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

Should you visit Perth or Glasgow?

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 Perth and Glasgow can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a relaxed, easy-going, and isolated city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a high energy, friendly, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Perth and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Glasgow?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Glasgow than Perth. While Perth is larger than Glasgow, Glasgow has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Glasgow is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Perth is more popular for its beaches. Perth is well known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. 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 Perth different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Perth or Glasgow.

Many visitors head to Perth specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Glasgow can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Perth or Glasgow? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Perth and Glasgow offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

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 Perth or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is very popular for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Perth or Glasgow Better for Music?

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

Perth is not a live music destination.

Is Perth or Glasgow Better for Beaches?

Perth is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Glasgow is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Perth are among the best in the world. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Glasgow is not a beach destination.

Is Perth or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is very good for its historic old town. However, Perth 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.

Perth does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Glasgow?

If you're looking to go shopping, Perth and Glasgow both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Perth. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

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 Perth or Glasgow Better for Families?

Perth 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 Perth. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

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 Perth or Glasgow Better for Couples?

Both Perth and Glasgow are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Perth is a nice destination for couples. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Glasgow makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Perth or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Perth and Glasgow are notable places to visit.

Perth is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

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.

Is Perth or Glasgow Better for Students?

Glasgow is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Glasgow is very popular with students. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

Perth is a good city to visit for students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

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

Glasgow is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Perth has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Is Perth or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Glasgow is great for its walkability. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Perth is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Perth?

How long in Perth or Glasgow?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Glasgow than Perth. 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 Perth 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 Perth or Glasgow?

In Perth, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 high energy 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 Perth or Glasgow?

In Perth, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Perth 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 Perth or Glasgow?

Perth is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Perth or Glasgow?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Perth. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 historic 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, 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 Perth and Glasgow, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. And not only is Perth much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Perth is in Pacific 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 Perth would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Perth 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 Perth.

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Glasgow?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Perth is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Glasgow has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Perth or Glasgow in the Summer?

Both Glasgow and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Perth is generally much warmer than Glasgowin July. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 25°C (76°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Perth. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during summer. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Perth usually receives less rain than Glasgowin July. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Perth or Glasgow in the Autumn?

Both Glasgow and Perth during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Perth for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Glasgow in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Perth is much warmer than Glasgow in the autumn. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 19°C (67°F) in April, and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Perth. In the autumn, Perth often gets more sunshine than Glasgowin October. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Perth usually gets less rain in April than Glasgowin October. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Glasgow in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Glasgow. Many visitors come to Perth in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Glasgow can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Perth is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the winter temperatures in Perth in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Glasgow averages at about 3°C (38°F)in January.

Perth usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during winter. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Perth gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Perth usually receives around the same amount of rain as Glasgowin January. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Perth or Glasgow in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Perth as well as Glasgow. Most visitors come to Perth for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the activities around the city.

In October, Perth is generally much warmer than Glasgowin April. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 17°C (62°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In the spring, Perth often gets more sunshine than Glasgowin April. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun.

Perth usually gets less rain in October than Glasgowin April. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Perth