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

Should you visit Glasgow or Seattle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Seattle, 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 friendly, cultural, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Glasgow and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle. Although Glasgow and Seattle are popular destinations, Seattle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seattle is very popular for its theatre productions, food, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Glasgow attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, and historical sights. Seattle is more touristy than Glasgow and is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle. Glasgow is famous for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.

How is Glasgow different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Seattle and Glasgow.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Glasgow or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Glasgow is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Glasgow is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Seattle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Glasgow or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Glasgow is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Seattle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Glasgow or Seattle Better for Music?

Glasgow is renowned for its music scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for live music.

In Glasgow you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Seattle has diverse options. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is Glasgow or Seattle Better for Beaches?

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

Seattle has a beach worth visiting. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Glasgow is not a beach destination.

Is Glasgow or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Glasgow offers a nice historic old town area. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Glasgow or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is great for hiking. However, Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Seattle for the hiking trails. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Seattle?

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

Seattle is a great destination for shopping. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Glasgow or Seattle Better for Families?

Glasgow and Seattle are both nice 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly place to visit. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Glasgow or Seattle Better for Couples?

Glasgow and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Glasgow or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Glasgow or Seattle Better for Students?

For students, both Glasgow and Seattle are superb 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 Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Glasgow is notable for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Glasgow offers a very effecient public transportation network. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Glasgow or Seattle a more walkable city?

Glasgow and Seattle 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.

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Glasgow and Seattle. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Glasgow than Seattle 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 Seattle?

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.

Because Seattle is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Glasgow or Seattle?

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.

Because Seattle 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seattle has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Seattle. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Glasgow and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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. Even though Glasgow is in Europe and Seattle is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Seattle?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Glasgow during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

Glasgow is cooler than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Seattle. 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 Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Glasgow is cooler than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Glasgow in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Seattle. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Seattle. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Glasgow. In January, Glasgow is generally much colder than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 3°C (38°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Seattle. Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Seattle. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Glasgow is cooler than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Seattle. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Glasgow