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

Should you visit Southampton or Glasgow?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Glasgow? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Southampton

Southampton is a dynamic, up-and-coming, and waterfront port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a high energy, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Southampton and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Glasgow?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glasgow than Southampton, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Glasgow is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Southampton is known for its impressive beauty. Glasgow is more touristy than Southampton and is known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Glasgow is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Glasgow offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Southampton or Glasgow? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Glasgow can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Southampton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Glasgow area. 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 Southampton or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Is Southampton or Glasgow Better for Music?

Glasgow is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Southampton is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Southampton is not a live music destination.

Is Southampton or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a popular place for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Glasgow. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Glasgow?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Southampton. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Many visitors go to Glasgow to go 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 Southampton or Glasgow Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Glasgow.

Southampton offers lots of family activities. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

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 Southampton or Glasgow Better for Couples?

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

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

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 Southampton or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Glasgow Better for Students?

Glasgow is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton is not popular with students.

Glasgow is a very popular 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.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Glasgow can get you around easily. 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 Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Glasgow is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

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

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Glasgow?

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

Families should spend more time in Glasgow than Southampton. 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.

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

In Southampton, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the high energy city of Glasgow. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Glasgow?

In Southampton, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Southampton has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Glasgow. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Glasgow?

Southampton 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.

The cultural city of Glasgow offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Glasgow?

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

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Glasgow. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

When comparing the travel costs between Southampton 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 Southampton Expensive? and Is Glasgow Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Glasgow?

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

Both Glasgow and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Southampton is a little warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Southampton in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Glasgow averages at about 15°C (59°F).

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

In July, Southampton usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Southampton 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 Southampton or Glasgow in the Autumn?

Both Glasgow and Southampton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Southampton in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 12°C (53°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Southampton gets 107 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. Southampton usually gets less rain in October than Glasgow. Southampton 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 Southampton or Glasgow in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Glasgow. Most visitors come to Southampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. Southampton can be very cold during winter. Southampton is a little warmer than Glasgow in the winter. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Southampton usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Southampton 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 Southampton or Glasgow in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Glasgow. The spring months attract visitors to Southampton because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.

In the spring, Southampton is a little warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Southampton in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Glasgow averages at about 7°C (45°F).

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

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Glasgow. Southampton 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 Southampton