A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Glasgow vs. Venice for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Glasgow or Venice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Venice, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Venice

Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Glasgow and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Venice?

Both Venice and Glasgow have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Glasgow is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Venice attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Venice is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Glasgow is famous for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.

How is Glasgow different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Glasgow. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

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

Both Glasgow and Venice 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Glasgow or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Glasgow or Venice Better for Music?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

The rich history of Venice can be explored in its historical center. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Many visitors go to Glasgow to see the historical old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Venice?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Venice specifically to go shopping. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Venice 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 Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Venice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Glasgow is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Is Glasgow or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Venice is a great destination for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Students come from all over to stay in Glasgow. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

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

Venice is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Venice has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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.

Is Glasgow or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Venice?

Both Glasgow and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Glasgow. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

Couples should spend more time in Venice than Glasgow. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice than Glasgow 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 Venice.

One day in Glasgow or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Glasgow. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Venice?

Glasgow is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Venice, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glasgow. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Glasgow or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural destination of Glasgow. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Venice?

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

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice 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 Venice because of the family-friendly experiences.

Glasgow is much colder than Venice in the summer. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Venice. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Venice during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Glasgow or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice 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 shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

In the autumn, Glasgow is cooler than Venice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Glasgow in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Venice averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Venice. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Venice. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Venice in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Venice. It's quite cold in Glasgow in the winter. In January, Glasgow is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 3°C (38°F), and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Venice during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 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 Venice. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Glasgow or Venice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Venice. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the spring for the natural beauty.

Glasgow is much colder than Venice in the spring. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Venice. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Venice. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Glasgow