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

Should you visit Glasgow or Kiel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Kiel, 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Kiel

Kiel is a off-the-beaten-path, waterfront, and maritime 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.

Glasgow and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Kiel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glasgow than Kiel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Glasgow is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and historical sights, while Kiel is known for its beaches. Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Kiel is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

How is Glasgow different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Glasgow is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

Both Glasgow and Kiel 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.

Kiel offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Glasgow or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Glasgow or Kiel Better for Music?

Glasgow is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Kiel is not a live music destination.

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.

Kiel is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Glasgow is not a beach destination.

Kiel has a beach worth visiting. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Glasgow is not a beach destination.

Is Glasgow or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Glasgow to see the old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Kiel?

If you're looking to go shopping, Glasgow and Kiel both offer plenty of good 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.

Kiel is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Glasgow or Kiel Better for Families?

Glasgow and Kiel 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.

Kiel is a family-friendly place to visit. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Glasgow or Kiel Better for Couples?

Glasgow and Kiel are both good to visit as a couple.

Glasgow is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Kiel is a nice destination for couples. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Glasgow or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Glasgow or Kiel Better for Students?

Glasgow is well known for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Glasgow is well known for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Glasgow has some very good public transit options. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Glasgow or Kiel a more walkable city?

Glasgow is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Glasgow and Kiel. In our opinion, Glasgow has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Glasgow than Kiel. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 1-3 days is enough time in Kiel.

Families should spend more time in Glasgow than Kiel. 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 Kiel. 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 Kiel 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 Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Glasgow. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Kiel, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Kiel?

Glasgow is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Kiel, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Kiel has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Kiel?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Glasgow. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kiel 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 Kiel?

The cultural city of Glasgow offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kiel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kiel. 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 Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Kiel?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Kiel. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Glasgow is generally around the same temperature as Kiel. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 15°C (59°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Kiel. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kiel because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Glasgow is around the same temperature as Kiel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Kiel. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel and Glasgow during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kiel in the winter. The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. In the winter, Glasgow is much warmer than Kiel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Glasgow in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Kiel averages at about 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Kiel. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Kiel. The activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Glasgow is generally around the same temperature as Kiel. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 7°C (45°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Kiel. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Glasgow