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

Should you visit Glasgow or Le Mans?

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

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

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the nightlife and museums.

Glasgow and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Glasgow or Le Mans?

You'll generally find more things to do in Glasgow than Le Mans. Glasgow is bigger than Le Mans, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Glasgow is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Le Mans is more popular for its small town charm. Glasgow is more touristy than Le Mans and is 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. Le Mans is well known for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Glasgow different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Glasgow
Le Mans

Glasgow is great for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.


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

Glasgow
Le Mans

Glasgow is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Glasgow. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Glasgow or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow
Le Mans

Glasgow is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Glasgow or Le Mans Better for Music?

Glasgow
Le Mans

Glasgow is a world-class destination for live music. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not a live music destination.


Is Glasgow or Le Mans Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow
Le Mans

Glasgow is very good for its historic old town. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Le Mans?

Glasgow
Le Mans

Glasgow is very good for shopping. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Glasgow or Le Mans Better for Families?

Glasgow
Le Mans

Glasgow and Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.


Is Glasgow or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Glasgow
Le Mans

Glasgow and Le Mans are both notable 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.

Le Mans is a nice destination for couples. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Glasgow or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow
Le Mans

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is a good city to visit for backpackers. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

Is Glasgow or Le Mans Better for Students?

Glasgow
Le Mans

Glasgow is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not popular with students.


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

Glasgow
Le Mans

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

Public transit in Glasgow is fairly effecient and thorough. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Is Glasgow or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Glasgow
Le Mans

Glasgow is great for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

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

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Le Mans?

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

Families should spend more time in Glasgow than Le Mans. 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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans 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 Le Mans? Ideal Length of Stay
    Glasgow 2-3 
    Le Mans 1-3

One day in Glasgow or Le Mans?

In Glasgow, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Le Mans, you'll find nightlife and museums. 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 Le Mans?

In Glasgow, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Glasgow has to offer.

In Le Mans, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Le Mans has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Le Mans?

Glasgow 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.

Le Mans 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 Le Mans?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glasgow. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Glasgow. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Le Mans. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Le Mans. 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 Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Le Mans or Glasgow?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, while the average daily cost in Le Mans is £71. 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 Le Mans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Glasgow £74
    Le Mans £32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Glasgow £148
    Le Mans £64
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Le Mans

Looking for a hotel in Glasgow or Le Mans? 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 Le Mans


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 Le Mans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Glasgow £27
    Le Mans £26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

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

  • From Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $834
  • Glasgow to Inverness Direct transfer: $781
  • Airport and Glasgow Centre Private Transfer to Oban: $312
  • Executive transfer Glasgow/Edinburgh: $275
  • Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $241
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Edinburgh: $213
  • Roundtrip Transfer Glasgow Airport(GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort: $207
  • Glasgow to Stirling Luxury Car Transfer: $203
  • Private 1-Way/Roundtrip Transfer to Glasgow Airport: $172
  • Glasgow Airport Transfers: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Car: $169
  • Glasgow Airport to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
  • Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145

Is it cheaper to fly into Glasgow or Le Mans?

Prices for flights to both Le Mans 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 £45
    Le Mans £23
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: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Glasgow £22
    Le Mans £13
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.

  • 1.5hr Glasgow Necropolis Tour: The City of the Dead: $144
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of Glasgow: $209
  • 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow: $260
  • 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour: $272
  • 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $284
  • Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
  • City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • Discover Glasgow's Finest - Private Walking Tour: $512
  • Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan - 2 Day Tour from Glasgow: $152
  • Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,124
  • From Glasgow, Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour: $1,031
  • From 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: $262

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Glasgow £15
    Le Mans £10
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: $23
  • Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
  • Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
  • Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
  • Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456


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

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


Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Le Mans?

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

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 Le Mans in the Summer?

Both Le Mans and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Le Mans because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Glasgow is cooler than Le Mans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Le Mans averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Le Mans. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Glasgow 15°C (59°F) 
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Le Mans in the Autumn?

Both Le Mans and Glasgow during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

In October, Glasgow is generally cooler than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Glasgow 10°C (49°F) 
    Le Mans 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Le Mans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Le Mans. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Le Mans for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Le Mans. It's quite cold in Glasgow in the winter. Glasgow is cooler than Le Mans in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Le Mans fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 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 Le Mans. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Glasgow 3°C (38°F) 
    Le Mans 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Le Mans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Le Mans. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Glasgow is cooler than Le Mans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Le Mans averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Le Mans. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Glasgow 7°C (45°F) 
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Glasgow

Glasgow Le Mans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)