Scotland has lately been voted the most attractive country in the world by travelers – and indeed so. While it is vital to make the tour up north to see Scotland’s exceptional beauty, Scotland’s towns would just as much be part of any itinerary. So, which is better, Glasgow or Edinburgh?
Glasgow plus Edinburgh are Scotland’s two main cities, and both entice several visitors each year. If you face the worrying decision to select either Glasgow otherwise Edinburgh – it is vital to ponder the different stuff both towns have to offer. There are less than fifty miles among the two-plus yet, both cities are very diverse.
Whereas Edinburgh – the capital of Scotland – is recognized for its historic atmosphere, cobbled streets, plus hidden alleyways, Glasgow is genuinely the largest city in Scotland. Glasgow has, over time, exposed itself from its image as a simple industrial port to being a busy, cultural city.
Ask any local from every city, and they would give you a decisive view of whether Edinburgh otherwise Glasgow is the better metropolis to live in. Expectedly, this account will frequently underlie several biases depending on wherever the individual questioned is from.
The good news is that either city deals a good launching point to see the intense scenery in the north end of the country. Somewhat, you can’t go incorrect with either city. However, there are advantages in Edinburgh vs. Glasgow you would consider?
Major Landmarks Of Glasgow or Edinburgh
Glasgow
Some of the topmost things to do in Glasgow is visiting its numerous landmarks, counting the People’s Palace plus Winter Gardens, the Glasgow Cathedral, the Tall Ship, plus City Chambers.
In addition, Glasgow is the topmost place to visit for history lovers, thus consider selecting to visit this city if you are fascinated to learn more about Scottish history plus already know the fundamentals from a previous tour to Edinburgh.
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Edinburgh
Several first-time visitors to Scotland choose to start their trips in Edinburgh since the historic landmarks offer an excellent overview of the province’s history.
Edinburgh Castle, the National Shrine of Scotland, St. Giles’ Cathedral, and the Dean Village are all benchmarks to add to your travel program while you are here.
History
It is no lie that each place in Scotland is riddled with history plus a colorful past. From castles plus cathedrals to galleries and more, make sure to soak it all in.
- Edinburgh
Abundant with history plus bestowed with mysteries, the Castle is a ubiquitous all-seeing portion of Edinburgh. Touring all nook and cranny is a historian’s fantasy, as is walking down the Royal Mile to discover the Fortress of Holyroodhouse.
Just make sure to wander off down Edinburgh’s delightful closes or passageways. For a traditionally precise portrayal of 17th era Edinburgh, The Real Mary King’s Close is the way toward going. Tour the underground pathways and learn mysteries worth knowing.
- Glasgow
An architectural Gothic masterwork and delight to the soul, Glasgow Cathedral, otherwise the High Kirk of Glasgow, St Mungo’s plus St Kentigern’s, with its gigantic stone pillars as well as the arching ceiling, was founded by St Mungo in 543 AD. Just a rock’s throw away, The Provand’s Lordship, a house dating rear to 1471, is a gallery filled with trinkets.
On the other hand, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is the faultless way to brush up on your history awareness, particularly from Glasgow’s viewpoint. An attractive Victorian sandstone structure, expect a delightful selection of natural plus Scottish history. Once more, it is free!
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Food
- Glasgow
Glasgow has loads of hip and stylish restaurants with seasonal menus plus a laid-back environment. Several of the top cafeterias in town are the Ubiquitous Chip plus Roastit Bubbly Jocks. Other topmost restaurants in this metropolis are Saint Judes, Mini Gill Glasgow Steakhouse, Kamasutra Indian Restaurant, plus the Fish People Cafe.
For food, select to visit Glasgow if you want to try customary Scottish cuisine with a contemporary twist and global cuisine.
- Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a primary place to visit for fine dining plus serious foodies. Here, you could check out The Kitchin plus Valvona & Crolla, amongst many other local cafeterias that you will instantly fall in love with.
Other choices are Otro, Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, the One20 Wine Cafe, plus New Chapter. So select to visit Edinburgh if your taste buds guide your dream trips, plus you’re willing to splurge for a worthy meal.
Green Spaces
Both Edinburgh plus Glasgow are graced with plenty of green spaces gesturing to be traversed. From wild to open, wander free and relish the fresh air.
- Edinburgh
Holyrood Park is a 650-acre covering of green related to the Royal Palace of Holyrood house. Situated in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat, this extensive mass of land is prevalent among fitness enthusiasts and those craving an energizing Sunday stroll.
Horticultural heaven, the Royal Botanic Gardens is as attractive as it is fascinating. From fab spots to eat plus populations of deciduous trees to Victorian greenhouses, rock gardens plus ponds, ponder this spot a photographer’s fantasy, and a perfect place for those in hunt of peace otherwise an epiphany.
- Glasgow
Just southeast of the metropolis, Cathkin Braes is included in undulating mountainous terrain. Faultless for mount bikers, hikers plus walkers alike, this spot is close toward Castlemilk, Fernhill plus Burnside, and sports spectacular views.
However, a sea of flowers plus trees, The Botanic Gardens, and Kibble Palace are trivial in size however large in entertaining value. Examining Kibble Palace, a domed greenhouse, never gets old, by its inspiring ferns and unique shrubbery.
Things To Do In Glasgow
It is perhaps one of the most noteworthy differences when selecting between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Edinburgh is attractive to walk around plus soak in the splendor of the antique city. Glasgow is more about art, music, and literature, and the vibe. It truly has something for all niches.
The music site in Glasgow is flourishing and has been for years. Make your way toward the venue wherever rock band Oasis got signed; otherwise, walk along Buchanan Street to listen to the diversity of native buskers – you could even do a walking trip of Glasgow’s famed music sites.
There are so many clubs, bars, and gig venues with regular shows, and I am definite you will find somewhat you love. Glasgow is complete of art – conventional plus unconventional. Make the maximum of the free entry to galleries and entrances. If galleries are not your item, Glasgow is complete of street art, plus you could find murals all crossways the city.
Be sure to visit the sculpture of the Duke of Wellington facing the Gallery of Contemporary Art, and you would notice Glasgow’s wits. For ages, the statue has been walking a traffic cone on topmost of the duke’s head that retains re-appearing despite the city council’s recurrent attempts to eliminate it.
Edinburgh might be more recognized for its architecture. However, Glasgow moreover has its fair share of attractive buildings. Charles Rennie Mackintosh is a well-known Glasgow designer, and you will find structures designed by him crosswise the city. Be sure to visit ‘The Lighthouse’ in the city Centre to climb its tower plus be awarded a 360-degree sight of Glasgow.
Take a stroll over the cities west end. Then, go shopping for several vintage attires in Kelvinbridge – a neighborhood lately featured in a list of the 50 calmest neighborhoods in the world. Finally, visit a converted minster that now serves as a whisky bar, plus watch a play.
Afterward, after a long day of walking, be definite to treat yourself toward a cocktail (or two) in one of Finnieston’s fashionable bars; otherwise, visit Wellpark Brewery toward tasting a pint of Tennents – Glasgow’s specific beer.
Finally, if you do not fancy an alcoholic drink, Glasgow’s ‘Tchai Ovna‘ tea house in the west end serves about 80 diverse kinds of tea from across the world until 11 pm.
While planning to visit Glasgow, my foremost commendation would be not to make a list of places to go, however, a list of things you like to do. The foremost thing is toward soaking in the cities’ allures doing what you relish doing.
Things To Do In Edinburgh
Edinburgh plus Glasgow are both metropolises that have a diversity of things to do. However, while Glasgow has more occasions running every day, things to do there could also be tougher to get to as they may be in a diverse part of the city.
While looking at stuff to do in Edinburgh, otherwise Glasgow, Edinburgh does have lots more ‘standard’ traveler sites. Places similar to Edinburgh castle, the Royal Mile Holyrood Castle plus the Scottish Parliament, and Edinburgh old city are all popular traveler destinations.
If you search for a somewhat more off-the-beaten-track, the most pleasing thing to do is to walk about without a fixed destination. Instead, take a turn down a passageway and see wherever it leads you. Make sure to stroll down to Dean Village, an attractive tiny spot in Edinburgh – you would find it hard to trust you are still in the city while you are there.
Discover the diverse places that enthused JK Rowling, for example, Victoria Street – which is said to be the motivation for Diagon Alley – otherwise Greyfriars Kirkyard – a cemetery from which JK Rowling found several names she used in the books.
You could even visit the café wherever it all started. JK Rowling wrote numerous of her unique Harry Potter transcripts on napkins in ‘The Elephant House’– a tiny restaurant nearby the Grass market.
However, there be sure to also walk down the Grass market to find several great bars and eccentric shops. Near there, you would also find the Edinburgh gallery, which is free to move in all year round.
For several great views, head up toward Calton Hill plus marvel at the city below as well as the tremendous structural design on top of the hill.
If you are a fan of spooky, otherwise dark travel, be sure to attend one of the numerous night trips taking you to the catacombs under the city.
Edinburgh’s nightlife may not be as renowned as Glasgow’s. However, there are still some genuinely great bars.
For several great live kinds of music, be sure to visit the Jazz bar, plus for something more peaceful. Head toward the Drum and Monkey as well as lean back into one of their divans sipping a delightful cocktail.
The Bottom Line
Comparing Glasgow vs. Edinburgh is a relatively futile issue, given how both cities cater to diverse viewers, despite how close they are toward one another. Usually, I’d commend Edinburgh for tourists who want to escape their everyday lives (otherwise hells, as it were) to hike over an old fairytale city.
But, at the same time, grungy Glasgow charms more to ethnic wanders, who do not mind a bit of grit in their gravy. I hope now you understand Glasgow or Edinburgh, which is better.
Where To Stay In Glasgow
There are a lot of great options for accommodation in Glasgow, but here are a few that we think may be worth checking out:
- The Merchant Hotel – This luxury hotel is situated in the heart of Glasgow and offers an impressive range of facilities, including a spa, an outdoor pool, and a range of restaurants.
- The Glasgow Marriott City Centre – This hotel is perfect for business travelers, as it features an on-site business center and a range of amenities that will make your stay comfortable and productive.
The Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow Central – This Hilton hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers a variety of facilities, including a fitness center and a business center.
Accessibility
Both Edinburgh and Glasgow are great places to live, work and raise a family – but which one is more accessible? Both cities have a number of things in common, such as rich history, world-renowned universities and thriving arts and entertainment scenes. However, when it comes to accessibility, Edinburgh has a clear advantage.
This is thanks to the city’s extensive public transport system, which makes it easy for people with disabilities to get around. Additionally, Edinburgh has a number of designated pedestrian areas that make it easy for people with mobility issues to get around.
Glasgow also has some great accessibility features, such as its wide sidewalks and well-marked crosswalks. However, Edinburgh’s public transport system is by far the most accessible option – making it the best city in Scotland for people with disabilities.
Affordability
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the size of your house, the cost of living, and the availability of jobs. However, based on these factors, it seems that Edinburgh may be a more affordable option.
Here are some factors that could lead to Edinburgh being more affordable:
- The cost of living in Edinburgh is lower than in Glasgow. This is due to a number of factors, including the fact that Edinburgh has a smaller population and therefore less demand for housing, and the high rate of property taxes.
- The availability of jobs in Edinburgh is better than in Glasgow – this is due to the fact that there are more businesses and employers located in Edinburgh than in Glasgow. This means that there is more competition for jobs, which results in lower salaries.
- The transportation situation in Edinburgh is better than in Glasgow – this is because the city has better public transportation options (including buses and trains), which makes it easier to get around.
So, while it’s impossible to say which city is definitively cheaper, based on these factors it seems that Edinburgh may be a more affordable option.
FAQ
1.Where to Stay in Edinburgh?
Ans: There are so many great places to stay in Edinburgh that it’s hard to choose just one. However, if you’re looking for a place that is centrally located and has a lot of amenities, I highly recommend The Queens Hotel. It’s a luxurious property that is perfect for business travelers or tourists who are looking for a relaxing break.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more boutique-like, then check out The Gilded Pig. It’s a trendy property that offers guests unique experiences such as wine tastings and breakfast in bed.
Finally, if you’re feeling artsy and want to stay in the heart of the city, then I recommend staying at The Westin Edinburgh Castle. It’s a luxurious property that offers amazing views of the castle and plenty of amenities such as an indoor pool and yoga studio.
2.Glasgow vs. Edinburgh: Which City Should You Visit?
Ans: There’s no easy answer when it comes to which city in Scotland is best – Glasgow or Edinburgh. Both cities are absolutely stunning and have their own unique attractions that are sure to entertain visitors for days on end.
However, if we had to pick a winner, we’d say that Edinburgh is the clear winner. It has a more diverse and cosmopolitan atmosphere, with loads of cultural attractions and nightlife options. Additionally, Edinburgh is home to some of Scotland’s best museums and galleries, making it an ideal destination for art lovers. Glasgow is also a great city, but it doesn’t compare to Edinburgh when it comes to cultural attractions.
3.What is Glasgow Famous For?
Ans: Glasgow is known for its vibrant and cosmopolitan culture. It is also known for its world-renowned universities, including the University of Glasgow, which was ranked as the best university in Britain for the fourth year in a row by The Times. Additionally, Glasgow has a thriving music scene, with venues such as the O2 ABC and King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut regularly hosting top international acts.
So, if you’re looking for a place to explore and experience all that Scotland has to offer, look no further than Glasgow!
4.What is Edinburgh Famous For?
Ans: Edinburgh, Scotland is most famous for its rich history and architecture. The city has been home to many famous people, including Sir Walter Scott, Lord Byron, and Robert Louis Stevenson. It is also well known for its festivals – the biggest of which is Edinburgh Fringe.
5.Should we base in Edinburgh or Glasgow?
Ans: There’s no easy answer to this question – it depends on a lot of factors, including your budget and preferences. However, if you’re looking for a city that is bustling with activity and full of exciting things to do, I would recommend basing yourself in Edinburgh. Glasgow may be a more affordable option, but it can be a bit less lively. Ultimately, the best decision you can make is to do your own research and decide which city is best for you. Hope this helps!
