter. Glasgow is much colder than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In January, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Glasgow 3°C (38°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne and Glasgow during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In the spring, Glasgow is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Carcassonne. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Glasgow 7°C (45°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Glasgow

Glasgow Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)