A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Isle of Skye vs. Glasgow for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Glasgow?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Glasgow. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a picturesque, stunning, and diverse island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a cultural, historic, and high energy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Isle of Skye and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Glasgow?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Glasgow than Isle of Skye, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Glasgow is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Isle of Skye is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Glasgow is well known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. Also, Glasgow is famous for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

How is Isle of Skye different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Glasgow?

Glasgow is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Glasgow? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

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 Isle of Skye or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is terrific for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Glasgow Better for Music?

Glasgow is terrific for live music. However, Isle of Skye is not a live music destination.

Glasgow is known as a music capital 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.

Isle of Skye is not a live music destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Glasgow Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is great for the beach. However, Glasgow is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Isle of Skye. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Glasgow is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Glasgow is a good destination for visiting its old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Glasgow Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Isle of Skye draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Glasgow?

Glasgow is a good destination for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Glasgow. 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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Glasgow Better for Families?

Both Isle of Skye and Glasgow are notable family-friendly destinations.

Isle of Skye is a family-friendly island. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Glasgow. 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 Isle of Skye or Glasgow Better for Couples?

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

Isle of Skye is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

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 Isle of Skye or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

Glasgow is a good island 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 Isle of Skye or Glasgow Better for Students?

Glasgow is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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.

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

Glasgow is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Glasgow is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Glasgow Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Glasgow?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isle of Skye and Glasgow. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Isle of Skye than in Glasgow. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glasgow.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Glasgow than Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Glasgow?

In Isle of Skye, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Glasgow, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Glasgow?

In Isle of Skye, you'll find 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Isle of Skye has to offer.

Glasgow is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Glasgow?

Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the high energy destination of Glasgow. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isle of Skye or Glasgow?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Isle of Skye. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Glasgow is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 3-Day Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Glasgow?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Glasgow in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Glasgow. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 13°C (55°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Glasgow during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Glasgow in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Glasgow. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Isle of Skye is around the same temperature as Glasgow in the autumn. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. Isle of Skye receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Isle of Skye usually gets less rain in October than Glasgow. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Glasgow in the Winter?

Both Glasgow and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.

It's quite cold in Glasgow in the winter. The weather in Isle of Skye can be very cold. In the winter, Isle of Skye is a little warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the winter temperatures in Isle of Skye in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Glasgow averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Glasgow during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 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. It's quite rainy in Isle of Skye. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Glasgow in the Spring?

Both Glasgow and Isle of Skye during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Glasgow for the activities around the city.

In April, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 7°C (44°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets less rain in April than Glasgow. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Isle of Skye