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

Should you visit Glasgow or Rotterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Rotterdam, 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.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a high energy, modern, and trendy port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Rotterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glasgow. Although Glasgow and Rotterdam are about the same size, Glasgow has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Glasgow is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and historical sights, while Rotterdam attracts visitors for its shopping and big city activities. Glasgow is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known 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. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Glasgow different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Glasgow is great for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

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.

Rotterdam is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

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

Both Glasgow and Rotterdam offer a number of nice 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.

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Glasgow or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

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

Rotterdam has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

Is Glasgow or Rotterdam Better for Music?

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Glasgow has an old town worth visiting. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is great for its shopping areas. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Rotterdam. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

Glasgow is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Glasgow or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

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 Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Glasgow and Rotterdam are both nice 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.

Rotterdam is a nice destination for couples. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Glasgow or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Rotterdam are nice 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.

Rotterdam is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Glasgow or Rotterdam Better for Students?

For students, both Glasgow and Rotterdam are great places to visit.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

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

Glasgow and Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Is Glasgow or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Glasgow and Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is very walkable. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Rotterdam?

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

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

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

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.

Because Rotterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port 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 Rotterdam?

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.

Because Rotterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Rotterdam has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Rotterdam?

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.

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotterdam. 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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When comparing the travel costs between Glasgow and Rotterdam, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Rotterdam?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam in the Summer?

Both Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Glasgow is cooler than Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Glasgow or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

Both Rotterdam 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. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Glasgow is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Glasgow in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Rotterdam. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Rotterdam in the Winter?

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

The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. Glasgow can be very cold during winter. In January, Glasgow is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 3°C (38°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 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 Rotterdam. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Glasgow or Rotterdam in the Spring?

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

Glasgow is around the same temperature as Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Glasgow