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

Should you visit Glasgow or Reykjavik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Reykjavik, 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Glasgow and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Glasgow than Reykjavik. Glasgow is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Glasgow is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. 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 Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Glasgow can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Glasgow is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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 Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Glasgow or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Glasgow or Reykjavik Better for Music?

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Glasgow or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Reykjavik?

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

Reykjavik is a great destination for shopping. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Glasgow or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Reykjavik. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Reykjavik is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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 Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Glasgow or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Glasgow is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Glasgow is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Glasgow or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Glasgow and Reykjavik are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Reykjavik is very walkable. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Reykjavik?

In either Glasgow or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Glasgow because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

Couples should spend more time in Glasgow than Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Glasgow. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find live music and food around the cultural destination of Glasgow. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Reykjavik has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the high energy city of Glasgow. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Glasgow or Reykjavik?

Glasgow is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Reykjavik?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Reykjavik. The summer months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

In the summer, Glasgow is a little warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Glasgow usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Glasgow or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Reykjavik. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In October, Glasgow is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Reykjavik. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Glasgow. Glasgow is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Glasgow usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In January, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Glasgow or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Glasgow during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Glasgow is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Glasgow often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Glasgow