Last Updated: September 4, 2021
Glasgow vs. Edinburgh: Which City Should You Visit?
The age-old debate about Glasgow and Edinburgh has been going on for quite some time. Glasgow being Scotland’s biggest city and Edinburgh being the country’s capital, both destinations definitely have a lot to brag about.
Truth be told, Scotland is a stunning country. With over 6,000 miles of coastline, legendary castles, endless adventures and a bustling nightlife, a trip to anywhere in Scotland is a win in itself.
Of course, not everyone has the luxury of time and money to see the best of everything. If you only have time for one epic destination, which one should you choose: Glasgow or Edinburgh?
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Glasgow
Travel To Glasgow
Glasgow is often seen as one of the best places to visit in Scotland. It is bursting at the seams with artistic culture, great music, and everything cool and modern. This doesn’t mean a lack of history and heritage, though.
Much of the city’s rich legacy of 18th–20th-century prosperity from trade and shipbuilding has left its mark in architecture, cityscapes, and of course in the many museums and galleries you can visit.
Travel to Glasgow is fantastic all year round. There is something for everyone, and each season recolors this dynamic city differently every time. As the epicenter of culture and a magnet for creatives, a trip to Glasgow is an orgasmic experience for the eclectic, adventurous, and artistic traveler.
Getting To Glasgow
Train/Bus Travel Times
London, England to Glasgow: 5 hours (approx)
Cardiff, Wales to Glasgow: 6 hours, 30 mins (approx)
Belfast, Northern Island to Glasgow: 5 hours (approx)
Edinburgh to Glasgow: 49 mins
Note: Find out travel times, departures, and transport on Google Maps
Car Travel Times To Glasgow
London, England to Glasgow: 7 hours (approx)
Cardiff, Wales to Glasgow: 6 hours, 30 mins (approx)
Belfast, Northern Island to Glasgow: 6 hours, 50 mins (approx)
Edinburgh to Glasgow: 1 hour, 15 mins
Note: Find out exact travel times on Google Maps
Local Attractions In Glasgow
Galleries, museums, talented artists, happening nightlife: there are a lot of things that will keep your blood flowing when you visit this city.
A gastronomic scene to beat
The Butchershop and Grill. Photo credit: Pamela Graham via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
Glasgow boasts of a varied foodie scene, typically known for its excellent Indian cuisine. But whether you’re out to splurge or you need to scrimp on cash, Glasgow offers a sumptuous array of contemporary Scottish cuisine as well as dishes from all over the world.
You’ll find a lot of pub grub, seafood, Asian dumplings, pizzas, and local fare. A trip to The Ubiquitous Chip in the West End brings you to one of the best foodie experiences in Glasgow. Its unpretentious menu and magical accents will make both heart and stomach happy. The vegan the 78 Cafe Bar serves cheap treats, it almost feels free.
The weekday burger and pint deal costs £6.25, and dub’n’grub Thursdays offer three-course meals for less than £10. Glasgow’s first Vietnamese restaurant, The Hanoi Bike Shop, has a fresh, casual, canteen-style feel. The Butchershop and Grill is a great American fusion restaurant. Scottish beef takes center stage, cooked with Manhattan-style techniques.
Music flows through the city
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. Photo credit: StephenMcleod – International Man of Mystery via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
Glasgow isn’t hailed as the UNESCO City of Music for nothing. Music is at the center of life in this city. Glasgow hosts over 130 music events every week, much more than any other city in the world can come up with. Its legendary music scene stretches from classical to contemporary, Celtic, and country.
The contagious vibe and rhythm of Glasgow tunes can be heard in iconic institutions such as the King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and Oran Mor, as well as independent local gems.
Restaurants host live impromptu acoustic sessions, making the city a platform for both emerging musicians and established artists. You will find many music venues around the city and it will surely entrance every traveler who visits them.
Epic Nights Out
Gin71. Photo credit: jsmjr via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
A thriving music scene leads to an insanely brilliant nightlife. A night of drinking, dancing, singing and any other kind of mischief will likely last until the wee hours of the morning. Every night of the week is a good night for a fun night, so expect to wake up with a hangover and not even regret it.
Even if you’re looking for a low-key experience, there are still a lot of hot spots you can visit. Going solo is not a problem as Glasgow is home to young and fun-loving people. Meeting people won’t be a problem here.
For some night fun without going over the top, have your fill of gin and tonic at Gin71 or whisky at The Pot Still. For a crazier night that requires killer outfits, head to the Sub Club, Sugar Cube, or The Corinthian.
World-Class Attractions for Free
When it comes to sharing cultural experiences and landmarks, Glasgow is very generous. There are numerous attractions in the city you can enjoy for free and will definitely keep you entertained for days.
From parks and museums to cathedrals and over 50 architectural wonders, you can literally go around Glasgow without spending a dime. TV fans can go on their own Doctor Who tour around set locations in Glasgow, make their own lunch and enjoy it at the many parks perfect for a picnic, or keep kids entertained in several museums and learning centers designed for children.
Whatever you do, don’t miss some of the most iconic landmarks of Glasgow: the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum, and the Glasgow Cathedral.
An enviable shopping scene
The Style Mile. Photo credit: microwavedboy via Foter.com / CC BY-NC
Just like its food scene, shopping in Glasgow is great for anyone with any budget. The city is famed for some of the best shopping in the UK outside of London.
There are no lack of options with the Style Mile – the city centre’s square mile overrun with shops. Within this area, Buchanan Galleries, St. Enoch Centre and Princes Square will be your go-to destination. Vintage shops are also a big thing in the city, and you’ll always discover great finds at places like Starry Starry Night and Mr. Ben Retro Clothing.
Other Attractions
You don’t have to mark down places on a map for you to see some of Glasgow’s best. Simply strolling through the city already bathes you in culture and artistic expression wherever you go.
- Street art is real art. The street art in Glasgow is not your typical spray paint vandalism or random phrases and quotes. In a city as artistic as Glasgow, street art is magical, to say the least. These murals are splashed all over walls and buildings in the city and are greatly encouraged by the people of Glasgow. You can follow this mural trail to see this unique kind of art.
- A Mackintosh playground. Architect, designer, artist and water colorist Charles Rennie Mackintosh is Glasgow’s true pride and joy. There’s probably a Mackintosh piece around every corner, in both important institutions and public locations. The Glasgow School of Art offers a Mackintosh tour for the discerning and curious.
- Football Fever. Brush up on your football knowledge and join in on the healthy camaraderie of two feuding teams, the Rangers and Celtic. You can also pay tribute to both teams with a visit to Celtic Park, Scotland’s largest football stadium, and Ibrox, home to Rangers FC. Hampden Park also houses the Scottish Football Museum with over 2,000 football memorabilia items.
Edinburgh
Those wanting a respite from city life will find solace in Edinburgh. This capital city is world renowned for its breathtaking scenery, most popularly through the Hogwarts Express scenes from the Harry Potter movies and epic fight scenes from the Transformers franchise.
History, heritage, and archaeology converge in Edinburgh. Tradition and legend are rich with flavor of the old Scotland, thriving side-by-side with the sophisticated and cosmopolitan flair of the city.
Travel to Edinburgh
Getting To Glasgow
Train/Bus Travel Times
London, England to Edinburgh: 5 hours, 30 mins (approx)
Cardiff, Wales to Edinburgh: 6 hours, 30 mins (approx)
Belfast, Northern Island to Edinburgh: 7 hours (approx)
Glasgow to Edinburgh: 59 mins
Note: Find out travel times, departures, and transport operators on Google Maps
Car Travel Times To
London, England to Edinburgh: 7 hours, 20 mins (approx)
Cardiff, Wales to Edinburgh: 6 hours, 40 mins (approx)
Belfast, Northern Island to Glasgow: 6 hours (approx)
Glasgow to Edinburgh: 1 hour, 15 mins
Note: Find out exact travel times on Google Maps
Local Attractions In Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the seat of tradition in Scotland. It opens a portal to the past, then brings you back to the modern world with a touch of sophistication.
Fine dining at its finest
The Kitchin. Photo credit: Falling Sky via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
Edinburgh is home to some of the world’s finest Michelin chefs. Dining in Edinburgh is extraordinary, to say the least. You’ll be hard pressed to eat anything disappointing, but fine dining is more common than ethnic and affordable eateries.
The farm-to-table concept of the Michelin-star The Kitchin makes it a cut above the rest. French cooking techniques give flavor to fresh ingredients in a cool and contemporary setting. For the romantics, The Grain Store is decked with cozy little booths to enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine.
For some straightforward comfort food without the hefty price, Oink is a favorite. Affordable pulled pork with traditional Scottish toppings and sides make for a filling dinner.
Other Michelin-star restaurants to visit are: Number One, Restaurant Martin Wishart, 21212 Restaurant.
The Great Outdoors
Holyrood Park.
Meadows, mountains, and coastlines around Edinburgh will take your breath away. Literally take a breath of fresh air with a hike or a stroll through the many parks and trails that form the stunning sights of the city. Those searching for peace and epiphany will find inspiration in Edinburgh.
Arthur’s Seat is one of the most recognizable peaks of the group of hills in Edinburgh. In its shadow is Holyrood Park, a 650-acre patch of green associated with the Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse. This expansive mass of land is popular among fitness fanatics and those who want to wake up their senses with a Sunday stroll.
On the other hand, the Royal Botanic Gardens is beautiful and intriguing. It is a scientific center for the study of plants, their diversity and conservation, which has made it one of the most popular tourist attractions. Within the center are also peaceful spots to have a picnic and lots of unique sights: tribes of deciduous trees, Victorian glasshouses, rock gardens and ponds.
A walk along the Water of Leith and the Union Canal also give a sense of wildlife and a peek into industrial heritage.
Edinburgh Castle and everything about royalty
Edinburgh Castle.
No visit to Edinburgh will be complete without a trip to the world famous Edinburgh Castle. It’s an architectural masterpiece from every angle, whether you view it from below or within its impressive halls looking back down at the city. For centuries, it has dominated the Edinburgh skyline and provides commanding views any which way you look.
From here you can walk down the Royal Mile, littered with shops and restaurants in the Old Town. It’s the busiest thoroughfare of all of Edinburgh where travelers can discover hidden gems.
At the end of this stretch is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s royal residence. Here you will find a combination of preserved rooms back in the day of the Stuart monarchs and contemporary ones currently used by Her Majesty.
Nooks and crannies and the history behind them
Royal Mile. Photo credit: ynaka29 via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
Edinburgh is undoubtedly the historical center of the country. However, as with anything during the old times, not every story is a good one. The city holds some dark secrets that can now be visited by history buffs and travelers looking into the past.
Just off Holyroodhouse and under buildings of the Royal Mile is the Real Mary King’s Close, a place where the subjects resided in the 16th century. It was covered over when the Royal Exchange was built in the mid-18th century and was forgotten for over 200 years.
The area has been revamped to take tourists through the four closes to discover how different levels of society lived literally beside or on top of each other. There are lots of ghost stories to be told in the close as well.
If this isn’t enough to raise a few hairs, you can also pay a visit to The Edinburgh Dungeon. Dummies, displays, and character actors retell some of the dark chapters of the city’s past.
Pubs on Rose Street
Abbottsford. Photo credit: byronv2 via Foter.com / CC BY-NC
There’s no denying how drinking is very much part of the Scottish culture, and Edinburgh doesn’t disappoint. In fact, there is a whole street dedicated to it.
Rose Street is the go-to place for food and drink and a pleasant night out. While it’s home to many good restaurants, it’s the row of pubs that make it a top destination for both locals and tourists. You can spend an entire night just going through all the pubs and hostelries if you’re not careful.
A visit to Abbotsford, Rose St. Brewery, and Milnes Bar are considered must-do’s when spending a fun night out in this area of New Town.
Other Attractions
There is much to take in when visiting Edinburgh. There is so much history to learn and a lot of places to bask in the beauty of nature.
- Calton Hill. A hike up to Calton Hill is reaped with rewards. It’s a mix of commercial and residential areas, but the views from this point are unparalleled. It’s home to the Collective contemporary art gallery and the unfinished National Monument. It also houses destinations for a more dynamic night out with gay bars and casual eateries clustering around the top of busy Leith Walk. Here you will also find the Edinburgh Playhouse that stages musicals and comedy.
- Literature and great stories. Dubbed as the first UNESCO City of Literature, great stories both old and new were born in Edinburgh. The most popular of the modern era is the Potter Trail, following the beginnings and conclusion of the entire Harry Potter series as penned by J.K. Rowling. There are countless literary attractions and tours you can join to relive how great stories are made, and of course tons of beautiful libraries you can visit.
- Museums and Galleries. Edinburgh has a lot of stories to tell, and most of them are non-fiction. Walk through the history of Scotland at the National Museum of Scotland, or be awed by breathtaking paintings at the National Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Academy.
Glasgow or Edinburgh – A Short Summary
While both cities promise a memorable trip, each one has its unique magnetism that draws different kinds of people.
Visit Glasgow for:
- Art and artistry in every form (some of which are free)
- A taste of its legendary music scene
- A great night out filled with pumping music, epic dancing, and all-nighters
- All kinds of local and international cuisine
Visit Edinburgh for:
- Tradition and heritage
- Breathtaking views and cool, fresh air
- Literary greats
- World-class fine dining restaurants
Though only a few miles apart, Glasgow and Edinburgh couldn’t be more different. While each one has a bit of the other, a trip to either city makes for a very unique experience. Either way, any trip to Scotland is already a win, so just take your pick and go on an adventure!
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About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
