A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom London vs. Glencoe for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit London or Glencoe?

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 London and Glencoe can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a global, international, and historic 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. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a picturesque, natural, and serene village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

London and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Big Ben
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in London or Glencoe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London. Although London and Glencoe are popular destinations, London has more sights and attractions for tourists. London is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Glencoe attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. London is more touristy than Glencoe and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben. Glencoe is famous for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

Big Ben
Big Ben

How is London different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in London or Glencoe?

London
Glencoe

London is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put London on the map. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.


Is London or Glencoe Better for Theater?

London
Glencoe

London is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Glencoe is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in London that are not to be missed. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Glencoe is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in London or Glencoe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

London
Glencoe

London is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in London is an experience not to be missed. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is London or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

London
Glencoe

London is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

The nightlife in London is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.


Is London or Glencoe Better for Music?

London
Glencoe

London is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Glencoe is not a live music destination.

In London you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Glencoe is not a live music destination.

Is London or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

London
Glencoe

Glencoe is a great village for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Glencoe for the hiking trails. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Glencoe?

London
Glencoe

London is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

London is a world class destination for shoppers. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is London or Glencoe Better for Christmas?

London
Glencoe

London is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Glencoe does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, London is not to be missed. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Glencoe does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Glencoe Better for Christmas Markets?

London
Glencoe

London is an unbeatable place for its Christmas markets. However, Glencoe does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in London. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Glencoe does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Glencoe Better for Families?

London
Glencoe

London is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

London is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

Glencoe is a very family-friendly destination. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.


Is London or Glencoe Better for Couples?

London
Glencoe

London is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

London is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

Glencoe is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is London or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London
Glencoe

London is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

London is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

Is London or Glencoe Better for Students?

London
Glencoe

London is an unbeatable place for students. However, Glencoe is not popular with students.

London is a very popular city for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Glencoe is not popular with students.


Is London or Glencoe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

London
Glencoe

London is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in London can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is London or Glencoe a more walkable city?

London
Glencoe

London is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around London on foot is easy. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable city. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is London Worth Visiting? and Is Glencoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or London?

How long in London or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both London and Glencoe. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in London than in Glencoe. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 1-3 days is enough time in Glencoe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Glencoe 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 London.


  • How many days in London or Glencoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    London 3-7 
    Glencoe 1-3

One day in London or Glencoe?

Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Glencoe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in London or Glencoe?

Because London 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Glencoe is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in London or Glencoe?

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that London has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glencoe. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in London or Glencoe?

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

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the beautiful destination of Glencoe. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Glencoe or London?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in London is £190, while the average daily cost in Glencoe is £117. 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 London and Glencoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    London £123
    Glencoe £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    London £246
    Glencoe £118
Compare Hotels in London and Glencoe

Looking for a hotel in London or Glencoe? 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 London


Hotels in Glencoe


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: London Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    London £26
    Glencoe £37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:


  • Taxi Ride
    £15
  • Heathrow Express
    £18
  • Luggage Storage
    £8.00
  • London Map
    £1.29
  • Oyster Card
    £36
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    £22
  • Oyster Card
    £27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

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

  • "Private Group Transfer: Heathrow Airport to City of London": $172
  • "Private Transfer: Heathrow Airport to Central London Hotel": $70
  • "Private Transfer: Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port": $146
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Bath".: $162
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Bournemouth".: $152
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Cambridge.": $106
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Crawley.": $94
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Dorking.": $82
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Dorking.": $81
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Guildford.": $77
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Harlow".: $99
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Slough": $55

Is it cheaper to fly into London or Glencoe?

Prices for flights to both Glencoe and London 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
    London £34
    Glencoe £33
Typical Food Prices in London

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


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    £13
  • Tea
    £6.00
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    £39
  • Morning Tea
    £6.35
  • Pastry
    £5.00
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    £18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

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

  • Borough Market Food Tour - Self Guided: $6.47
  • Dinner and Live DJ at A Fancy Restaurant: $16
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $34
  • Picadilly Circus: Hard Rock Cafe Set Menu Lunch or Dinner: $36
  • Tea and Doughnuts: Borough Market Walking Food Tour: $44
  • Pizza Making Cookery Class: $52
  • Borough Bites, The London Food Tour: $66
  • Borough Market Flavors of London Food Tour: $66
  • No Diet Club - Best food Tour in East London: $67
  • African & Caribbean Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Brixton: $74
  • Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $87
  • Ultimate London Food Tour: Borough Market & Southwark: $89

Typical Food Prices in Glencoe

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Glencoe:


  • Lunch for 2
    £46
  • Lunch for 2
    £23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    London £33
    Glencoe £29
Typical Entertainment Prices in London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    £83
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    £34
  • London Pass
    £47
  • Comedy Show
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in London

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

  • London's Hidden Gems Self Guided City Tour: $3.26
  • London Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $3.27
  • Harry Potter Movie Locations Self Walking Tour: $3.74
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in London: $5.44
  • Bloomsbury's Contribution to Health Care History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.48
  • Covent Garden: A Self-Guided Photography Tour : $5.54
  • Brick Lane: A self-guided audio tour of East London's vibrant jewel: $5.54
  • Secret An audio tour about the heritage of the city's Russian immigrants: $5.54
  • London Lights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Cultural Capital of the World: $5.54
  • Photographing Dynamic Soho: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.55
  • Southbank Photography Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.55
  • Bustling Bloomsbury: A Self-Guided Street Photography Tour: $5.55

Tours and Activities in Glencoe

Here are a few actual costs in Glencoe for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Evening Cruise in Scotland: $46
  • From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour: $61
  • From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express: $219
  • Loch Linnhe Rib Adventures in Aurora: $64
  • Private Walking Tour in Fort William Town Centre : $13
  • Seal Island Cruise Tour: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    London £15
    Glencoe £6.77

Sample the Local Flavors in London

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:

  • Historic Pub Walking Tour of London: $13
  • 2-Hour Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $20
  • Shoreditch Bar Crawl of Five Venues with Drink Deals: $22
  • Central London Pub Crawl: $23
  • 1 Big Night Out Weekday Pub Crawl: $23
  • Camden Pub Crawl in London: $25
  • Craft Brewery Tour with Tasting of 4 Beers: $25
  • Shoreditch Pub Crawl in London: $25
  • Pub Crawl of Central London: $29
  • Burlesque Cabaret Show in Covent Garden: $31
  • Camden Pub Crawl & Bar Tour London: $31
  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $31


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between London and Glencoe, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Glencoe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glencoe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glencoe 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London than you might in Glencoe.

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