A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hong Kong vs. Glasgow for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hong Kong or Glasgow?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hong Kong or Glasgow, 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.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a diverse , compact, and dense city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Hong Kong and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Hong Kong or Glasgow?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hong Kong than Glasgow, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hong Kong is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Glasgow is known for its nightlife, music, and historical sights. Hong Kong is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its modern skyscrapers, colorful waterfront, lush parks, and amazing dim sum. It is also home to Victoria Peak. Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.

How is Hong Kong different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hong Kong or Glasgow?

Hong Kong
Glasgow

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hong Kong can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.

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 Hong Kong or Glasgow? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hong Kong
Glasgow

Hong Kong is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Hong Kong is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

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 Hong Kong or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Hong Kong
Glasgow

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Glasgow is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Hong Kong is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening with everything from night markets to concerts and parties. There's a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary activities, particularly around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are full of energy.

Is Hong Kong or Glasgow Better for Music?

Hong Kong
Glasgow

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong is not a live music destination.


Is Hong Kong or Glasgow Better for Beaches?

Hong Kong
Glasgow

Hong Kong is great for the beach. However, Glasgow is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hong Kong. You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option. Hong Kong's natural coastline give way to popular beaches including Repulse Bay Beach and Shek O Beach. Each offers a number of amenities and dining options.

Glasgow is not a beach destination.

Is Hong Kong or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Hong Kong
Glasgow

Glasgow is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong does not have a historic old town.

Is Hong Kong or Glasgow Better for Hiking?

Hong Kong
Glasgow

Hong Kong is great for hiking. However, Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hong Kong for the hiking trails. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. The hikes will offer impressive views and dramatic rock formations. Popular hikes in the area include The Peak, Dragon's Back, and the Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike.

Glasgow is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hong Kong or Glasgow?

Hong Kong
Glasgow

Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong specifically to go shopping. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

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 Hong Kong or Glasgow Better for Families?

Hong Kong
Glasgow

Hong Kong is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Hong Kong is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.

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 Hong Kong or Glasgow Better for Couples?

Hong Kong
Glasgow

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

Hong Kong has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

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 Hong Kong or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hong Kong
Glasgow

Hong Kong and Glasgow are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hong Kong. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

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 Hong Kong or Glasgow Better for Students?

Hong Kong
Glasgow

Glasgow is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hong Kong is not popular with students.

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.

Hong Kong is not popular with students.

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

Hong Kong
Glasgow

Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of the city.

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 Hong Kong or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Hong Kong
Glasgow

Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Hong Kong?

How long in Hong Kong or Glasgow?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hong Kong and Glasgow. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hong Kong than in Glasgow. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Hong Kong, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glasgow.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong.


  • How many days in Hong Kong or Glasgow? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hong Kong 3-7 
    Glasgow 2-3

One day in Hong Kong or Glasgow?

Because Hong Kong is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Glasgow. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hong Kong or Glasgow?

Because Hong Kong 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find live music and food around the cultural destination of Glasgow. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Hong Kong or Glasgow?

Hong Kong is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hong Kong has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the high energy city of Glasgow. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Hong Kong or Glasgow?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hong Kong. Because Hong Kong is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Glasgow is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Glasgow or Hong Kong?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hong Kong is $160, while the average daily cost in Glasgow is $181. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hong Kong and Glasgow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hong Kong $75
    Glasgow $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hong Kong $150
    Glasgow $186
Compare Hotels in Hong Kong and Glasgow

Looking for a hotel in Hong Kong or Glasgow? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hong Kong


Hotels in Glasgow


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hong Kong Hotel Prices and Glasgow Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hong Kong $8.73
    Glasgow $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:


  • MTR (for 2)
    $2.82
  • Local Bus
    $2.82
  • Ferry Ticket
    $0.26
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip Transfer Glasgow Airport(GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort: $208
  • Private Transfer from Glasgow City Hotels to Greenock Cruise Port: $85
  • Private One Way Transfer Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh City Centre: $222
  • Private Airport Transfer from and to Glasgow : $120
  • Private 1-Way/Roundtrip Transfer to Glasgow Airport: $173
  • Easy Bus Transfer Between Airport and City Center: $13
  • Arrivals Airport Transfer to City Accommodations: $55
  • Glasgow to Stirling Luxury Car Transfer: $203
  • Glasgow to Inverness Direct transfer: $784
  • Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $242
  • Glasgow hotels to Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Glasgow Private Transfer from Glasgow city centre to Glasgow (GLA) Airport: $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Hong Kong or Glasgow?

Prices for flights to both Glasgow and Hong Kong change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hong Kong $33
    Glasgow $56
Typical Food Prices in Hong Kong

For Hong Kong, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner for 2
    $12

Typical Food Prices in Glasgow

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:


  • Dessert at Farmer's Market
    $2.26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hong Kong $95
    Glasgow $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hong Kong's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Peak Tram
    $7.68
  • Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
    $24

Tours and Activities in Hong Kong

For Hong Kong, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Ma On Shan Climbing Adventure: $115
  • Plover Cove Bicycling and Hiking Adventure: $110

Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)
    $15
  • Two Bike Rental
    $43

Tours and Activities in Glasgow

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.

  • 1.5hr Glasgow Necropolis Tour: The City of the Dead: $68
  • 2 Hour Football Walking Tour in Glasgow : $25
  • 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow: $261
  • 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour: $273
  • 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $285
  • Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
  • City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • Discover Glasgow's Finest - Private Walking Tour: $516
  • Discover Glasgow's Imperial Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,129
  • From Glasgow, Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour: $1,035
  • From 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: $263

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hong Kong $21
    Glasgow $19

Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $15
  • Ciders at Kilted Skirlie
    $4.39

Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:

  • Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
  • Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
  • Secrets & Summer Serves at Glengoyne Distillery: $25
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $44
  • Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $75
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $125
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $187
  • Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $188
  • Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $459


When comparing the travel costs between Hong Kong and Glasgow, we can see that Glasgow 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 Hong Kong is in Asia and Glasgow is in Europe, 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 Hong Kong Expensive? and Is Glasgow Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hong Kong or Glasgow?

Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Hong Kong 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.