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

Should you visit Glasgow or Zermatt?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Zermatt, 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a iconic, breathtaking, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Glasgow and Zermatt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Zermatt?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Glasgow, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Glasgow is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities. Zermatt is more touristy than Glasgow and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Glasgow is well known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.

The Matterhorn

How is Glasgow different from Zermatt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zermatt and Glasgow. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Glasgow or Zermatt Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is a must-visit destination for skiing. However, Glasgow is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Zermatt is among the best in the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Glasgow is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Glasgow or Zermatt?

Glasgow is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Glasgow specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

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

Zermatt 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.

Zermatt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

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 Zermatt Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is very popular for nightlife. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Glasgow is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Zermatt has a large number of nightlife venues. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

Is Glasgow or Zermatt Better for Music?

Glasgow is very popular for live music. However, Zermatt is not a live music destination.

Glasgow is a world class music destination. 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.

Zermatt is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Zermatt Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is great for its luxury resorts. However, Glasgow is not a resort destination.

Zermatt is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Glasgow is not a resort destination.

Is Glasgow or Zermatt Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is very good for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

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.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Glasgow or Zermatt Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Zermatt draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Zermatt?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

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 Zermatt Better for Families?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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 Zermatt Better for Couples?

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

Zermatt has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

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 Zermatt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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 Zermatt Better for Students?

Glasgow is a well-known place for students. However, Zermatt is not popular with students.

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

Zermatt is not popular with students.

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

Glasgow is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Zermatt has some public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Is Glasgow or Zermatt a more walkable city?

Zermatt 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.

Zermatt is a very easy town to get around on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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 Zermatt Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zermatt or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Zermatt?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zermatt 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 Zermatt.

One day in Glasgow or Zermatt?

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.

In Zermatt, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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 Zermatt?

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.

In Zermatt, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Zermatt has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Zermatt?

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.

Zermatt is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zermatt has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Glasgow or Zermatt?

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 Zermatt. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Zermatt. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Zermatt?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Zermatt, 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 Zermatt?

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 Zermatt in the Summer?

Both Zermatt and Glasgow during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Glasgow is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Zermatt averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Zermatt, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Zermatt. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 250 hours of full sun.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Glasgow usually gets less rain in July than Zermatt. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Zermatt in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Zermatt. The autumn months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.

In October, Glasgow is generally much colder than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Zermatt during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Zermatt. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Zermatt in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Zermatt. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zermatt for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zermatt. It's quite cold in Glasgow in the winter. Glasgow is cooler than Zermatt in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Zermatt fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Zermatt. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 119 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Zermatt. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Zermatt in the Spring?

Both Zermatt and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Zermatt in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Glasgow is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Zermatt averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Zermatt during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. In April, Glasgow usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zermatt and Glasgow