A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Glasgow for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit York or Glasgow?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a friendly, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

York and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Glasgow?

You'll generally find more things to do in Glasgow than York. Glasgow is bigger than York, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Glasgow is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while York is more popular for its food and historical sights. York is more touristy than Glasgow and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. 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 York different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Glasgow have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Glasgow specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 York or Glasgow? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York 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, York is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

York has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Is York or Glasgow Better for Music?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for live music. However, York is not a live music destination.

Glasgow is a world class music destination. 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.

York is not a live music destination.

Is York or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

York is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

The rich history of York can be explored in its historical center. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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

Is the Shopping Better in York or Glasgow?

Both York and Glasgow are notable shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Glasgow. 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 York or Glasgow Better for Families?

York is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Glasgow Better for Couples?

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

York is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend 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 York or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York 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 York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Glasgow is a good 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 York or Glasgow Better for Students?

Glasgow is a well-known place for students. However, York 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Glasgow is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Glasgow is fairly effecient and thorough. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Glasgow is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or York?

How long in York or Glasgow?

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

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

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

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

One day in York or Glasgow?

In York, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Glasgow. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Glasgow?

In York, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that York has to offer.

Glasgow is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Glasgow?

York is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Glasgow. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Glasgow?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting York. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The high energy city of Glasgow offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Glasgow, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Glasgow?

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

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Glasgow. Many travelers come to York 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 July, York is generally a little warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, York often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Glasgow. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Glasgow in the Autumn?

Both Glasgow and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

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

York usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during autumn. York gets 112 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, York usually receives less rain than Glasgow. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Glasgow in the Winter?

Both Glasgow and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to York 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. York can be very cold during winter. In the winter, York is a little warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Glasgow averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. York gets 61 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. York usually gets less rain in January than Glasgow. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Glasgow in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Glasgow. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.

In April, York is generally around the same temperature as Glasgow. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Glasgow. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Glasgow and York