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

Should you visit Glasgow or Dublin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Dublin, 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Dublin

Dublin is a laid-back, friendly, and welcoming 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 live music.

Glasgow and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Dublin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin than Glasgow, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dublin is more popular for its historical sights and shopping, while Glasgow is known for its music. Dublin is more touristy than Glasgow and is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse. Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.

How is Glasgow different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Dublin 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 Dublin. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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

Both Glasgow and Dublin 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.

Dublin offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Glasgow or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is amazing in both Glasgow and Dublin.

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.

Dublin is a must-see party destination. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

Is Glasgow or Dublin Better for Music?

Glasgow is terrific for its live music scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Dublin has a thriving music scene. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Is Glasgow or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Dublin to see the historical old town. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

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 Dublin?

Dublin 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 Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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 Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin 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 Dublin. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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 Dublin Better for Couples?

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

Dublin is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

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 Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin 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 Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin Better for Students?

Glasgow is a great destination for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

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

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.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Glasgow or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin 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.

Dublin is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Dublin?

In either Glasgow or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than Glasgow because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

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

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

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

One day in Glasgow or Dublin?

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 Dublin, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Dublin?

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.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Glasgow or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the high energy 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 Dublin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Dublin. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Dublin. The summer months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In July, Glasgow is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 15°C (59°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Glasgow often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Dublin. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Glasgow is cooler than Dublin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Dublin. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Glasgow during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dublin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Glasgow. In the winter, Glasgow is much colder than Dublin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Glasgow in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Dublin averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Dublin. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Dublin. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Dublin. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dublin for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Glasgow is generally cooler than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 7°C (45°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Dublin. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Glasgow