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

Should you visit Shanghai or Glasgow?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Glasgow. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a friendly, cultural, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Shanghai and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Glasgow?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Glasgow, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Shanghai is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Glasgow is known for its nightlife, music, and historical sights. Shanghai is more touristy than Glasgow and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also home to The Bund. Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.

How is Shanghai different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Shanghai 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, Shanghai has many famous sights for visitors. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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 Shanghai or Glasgow? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Glasgow just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Shanghai or Glasgow Better for Music?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is not a live music destination.

Is Shanghai or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a good destination for its old town. However, Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Glasgow to see the old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Glasgow?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Shanghai specifically to go shopping. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai or Glasgow Better for Families?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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 Shanghai or Glasgow Better for Couples?

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

Shanghai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

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 Shanghai or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Glasgow is a good port 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 Shanghai or Glasgow Better for Students?

Shanghai and Glasgow are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students visit Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

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

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

Both Shanghai and Glasgow offer great public transit options.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

The public transit in Glasgow can get you to most places easily. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Is Shanghai or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Glasgow both are great when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Glasgow?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and Glasgow. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in Glasgow. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glasgow.

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

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

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

One day in Shanghai or Glasgow?

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

The city of Glasgow offers museums and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Glasgow?

Because Shanghai 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer.

Glasgow is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Glasgow, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Glasgow?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Glasgow is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Glasgow?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Shanghai. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Glasgow is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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 Shanghai and Glasgow, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. And not only is Shanghai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai 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 Shanghai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shanghai 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 Shanghai.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Glasgow?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Glasgow in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Glasgow. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Shanghai is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Glasgow averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Glasgow. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Glasgow in the Autumn?

Both Glasgow and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Glasgow in the Winter?

Both Glasgow and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.

It's quite cold in Glasgow in the winter. The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. Shanghai is a little warmer than Glasgow in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Glasgow. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Glasgow in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Glasgow. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Glasgow for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Shanghai is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Glasgow averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Glasgow. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Shanghai