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

Should you visit Glasgow or Heidelberg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Heidelberg, 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a historic, quaint, and energetic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Heidelberg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glasgow than Heidelberg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Glasgow is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Glasgow is famous for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also well known for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

How is Glasgow different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Glasgow is a great city for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Glasgow. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

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 Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

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.

Heidelberg offers plenty to do in the evening. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Is Glasgow or Heidelberg Better for Music?

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

Glasgow has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Heidelberg is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg can be explored in its historical center. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

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 Heidelberg?

If you're looking to go shopping, Glasgow and Heidelberg both offer plenty of nice spots.

Glasgow has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Is Glasgow or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Glasgow and Heidelberg are both nice 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.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly place to visit. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Glasgow or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

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

Heidelberg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great 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 Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

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 Heidelberg Better for Students?

Glasgow is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for 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.

Heidelberg is a good city to visit for students. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

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

Glasgow and Heidelberg both offer great public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Public transit in Heidelberg is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Is Glasgow or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Glasgow and Heidelberg are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Heidelberg is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Glasgow and Heidelberg. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

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

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

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

One day in Glasgow or Heidelberg?

With live music and food around the high energy city of Glasgow, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

With food and shopping around the destination of Glasgow, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Heidelberg, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Heidelberg has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Heidelberg?

Glasgow, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Heidelberg is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Heidelberg?

Glasgow is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Heidelberg. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Heidelberg?

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

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 Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Glasgow is cooler than Heidelberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Heidelberg. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Glasgow or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

Both Heidelberg and Glasgow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Heidelberg. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Heidelberg. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Heidelberg. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Heidelberg can be very cold. Glasgow can be very cold during winter. In January, Glasgow is generally a little warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 3°C (38°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Glasgow usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 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 Heidelberg. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Glasgow or Heidelberg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Heidelberg. The spring months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

Glasgow is much colder than Heidelberg in the spring. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Heidelberg. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Heidelberg. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Glasgow