A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Glasgow vs. Interlaken for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Glasgow or Interlaken?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Interlaken, 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 cultural, historic, and high energy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Glasgow and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Interlaken?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Glasgow than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Glasgow is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Glasgow is well known 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.

How is Glasgow different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Interlaken and Glasgow. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Glasgow or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Glasgow is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Glasgow is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Glasgow or Interlaken?

Glasgow is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Glasgow specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken 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.

Interlaken has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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 Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People head to Glasgow just to party. 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Glasgow or Interlaken Better for Music?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for live music. However, Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Glasgow is known as a music capital 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.

Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Interlaken Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is very good for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Glasgow is a good destination for visiting its old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Glasgow or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Interlaken draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Interlaken?

Glasgow is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Glasgow. 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Glasgow or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken Better for Couples?

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

Interlaken has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Interlaken are notable 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.

Interlaken is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Glasgow or Interlaken Better for Students?

Glasgow is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Glasgow and Interlaken both offer excellent 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 Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Is Glasgow or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Glasgow is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Interlaken?

In either Glasgow or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken 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 Interlaken.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Glasgow than Interlaken 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.

One day in Glasgow or Interlaken?

With live music and food around the friendly 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 Interlaken, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town 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 Interlaken?

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 Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Interlaken?

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.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Glasgow or Interlaken?

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 Interlaken. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Glasgow and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Interlaken?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?

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 Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Interlaken. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Glasgow is cooler than Interlaken. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Interlaken averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Interlaken. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Glasgow or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Interlaken. The autumn months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

In October, Glasgow is generally cooler than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Interlaken. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. It's quite cold in Glasgow in the winter. Glasgow is around the same temperature as Interlaken in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In January, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Interlaken. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Glasgow or Interlaken in the Spring?

Both Interlaken and Glasgow during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Glasgow is much colder than Interlaken. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Interlaken averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Interlaken. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Glasgow