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

Should you visit Helsinki or Glasgow?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Glasgow can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a active, nature-focused, and coastal city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a cultural, historic, and high energy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Helsinki and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Glasgow?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glasgow. Although Helsinki and Glasgow are about the same size, Glasgow has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Glasgow is more popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Helsinki is known for its shopping and impressive beauty. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Glasgow is popular 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.

How is Helsinki different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Helsinki and Glasgow.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Helsinki and Glasgow both to be good destinations.

Helsinki has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Glasgow area. 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 Helsinki or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Helsinki or Glasgow Better for Music?

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

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is Helsinki or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a city with good options for its old town. However, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Glasgow?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

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 Helsinki or Glasgow Better for Families?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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 Helsinki or Glasgow Better for Couples?

Helsinki is great for couples. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Helsinki is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

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 Helsinki or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Glasgow are both good destinations for backpackers.

Helsinki is a good city to visit for backpackers. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

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.

Is Helsinki or Glasgow Better for Students?

Both Helsinki and Glasgow are high quality destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

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.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Helsinki and Glasgow.

The public transit in Helsinki can get you around easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

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.

Is Helsinki or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Glasgow is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Glasgow?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Helsinki and Glasgow. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Helsinki than in Glasgow. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glasgow.

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

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

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

In Helsinki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Glasgow offers museums and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Glasgow?

In Helsinki, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Helsinki has to offer.

Glasgow is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Glasgow, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Glasgow?

Helsinki 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.

Glasgow is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Glasgow?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Helsinki. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Glasgow is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Glasgow?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Glasgow, 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 Helsinki or Glasgow?

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 Helsinki or Glasgow in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Glasgow. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Helsinki is a little warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Glasgow averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Glasgow in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Glasgow. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Glasgow. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Glasgow in the Winter?

Both Glasgow and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Glasgow. It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. Helsinki is much colder than Glasgow in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Glasgow during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Glasgow in the Spring?

Both Glasgow and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Glasgow in the spring for the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Glasgow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Glasgow averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Glasgow. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Helsinki