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

Should you visit Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. 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 historic, high energy, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Kyoto and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Glasgow?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Glasgow than Kyoto. While Kyoto is larger than Glasgow, Glasgow has more sights and attractions for tourists. Glasgow is more popular for its nightlife and music, while Kyoto is known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Kyoto is more touristy than Glasgow and is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. 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 Kyoto different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kyoto 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, Kyoto has many famous sights for visitors. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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 Kyoto or Glasgow? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

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 Kyoto or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Glasgow is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kyoto or Glasgow Better for Music?

Glasgow is renowned for its live music scene. However, Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Is Kyoto or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto can be explored in its historical center. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

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 Kyoto or Glasgow?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto or Glasgow Better for Families?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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 Kyoto or Glasgow Better for Couples?

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

Kyoto has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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 Kyoto or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Kyoto or Glasgow Better for Students?

Kyoto and Glasgow are high quality places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Kyoto and Glasgow.

Public transit in Kyoto can get you to some places easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Is Kyoto or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly 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 Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is Glasgow Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Glasgow?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kyoto and Glasgow. In our opinion, Kyoto has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kyoto than Glasgow. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Kyoto or Glasgow?

In Kyoto, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city 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 live music and food that this historic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Kyoto or Glasgow?

In Kyoto, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kyoto has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glasgow. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kyoto or Glasgow?

Kyoto is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Glasgow. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Kyoto or Glasgow?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kyoto. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Glasgow. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, 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 Kyoto and Glasgow, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto is in Asia and Glasgow is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Glasgow?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Glasgow in the Summer?

Both Glasgow and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kyoto is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kyoto in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Glasgow averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Glasgow. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Glasgow in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Glasgow. The autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kyoto usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Glasgow in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Glasgow. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Additionally, 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 Kyoto in the winter. Kyoto is a little warmer than Glasgow in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than Glasgow. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Glasgow in the Spring?

Both Glasgow and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Glasgow in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Kyoto is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Glasgow averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Glasgow. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Kyoto