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

Should you visit Glasgow or Florence?

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

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

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Florence?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Florence than Glasgow. While Glasgow is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Florence is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Glasgow is known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.

How is Glasgow different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Glasgow. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Glasgow or Florence Better for Music?

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

The rich history of Florence can be explored in its historical center. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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 Florence?

Florence 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 Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Florence Better for Families?

Glasgow and Florence are both good 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Glasgow or Florence Better for Couples?

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

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Students come from all over to stay in Glasgow. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

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

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

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

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Glasgow or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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.

Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Florence?

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

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

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

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

One day in Glasgow or Florence?

The city of Glasgow offers museums and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Florence, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Florence?

Glasgow is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Glasgow, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Florence, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Florence?

Glasgow is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence 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 Florence has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Glasgow or Florence?

Glasgow is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. In Florence, you'll find museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Glasgow and Florence, 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 Florence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Florence?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In July, Glasgow is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 15°C (59°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Florence. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Glasgow or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Glasgow during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Glasgow is much colder than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Florence. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Florence. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Florence. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence 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 Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Glasgow in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Florence during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Florence. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Glasgow or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Florence. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Glasgow is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 7°C (45°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Florence. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Florence. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Glasgow