A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Loch Lomond National Park vs. Glasgow for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Loch Lomond National Park 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 Loch Lomond National Park 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.

Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is a serene, peaceful, and relaxing national park. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a high energy, friendly, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Loch Lomond National Park and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glasgow. Although Loch Lomond National Park and Glasgow are popular destinations, Glasgow has more sights and attractions for tourists. Glasgow is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Loch Lomond National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Glasgow is more touristy than Loch Lomond National Park and is known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also well known for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Loch Lomond National Park is famous for becoming the first designated national park in Scotland in 2002.

How is Loch Lomond National Park different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow?

Loch Lomond National Park
Glasgow

Glasgow is a great city for its historical sights. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Loch Lomond National Park
Glasgow

Glasgow is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Glasgow is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Loch Lomond National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find some traditional Scottish food to sample but in general for the best food, head to one of the nicer hotels in the area.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Loch Lomond National Park
Glasgow

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow Better for Music?

Loch Lomond National Park
Glasgow

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a live music destination.

Glasgow has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Loch Lomond National Park
Glasgow

Glasgow is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have a historic old town.

Glasgow has an old town worth visiting. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow Better for Hiking?

Loch Lomond National Park
Glasgow

Loch Lomond National Park is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Loch Lomond National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. You can choose from relaxing walks or more strenuous hikes and options run along the shoreline or into the surrounding hills and forests. Some of the more popular hikes in the area include Ben Lomond, Conic Hill, and Callander Crags.

Glasgow is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow?

Loch Lomond National Park
Glasgow

Glasgow is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Glasgow has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow Better for Families?

Loch Lomond National Park
Glasgow

Loch Lomond National Park 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 Loch Lomond National Park. You'll find a wide range of diverse activities for kids around the park. They can explore the maze at the Lodge Forest Visitor Center, get up close with animals at Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, or Loch Lomond Pony Trekking, or have an adventure at Doune Castle. Other highlights for the kids include Wellsfield Farm and the Maid of the Loch Paddle Steamer.

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 Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow Better for Couples?

Loch Lomond National Park
Glasgow

Loch Lomond National Park is great for couples. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Loch Lomond National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. There are many waterfront accommodation options that make for a beautiful and peaceful couples retreat. The nature and serenity is perfect for couples who want to get away from it all.

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 Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Loch Lomond National Park
Glasgow

For backpackers, both Loch Lomond National Park and Glasgow are nice places to visit.

Loch Lomond National Park is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are some camping options available for backpackers and those who want to experience nature in its fullest.

Plenty of backpackers visit Glasgow. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.


Is Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow Better for Students?

Loch Lomond National Park
Glasgow

Glasgow is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not popular with students.

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.

Loch Lomond National Park is not popular with students.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Loch Lomond National Park
Glasgow

Glasgow is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its public transit.

Glasgow offers a very effecient public transportation network. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Loch Lomond National Park. You can reach the park by train, but transportation option within the area are generally limited.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Loch Lomond National Park
Glasgow

Glasgow is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.


For even more information, also check out Is Loch Lomond National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Glasgow Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Loch Lomond National Park?

How long in Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Loch Lomond National Park and Glasgow. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Loch Lomond National Park than in Glasgow. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Loch Lomond National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glasgow.

Couples should spend more time in Glasgow than Loch Lomond National Park. 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 Loch Lomond National Park 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 Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow? Ideal Length of Stay
    Loch Lomond National Park 2-4 
    Glasgow 2-3

One day in Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow?

In Loch Lomond National Park, you'll find . This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the high energy city of Glasgow. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow?

In Loch Lomond National Park, you'll find . 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 Loch Lomond National Park has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Glasgow. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow?

Loch Lomond National Park 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.

Glasgow is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.


A week in Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Loch Lomond National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Loch Lomond National Park. 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 plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Glasgow or Loch Lomond National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Loch Lomond National Park is £61, while the average daily cost in Glasgow is £144. 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 Loch Lomond National Park and Glasgow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Loch Lomond National Park £31
    Glasgow £74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Loch Lomond National Park £62
    Glasgow £148
Compare Hotels in Loch Lomond National Park and Glasgow

Looking for a hotel in Loch Lomond National Park 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 Loch Lomond National Park


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: Glasgow Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Loch Lomond National Park £20
    Glasgow £27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

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

  • From Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $834
  • Glasgow to Inverness Direct transfer: $781
  • Airport and Glasgow Centre Private Transfer to Oban: $312
  • Executive transfer Glasgow/Edinburgh: $275
  • Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $241
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Edinburgh: $213
  • Roundtrip Transfer Glasgow Airport(GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort: $207
  • Glasgow to Stirling Luxury Car Transfer: $203
  • Private 1-Way/Roundtrip Transfer to Glasgow Airport: $172
  • Glasgow Airport Transfers: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Car: $169
  • Glasgow Airport to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
  • Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145

Is it cheaper to fly into Loch Lomond National Park or Glasgow?

Prices for flights to both Glasgow and Loch Lomond National Park 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
    Loch Lomond National Park £15
    Glasgow £45

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:

  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Loch Lomond National Park £16
    Glasgow £22

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.

  • 1.5hr Glasgow Necropolis Tour: The City of the Dead: $144
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of Glasgow: $209
  • 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow: $260
  • 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour: $272
  • 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $284
  • Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
  • City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • Discover Glasgow's Finest - Private Walking Tour: $512
  • Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan - 2 Day Tour from Glasgow: $152
  • Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,124
  • From Glasgow, Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour: $1,031
  • From 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: $262

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Loch Lomond National Park £3.93
    Glasgow £15

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: $23
  • Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
  • Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
  • Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
  • Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456


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

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