A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Oxford vs. Glasgow for Nightlife, Attractions, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Oxford or Glasgow?

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

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

Oxford

Oxford is a historic, scholarly, and collegiate college town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. 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 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Oxford and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Glasgow?

You'll generally find more things to do in Glasgow than Oxford. Glasgow is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Glasgow is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Oxford is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. 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 Oxford different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Oxford or Glasgow.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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 Oxford or Glasgow? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Oxford and Glasgow offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Glasgow. 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 Oxford or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is very popular for nightlife. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Glasgow is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Oxford is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Is Oxford or Glasgow Better for Music?

Glasgow is very popular for live music. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is not a live music destination.

Is Oxford or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Glasgow?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Oxford and Glasgow.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Glasgow offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Oxford or Glasgow Better for Families?

Oxford and Glasgow are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Glasgow Better for Couples?

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

Oxford is a great college town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Glasgow Better for Students?

Oxford is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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 Oxford 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. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Oxford and Glasgow are superb when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Glasgow?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Glasgow. In our opinion, Glasgow has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Glasgow than Oxford. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glasgow.

Families should spend more time in Glasgow than Oxford. 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Glasgow?

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. This college town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Glasgow. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Oxford or Glasgow?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Oxford has to offer.

Glasgow 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 Oxford or Glasgow?

Oxford 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glasgow. 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 Oxford or Glasgow?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the friendly destination of Glasgow. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Oxford and Glasgow, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Glasgow?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Glasgow in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Glasgow. The summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.

In July, Oxford is generally a little warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Glasgow in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Glasgow. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Oxford is a little warmer than Glasgow in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Glasgow. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Glasgow in the Winter?

Both Glasgow and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Oxford 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. In the winter, Oxford is around the same temperature as Glasgow. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Glasgow averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during winter. Oxford gets 52 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. In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Glasgow in the Spring?

Both Glasgow and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Glasgow for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Oxford is generally a little warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Glasgow. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Oxford