Is Glasgow Better Than Edinburgh?

We must start with a confession: we love Edinburgh. The skyline, the closes, the castle towering over the city like a dark fairytale. It’s iconic for good reason. You should absolutely go to Edinburgh, walk the Royal Mile, and get lost in its misty magic.

But, here’s the thing: just over an hour away by train, there’s another Scottish city waiting to surprise you. It’s a little grittier, a little cheaper, and maybe even a little friendlier. So, we have to ask: is Glasgow actually better than Edinburgh?

We’re not here to stir up trouble. But, we are here to make a case for Glasgow. Scotland’s biggest city has long lived in its elegant sibling’s shadow, but those in the know will tell you: Glasgow hums with creativity, kindness, and character, too. 

It’s a working city, a music city, a city where every street corner could lead to a pub, a gallery, or a mural you didn’t expect. If you’re still undecided, let’s take a closer look.

The Cost of Falling in Love: Glasgow Is Cheaper

If you’ve glanced at hotel prices in Edinburgh during peak season (or, honestly, most of the year), you’ll know what we mean when we say Glasgow is a budget traveler’s dream.

Not only are accommodations consistently more affordable, but restaurants, cafés, museums, and even taxis tend to be friendlier to your wallet.

You can stay at a stylish boutique hotel like Native Glasgow, a converted Art Deco bank in the city centre, for a fraction of what you’d pay in the capital. Or, you can check into a cozy guesthouse in the leafy West End and save your cash for more exciting things like late-night gigs, brunch, and vintage shopping.

Architecture That Will Surprise You

Edinburgh’s Old Town is famously dramatic, but Glasgow’s architecture is sneakier. It doesn’t shout, but it’s still there..

The city’s golden sandstone buildings, towering Victorian tenements, and Art Nouveau flourishes are a feast for anyone who likes their cities with a bit of grandeur and grit.

Don’t miss the red-sandstone majesty of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, or the gothic fantasy that is the University of Glasgow. (It really does look like Hogwarts.) If you’re a fan of design, you should seek out the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, from the Willow Tea Rooms to the House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park. Glasgow’s beauty isn’t always polished, but it’s layered, bold, and very much its own.

Parks, Gardens, and Green Escapes

Would you be surprised to hear that Glasgow is one of the greenest cities in Europe? You won’t be once you wander through Glasgow Green on a sunny morning, or watch the swans glide across the pond in Kelvingrove Park. The city is home to more than 90 parks and gardens, and they’re not just for looking at; they’re for picnicking, strolling, playing, and breathing.

For something a little more hidden, you can also seek out The Hidden Gardens near the Tramway arts centre in the Southside, or get lost in the Victorian glasshouses of The Botanic Gardens in the West End. Even in winter, the mossy trees and rain-slicked paths feel romantic.

So Much to See, So Much to Do

Edinburgh has its festivals, sure, but Glasgow lives for live music. This is a city where bands like Franz Ferdinand and Belle & Sebastian got their start, and where venues like King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and Barrowland Ballroom are practically holy ground. If you’re into music, this city will ruin you (in the best way).

If you’re an art lover, you can wander the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) or check out street art on a City Centre Mural Trail. If you’re a history buff, you’ll enjoy the Riverside Museum, where vintage trams, bikes, and ships bring Glasgow’s industrial past to life. And, if you just want to wander, neighborhoods like Finnieston and Shawlands are packed with great coffee shops, secondhand shops, and people-watching opportunities.