Glasgow vs. Edinburgh: Which Scottish City Comes Out On Top

With all due respect to the other 6 cities in Scotland, for the vast majority of people visiting Scotland, it comes down to Glasgow vs Edinburgh. The two cities are comfortably Scotland’s biggest in terms of population and area. In fact, Glasgow is the UK’s fourth biggest city by population; only Leeds, Birmingham and London have greater populations.

If you are trying to decide between Glasgow and Edinburgh, we’ve put together this handy comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.

Glasgow vs Edinburgh: Affordability

Glasgow is undoubtedly cheaper than Edinburgh, regardless of whether you are travelling to one of the two cities or permanently relocating. House prices in Edinburgh are typically far higher than in Glasgow, with the latest averages placing a Glasgow home at £211,000 vs Edinburgh’s far higher average house price of £335,000.

This difference is also evident when comparing the two cities through the eyes of a tourist. Hotels are far pricier in Edinburgh than in Glasgow, and you can also expect to pay more for a nice meal and a drink in a bar when in the capital.

Whether the added cost of Edinburgh is worth it or not is up for debate; locals will certainly tell you that the city’s beauty and history make it worth the extra money. However, if just measuring affordability alone, Glasgow comes out on top.

Glasgow vs Edinburgh: Transport and Accessibility

As you’d expect, both cities are easily accessible by car, train and plane. If you are travelling to Scotland by plane, there’s no real difference in terms of airports. Glasgow has two airports, although it’s Glasgow International that is predominantly used for international flights. By contrast, Edinburgh Airport is the capital’s only major airport and is also Scotland’s busiest.

In terms of rail, both cities have two main train stations. Glasgow’s two are both located in the city centre, which adds extra convenience to your journey. Glasgow Central is the bigger of the two and is used for travel across the UK. Glasgow Queen Street, which is just a short walk away, is used more for those travelling or commuting within Scotland.

Of Edinburgh’s two train stations, Edinburgh Waverley is the more central of the two and also the larger. Like Glasgow Central, Edinburgh’s main station also possesses great links to the rest of the UK, so it may be a good idea to utilise Waverley Station car park and continue exploring by train if you have travelled to Edinburgh by car.

In terms of other notable differences between the two cities, Glasgow has a subway system while Edinburgh boasts an efficient tram system. Both options can allow you to explore the two cities while sheltering from Scotland’s infamous weather.

All in all, Edinburgh’s smaller size, simpler layout and bonus of a tram system give it the win when it comes to transport and accessibility.

Glasgow vs Edinburgh: Things To Do

Regardless of whether you find yourself in Glasgow or Edinburgh, there’s certainly no shortage of things to do and places to see, and both cities are steeped in history. Glasgow’s best attractions include Glasgow Cathedral, the Gallery of Modern Art and the wonderful Botanic Gardens. 

Over in Edinburgh, you have even more choice if you are a fan of history and architecture; Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, St Giles’ Cathedral and the Royal Mile are all some of Edinburgh’s biggest and best attractions.

For sports fans, both Glasgow and Edinburgh have strong offerings. Murrayfield in Edinburgh is home to Scotland’s national rugby union team. Try to plan your visit during the Six Nations tournament when Scotland are going head to head with England, Wales or Ireland. This will allow you to experience one of the sport’s great rivalries.

In Glasgow, football takes centre stage. Not only is the city home to the national team’s stadium, Hampden Park, but it’s also home to one of football’s fiercest rivalries. The east end of Glasgow is home to Celtic. On the other side of the city, you’ll find their arch rivals, Rangers, and their home stadium of Ibrox. 

When it comes to Glasgow vs Edinburgh in terms of things to do, it’s hard to split the two cities, and it ultimately depends on what you are looking for. If you want scenic walks and educational activities for little ones, Edinburgh is probably more suitable. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the ultimate football away day, we’d recommend heading to Glasgow.

Glasgow vs Edinburgh: Nightlife

If you are heading up to Scotland for a night out, both Glasgow and Edinburgh offer fantastic nightlife scenes. Glasgow is livelier, and it could be argued that the nightlife caters more for a younger audience. Nightclubs and late-night bars are more prevalent in Glasgow compared to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh’s nightlife is considered more sophisticated than Glasgow’s. The pub and bar scene is slightly more tourist-driven in the capital, and you’ll find an abundance of traditional Scottish pubs serving up Scotland’s national dishes. As already pointed out, you can expect to pay a little extra for your drinks in Edinburgh compared to Glasgow.

Again, the winner when it comes to Glasgow vs Edinburgh in terms of nightlife will differ from one individual to another, and it greatly depends on what you are looking for. Generally speaking, we’d recommend Glasgow for younger groups or stag/hen parties looking for a lively evening. By contrast, Edinburgh is perfect for romantic getaways or older groups.

Glasgow vs Edinburgh: Final Thoughts

Whether you opt for Glasgow, Edinburgh, or both, you won’t be disappointed as both cities have huge amounts to offer. Hopefully, this article leads you to determine which city is best suited to you when it comes to Glasgow vs Edinburgh. In short, Glasgow gets our vote if you are looking for either affordability or liveliness. Edinburgh, on the other hand, comes out on top if you are travelling as a couple or with children.