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

Should you visit Istanbul or Glasgow?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul 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.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a high-energy, historic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Istanbul and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Glasgow?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Glasgow. Istanbul is bigger than Glasgow, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Glasgow is more popular for its nightlife and music. Istanbul is more touristy than Glasgow and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Glasgow is well known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.

How is Istanbul different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Istanbul has many famous sights for visitors. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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 Istanbul or Glasgow? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Istanbul 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, Istanbul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

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 Istanbul or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Glasgow has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Istanbul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

Is Istanbul or Glasgow Better for Music?

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Istanbul 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.

Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Is Istanbul or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

The rich history of Istanbul can be explored in its historical center. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Glasgow?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

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 Istanbul or Glasgow Better for Families?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

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 Istanbul or Glasgow Better for Couples?

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

Istanbul is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

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 Istanbul or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Istanbul, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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 Istanbul or Glasgow Better for Students?

Istanbul and Glasgow are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Students come from all over to stay in Glasgow. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

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

Istanbul 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.

Istanbul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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 Istanbul or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Glasgow both are superb when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Glasgow?

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

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

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

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

One day in Istanbul or Glasgow?

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Istanbul or Glasgow?

Because Istanbul 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Istanbul or Glasgow?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Istanbul has to offer. 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 Istanbul or Glasgow?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, 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 Istanbul and Glasgow, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Glasgow?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Glasgow in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Glasgow. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.

In July, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Glasgow. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Glasgow in the Autumn?

Both Glasgow and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Istanbul is much warmer than Glasgow in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 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, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Glasgow in the Winter?

Both Glasgow and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Glasgow in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Glasgow can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Istanbul is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Glasgow averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Istanbul gets 75 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. Istanbul usually gets less rain in January than Glasgow. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Glasgow in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Glasgow. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Glasgow for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Istanbul