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

Should you visit Glasgow or Saint-Etienne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Saint-Etienne, 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Glasgow and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glasgow than Saint-Etienne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Glasgow is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Glasgow is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known 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. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Glasgow different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Glasgow is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Glasgow or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Glasgow is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Glasgow has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Glasgow or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Glasgow or Saint-Etienne Better for Music?

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Saint-Etienne is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a good destination for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Glasgow. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Glasgow or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne has hiking trails worth exploring. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Saint-Etienne?

Glasgow is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Glasgow or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Glasgow and Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Glasgow or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Glasgow is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Glasgow makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Glasgow or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Glasgow or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Glasgow is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Glasgow is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Glasgow can get you to some places easily. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Glasgow or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Glasgow is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Glasgow Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Glasgow or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Glasgow than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Glasgow than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Glasgow. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find nightlife and museums. 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glasgow. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the friendly destination of Glasgow. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Glasgow. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Saint-Etienne?

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

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Glasgow is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 15°C (59°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Etienne. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Glasgow or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Glasgow is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

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

The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. Glasgow can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Glasgow is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Glasgow in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 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 Saint-Etienne. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Glasgow or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

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

In April, Glasgow is generally much colder than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 7°C (45°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Glasgow