A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Glasgow vs. Dundee for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Glasgow or Dundee?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Dundee, 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 friendly, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Glasgow travel costs.

Dundee

Dundee is a historic, coastal, 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Dundee travel costs.

Glasgow and Dundee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Glasgow or Dundee?

You'll generally find more things to do in Glasgow than Dundee. Glasgow is bigger than Dundee, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Glasgow is more touristy than Dundee and is popular 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. Dundee is well known for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design.

How is Glasgow different from Dundee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Glasgow
Dundee

Glasgow is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Glasgow offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.


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

Glasgow
Dundee

Both Glasgow and Dundee offer a number of notable 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.

Dundee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Glasgow or Dundee Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow
Dundee

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Glasgow has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Is Glasgow or Dundee Better for Music?

Glasgow
Dundee

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Dundee is not a live music destination.

Glasgow is a world class music destination. 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.

Dundee is not a live music destination.


Is Glasgow or Dundee Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow
Dundee

Glasgow is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

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.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Dundee?

Glasgow
Dundee

Glasgow is a popular place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Glasgow or Dundee Better for Families?

Glasgow
Dundee

Glasgow and Dundee 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.

Dundee is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.


Is Glasgow or Dundee Better for Couples?

Glasgow
Dundee

Glasgow is a popular place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Glasgow or Dundee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow
Dundee

Glasgow is a popular place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Glasgow or Dundee Better for Students?

Glasgow
Dundee

Glasgow is a well-known place for students. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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

Plenty of students visit Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.


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

Glasgow
Dundee

Glasgow is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Glasgow can move around easily with public transportation. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Dundee has some public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

Is Glasgow or Dundee a more walkable city?

Glasgow
Dundee

Glasgow is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Dundee or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Dundee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Glasgow or Dundee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Glasgow than Dundee 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 Dundee.

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

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


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

One day in Glasgow or Dundee?

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 Dundee, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Dundee?

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 Dundee, you'll find nightlife 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 Dundee has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Dundee?

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.

Dundee 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 Dundee?

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 Dundee. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dundee. 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 United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Dundee or Glasgow?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Glasgow Prices
    UK Prices
    Dundee Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Glasgow £177
    Dundee £269

The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £177, while the average daily cost in Dundee is £269. 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 Dundee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Glasgow £74
    Dundee £149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Glasgow £148
    Dundee £298
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Dundee

Looking for a hotel in Glasgow or Dundee? 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 Dundee


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 Dundee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Glasgow £27
    Dundee £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

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

  • Easy Bus Transfer Between Airport and City Center: $13
  • Private Transfer from Glasgow city hotels to Newhaven Cruise Port: $50
  • Private Transfer from Glasgow Hotels to South Queensferry Port: $50
  • Glasgow to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Arrivals Airport Transfer to City Accommodations: $80
  • Private RoundTrip Transfer from Edinburgh Airport EDI to Glasgow : $81
  • Glasgow Airport - City Transfer: $81
  • Airport transfer: $83
  • Glasgow Airport Transfers: Glasgow City to Glasgow Airport GLA in Business Car: $96
  • Glasgow to Aberdeen Int Airport (ABZ)-Departure Private Transfer: $119
  • Luxury Private Transfer : $128
  • Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow City to Glasgow Airport GLA in Luxury Van: $143

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dundee

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dundee:

  • Edinburgh Airport Transfers | Edinburgh Airport Taxi: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Glasgow or Dundee?

Prices for flights to both Dundee 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 £78
    Dundee £82
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: $120

Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Glasgow £22
    Dundee £106
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.

  • Haunted Quest Experience: $7.92
  • Skip the Line: Interactive Exhibition Ticket: $8.41
  • The Merchant City: A Self Guided Audio Tour of Glasgow: $8.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Glasgow by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Glasgow Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $12
  • City Center Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Historical Walking Tour: $15
  • Gander Walking Tour: $15
  • Gothic Glasgow Walking Tour: $16
  • Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $18
  • Glasgow City Centre Daily Walking Tour: 10:30am, 2pm & 5pm: $18
  • Glasgow Street Art Daily Walking Tour: 2pm: $18

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dundee are as follows:

  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $84
  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Glasgow £15
    Dundee £13
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: $24
  • Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $45
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $76
  • From Stirling, Trossachs & Whisky Distillery Tour: $83
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $91
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $127
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $190
  • Ebikes and a visit to a Glasgow Distillery!: $190
  • Electric Bike Tour of Glasgow with Distillery Visit: $193
  • Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $451


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Glasgow and Dundee, we can see that Dundee is more expensive. And not only is Glasgow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glasgow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glasgow 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 Dundee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dundee than you might in Glasgow.

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


Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Dundee?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dundee. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Dundee, 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 Dundee?

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 Dundee in the Summer?

Both Dundee and Glasgow during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dundee for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Glasgow is around the same temperature as Dundee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Dundee averages at about 14°C (58°F).

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

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Dundee. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Glasgow 15°C (59°F) 
    Dundee 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Dundee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Dundee. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Dundee because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Glasgow is generally around the same temperature as Dundee. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Dundee fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Dundee during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Dundee receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Dundee. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Glasgow 10°C (49°F) 
    Dundee 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Dundee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Dundee. The winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dundee this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dundee in the winter. The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. Glasgow is around the same temperature as Dundee in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dundee fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Dundee. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dundee receives 58 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Dundee. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Glasgow 3°C (38°F) 
    Dundee 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Dundee in the Spring?

Both Dundee and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dundee for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Glasgow is around the same temperature as Dundee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Dundee averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Dundee during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Dundee receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Dundee. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Glasgow 7°C (45°F) 
    Dundee 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Dundee and Glasgow

Glasgow Dundee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)