A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Inverness vs. Glasgow for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Inverness or Glasgow?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Inverness and Glasgow can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Inverness travel costs.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a friendly, cultural, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Glasgow travel costs.

Inverness and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Inverness or Glasgow?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glasgow. Although Inverness and Glasgow are both popular with visitors, Glasgow has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Glasgow is more popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Inverness is known for its food, shopping, and small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Glasgow and is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. 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 Inverness different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Glasgow

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Inverness and Glasgow.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

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.


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

Inverness
Glasgow

Inverness 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.

Inverness has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

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 Inverness or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Glasgow

Glasgow is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Glasgow is a must-see party destination. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Inverness or Glasgow Better for Music?

Inverness
Glasgow

Glasgow is terrific for its live music scene. However, Inverness is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Inverness is not a live music destination.


Is Inverness or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Glasgow

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

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

Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Glasgow?

Inverness
Glasgow

Inverness 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 Inverness. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

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 Inverness or Glasgow Better for Families?

Inverness
Glasgow

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Glasgow.

Inverness is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Glasgow is a family-friendly city. 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 Inverness or Glasgow Better for Couples?

Inverness
Glasgow

Both Inverness and Glasgow are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Inverness makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

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.

Is Inverness or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Glasgow

Glasgow is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Glasgow is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Inverness or Glasgow Better for Students?

Inverness
Glasgow

Glasgow is a well-known place for students. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not popular with students.


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

Inverness
Glasgow

Glasgow is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Glasgow has some very good public transit options. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Inverness or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Inverness
Glasgow

Inverness and Glasgow both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Glasgow?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Inverness and Glasgow. In our opinion, Glasgow has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Glasgow than Inverness. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Inverness, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glasgow.

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

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


  • How many days in Inverness or Glasgow? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Glasgow 2-3

One day in Inverness or Glasgow?

In Inverness, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Inverness or Glasgow?

In Inverness, 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 Inverness has to offer.

You'll find live music and food around the historic 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 Inverness or Glasgow?

Inverness 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.

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 Inverness or Glasgow?

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

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Glasgow or Inverness?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Inverness Prices
    UK Prices
    Glasgow Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Inverness £204
    Glasgow £177

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £204, while the average daily cost in Glasgow is £177. 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 Inverness and Glasgow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Glasgow £74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Glasgow £148
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Glasgow

Looking for a hotel in Inverness 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 Inverness


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Glasgow Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Glasgow £27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Transfers from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $159

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

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

  • Easy Bus Transfer Between Airport and City Center: $15
  • Private Glasgow Transfer from Accommodation to Glasgow Airport: $29
  • Glasgow Prestwick Airport PIK to Glasgow-Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) to Glasgow hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Arrivals Airport Transfer to City Accommodations: $80
  • Glasgow Accommodation to Glasgow Airport (GLA) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
  • Private Airport Transfer XL (To/From City Centre): $106
  • Glasgow Airport Transfers: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Business Car: $107
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Business Car: $108
  • Private Transfer - Glasgow Airport (GLA) to Newhaven Cruise Port: $115
  • Glasgow city to Glasgow Airport -Luxury Transfer Chauffeured : $117
  • Glasgow Airport Transfer: $121

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Glasgow?

Prices for flights to both Glasgow and Inverness 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
    Inverness £85
    Glasgow £78

Typical Food Prices in Glasgow

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


  • Dessert at Farmer's Market
    £1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow

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

  • Walking Food Tour with Drinks: $121
  • Guided Secret Food Tour: $129
  • Glasgow West End Food Tour: 7 Tastings, Scotch & Local Stories: $130
  • Merchant City Food Tour (city centre): $143
  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour: Explore Merchant City: $144
  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $149

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Glasgow £22

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • 1 Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour: $98
  • 1 Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $112
  • 1 Day Tour from Inverness - Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools, and Eilean Donan Castle : $135
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $117
  • Balmoral Castle Tour From Inverness: $262
  • Cairngorms & Whisky Day Tour from Inverness Including Admission: $89
  • Castles, Skye & The Fairy Pools 1-Day Tour from Inverness: $110
  • Cathedral Entry Ticket: $11
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $177
  • Clan Tour - OUTLANDER series and Loch Ness: $185
  • Clan Tour of Northern Whisky Distilleries : $184
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $942

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)
    £12
  • Two Bike Rental
    £34

Tours and Activities in Glasgow

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

  • Glasgow Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.00
  • Entry Ticket to the Tall Ship Glenlee: $6.06
  • Glasgow Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.44
  • Romantic Date Quest Experience in Glasgow: $7.20
  • Haunted Quest Experience: $8.80
  • Glasgow Private Self-Guided Tour: $12
  • Gander Walking Tour: $16
  • City Center Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Glasgow City Centre Daily Walking Tour: 10:30am, 2pm & 5pm: $16
  • Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $19
  • Glasgow Street Art Daily Walking Tour: 2pm: $19
  • Scottish Football Museum and Hampden Park Stadium Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Glasgow £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery Tour & Tasting: $44
  • Invergordon Shore Excursion Loch Ness, Distillery and Castles: $95
  • Legendary Glenmorangie Distillery Visit: $177
  • INVERGORDON PORT Tour Dunrobin, Dornoch & Distillery : $178
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery & Fairytale Dunrobin Castle: $232
  • Dunrobin Castle and Distillery Tour: $270

Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    £12
  • Ciders at Kilted Skirlie
    £3.50

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: $26
  • Jackton Distillery: Tour & Tasting: $46
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $51
  • Scottish Rogue Whisky Pub Crawl: $83
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $88
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $89
  • Irish Legacy and St Mungo's Brewery Tour: $106
  • Scottish Rogue Distillery Experience with Tasting: $122
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $148
  • Group Tour on Ebike and Local Distillery!: $175
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $225


When comparing the travel costs between Inverness and Glasgow, we can see that Inverness 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Glasgow?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness or Glasgow?

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 Inverness or Glasgow in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Glasgow. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Inverness is around the same temperature as Glasgow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Inverness in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Glasgow averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Glasgow. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in July than Glasgow. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Glasgow 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Glasgow in the Autumn?

Both Glasgow and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Glasgow in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Inverness is generally around the same temperature as Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 9°C (49°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Inverness usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during autumn. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. In October, Inverness usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Glasgow 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Glasgow in the Winter?

Both Glasgow and Inverness during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Inverness in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Glasgow can be very cold during winter. Inverness can get quite cold in the winter. Inverness is around the same temperature as Glasgow in the winter. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Inverness often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Glasgow. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Inverness usually gets less rain in January than Glasgow. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Glasgow 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Glasgow in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Glasgow. Most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Inverness is around the same temperature as Glasgow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Inverness in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Glasgow averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Inverness usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Glasgow during spring. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Inverness usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Glasgow 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Inverness

Inverness Glasgow
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)