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

Should you visit Glasgow or Cologne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Cologne, 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 historic, high energy, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Cologne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne than Glasgow. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cologne is very popular for its shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Glasgow attracts visitors for its nightlife and music. Cologne is more touristy than Glasgow and is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also well known for The Cologne Cathedral. Glasgow is famous for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Glasgow different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Cologne 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 Cologne. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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

Both Glasgow and Cologne 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.

Cologne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Glasgow or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many people head to Cologne for the nightlife scene. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Is Glasgow or Cologne Better for Music?

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

In Glasgow you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Cologne is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow and Cologne both have nice 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 Cologne to see the historical old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Cologne?

Cologne 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 Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

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 Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Glasgow does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Cologne is a top place to visit during Christmas. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Glasgow does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Glasgow or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Glasgow does not offer Christmas markets.

The active Christmas markets during the holiday season make Cologne very popular during this season. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Glasgow does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Glasgow or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cologne. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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 Cologne Better for Couples?

Glasgow and Cologne 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.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Glasgow or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Cologne are nice 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.

Cologne is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Glasgow or Cologne Better for Students?

For students, both Glasgow and Cologne are very good places to visit.

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

Students come from all over to stay in Cologne. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne 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.

Cologne has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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 Cologne a more walkable city?

Glasgow and Cologne are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Cologne is very walkable. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Cologne?

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

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

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

One day in Glasgow or Cologne?

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.

Because Cologne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Cologne?

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.

Because Cologne 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cologne has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Cologne?

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.

Cologne 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 Cologne?

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 Cologne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cologne. 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Glasgow and Cologne, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Cologne, 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 Cologne?

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 Cologne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Cologne. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Glasgow is cooler than Cologne in the summer. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Cologne. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Cologne. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Cologne. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Glasgow during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cologne in the winter. The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. In January, Glasgow is generally around the same temperature as Cologne. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 3°C (38°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Cologne. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Cologne. The activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Cologne during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Cologne. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Glasgow