Glasgow or Edinburgh: Which Scottish City Should You Visit?

Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most striking landscapes. From rolling hills and ivory shores to craggy mountains, there’s no shortage of what you can explore here.

But if I were to pick my favourite among its eight bustling metropolises, I’d choose Glasgow or Edinburgh

Deeply rooted in history, both cities feature a vibrant heritage and stunning architecture towering over the Scottish skies.

Deciding between these two enchanting gems is no easy feat, mind. As a certified travel junkie that’s been to both, I’ll share essential insights on whether to visit Glasgow or Edinburgh.

I do have my own personal favourite between Glasgow vs Edinburgh – and I’ll share this at the end of the article.

Whether you’re more interested in history’s echoes expressed in Edinburgh’s cobbled streets or the blend of fun and art of Glasgow’s happening lanes, let’s help you decide which Scottish street your foot should set on.

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A brief overview of Glasgow and Edinburgh

Glasgow: where artistic heritage flows freely

Although the sun doesn’t always shine on the streets of Glasgow (or at least while I was there), gorgeous lanes and fun activities aren’t in short supply there.

Every breadth and length of the city is bustling. With towering skyscrapers reaching hundreds of meters in height, anyone who’s ever walked Glasgow’s paths must be in awe of its incredible architecture. 

If you look up, the 150-year-old Glasgow University Tower, which is over 85 metres high, can be easily sighted from all corners of Glasgow.

Look a little closer and you’ll find beautiful avenues which fill the city’s nooks and crannies, from the tourist-favourite Southside to the secretively stunning Westside. 

By night, I love strolling the city’s most popular street, the Great Western Road. 

Lined with traditional tenements, countless cafes, fascinating pubs, and eateries serving diverse cuisines, this street alone is enough to immerse fully in Scottish culture.

Edinburgh: for a cosy ambiance and Harry Potter vibes

Home to the world-renowned Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh is a city you’ll most appreciate on foot.

I love strolling along its ancient cobbled roads, often under the shadow of an ancient castle or moody sandstone churches with tales of age-old ghosts hanging in the air.

The city’s allure mostly lies in its beautiful architecture, found in hidden alleyways and winding streets. Not to mention its Harry Potter heritage.

Or the magical panoramic views of quaint medieval villages, the perfect blend of beauty and history, sighted from verdant hills.

Exploring the historic city feels surreal, as if you’re suddenly teleported to 15th century Scotland. Still, there’s more to Edinburgh than century-old ruins or gothic structures.

Think of picturesque cobbled lanes like Victoria Street, famous for its unusual curve and vibrantly painted facades of classy shops.

View it atop a terrace, and this real-life Diagon Alley will feel utterly magical.

How to get to Glasgow or Edinburgh

Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, lies in the west-central area of the country. It’s conveniently linked to the country’s road, train, and sea networks.

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital is no less accessible, with direct international flights connecting the metropolis to the rest of the world. 

Both cities are well-connected and are easily accessible to anyone in the UK. 

Getting around both cities via public transportation is very affordable. 

Getting to Glasgow

Glasgow has three major airports nearby. If you want to get as close to the city as possible, Glasgow airport is the way to go, sitting at a convenient 15-minute bus ride from the city centre.

Then there’s also the Glasgow Prestwick Airport and Edinburgh Airport, 51 and 63 kilometres from your dream destination.

Air, road, sea, and train grids connect Glasgow to several major cities of Scotland, including Edinburgh, Belfast, and anywhere in mainland Europe.

Getting to Edinburgh

As the country’s capital, Edinburgh offers better travel options for everyone, including those visiting from the US.

Edinburgh Airport serves the metropolis and most of the country. It offers direct flights from other major cities in France, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Canada, and the US, particularly New York and Chicago.

If you live in nearby cities like Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester, or Glasgow, travelling by train is your most convenient option. Even travelling from London is probaly best done via train.

Top things to do in Glasgow and Edinburgh

If you’re looking for fun things to do or see in Scotland, Edinburgh and Glasgow are the perfect cities to be in.

Edinburgh harbours the most stunning sights, imbued with affluent history and architecture, flaunting Scotland’s finest museums, monuments, and landmarks.

It’s best viewed in the summer when the festive ambience fills the entire scape. But I also have a soft spot for Edinburgh in the winter, when its cosy vibes are unbeatable.

Glasgow invites a younger (or young-at-heart) audience with its happening streets.

From fashion hubs like the Style Mile and epic street art to the exciting musical venues of the Barrowlands, there’s a fun flair in Glasgow you won’t find in other Scottish cities.

Things to do in Glasgow

Walk the alleyways of George Square: George Square, with its towering Queen Victoria monument, is a hub of fascinating finds. It’s a popular venue for events in front of the City Chambers.

Sip coffee inside the Victorian glasshouse: About two kilometres southeast of the city centre lies the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens, where you can explore Glasgow’s history and enjoy a drink amid lush flora.

Immerse in Scottish fashion in Style Mile: Be ready to fill your wardrobe as you go through Style Mile’s endless designer outlets, stores, and boutiques.

Get awe-inspired inside Glasgow Cathedral: You can explore the inside of the imposing Scottish-Gothic structure and appreciate its stunning stained glass windows, ribbed vaults, and holy effigies.

Things to do in Edinburgh

Wander the Royal Mile: With comfy shoes and an umbrella, nothing captures the city’s essence more than the 2.8-kilometre stretch of Royal Mile, with its iconic monuments, quaint pubs, and souvenir stores.

Scale the steep grassy climb to Arthur’s Seat: A popular viewing spot where you can relish the grandest view of Edinburgh. You’ll find sweeping vistas of the city where history’s grandeur meets modernity.

Explore Edinburgh Castle: Uncover the grizzly past behind the looming Edinburgh Castle, touring through past historic battles, royal bloodlines, and architectural prestige. Don’t miss the One O’Clock Gun.

Meander inside the National Museum of Scotland: History buffs will have a field day inside Scotland’s museum, housing centuries of Scottish history and over 12 million invaluable artefacts.

Discover more of the best things to do in Edinburgh.

Food and drinks scene: Glasgow or Edinburgh?

The magnificence of Edinburgh’s Old Town is difficult to beat, but when it comes to food, I’d say Glasgow has the edge.

Don’t get me wrong, Edinburgh’s traditional Scottish cuisine served in both cosy eateries and fine-dining establishments is great.

But I find they can be a little hit-and-miss, with some providing a better experience than others.

Glasgow’s diverse and flavourful food scene is really impressive, and is part of what makes the city so appealing for foodies, myself included.

Every morsel of spicy Indian curries, Neapolitan pizzas, and Chinese dumplings will leave your taste buds craving more. Not to mention a little more affordable.

Glasgow or Edinburgh: other considerations

Travel budget

For budget travellers, you’ll be glad to know that both destinations are cheaper when compared to other major European cities like London.

Yet, I’m disinclined to call either of them truly “budget-friendly.”

Glasgow is slightly cheaper than Edinburgh. But that’s mainly because of the affluent stores,  fancy restaurants, and attractions in the latter, which make anyone more likely to spend.

More than that, hotels in Glasgow can be more affordable than in Edinburgh. There are fewer tourist traps and more options for cheap pubs and eateries.

So, yes, Glasgow generally edges Edinburgh for affordability.

The number of hotels in Edinburgh far exceeds that of Glasgow, though, providing a flexible range of lodging options for luxury and budget tourists.

Prominent events and festivals

Edinburgh, as the capital, is huge on festivals and events. With 11 major festivals to go through every year, you’re in for a lifetime of memories in Edinburgh.

Between the first and third weeks of August, the entire Edinburgh celebrates the Fringe Festival, the largest performance arts festival in the world.

If you want to witness Scotland’s capital turn into one giant party venue, then be sure to book your flights a week before.

Street performances will flood the roads of both Old Town and New Town.

Glasgow is not one for massive festivities, though they do have several awesome events lined up annually. 

Glasgow’s Merchant City Festival showcases the city’s hard-living culture.

Thousands crowd Glasgow’s colourful avenues, with street arts and musical performances entertaining throngs of Scots.

Final Words

Edinburgh or Glasgow? That largely depends on what you want to get from your travels. Both have their cultural charms and fascinating flairs, showcasing two faces of the highlands.

Edinburgh does blow Glasgow out of the water in the sheer beauty of its Scottish-Gothic city blocks and enigmatic ruins. The Edinburgh Castle alone gathers millions of intrigued visitors annually.

There’s a reason people call it the “Athens of the North.” 

Glasgow is more of Edinburgh’s fun and edgy counterpart. Yet, it doesn’t skimp on UNESCO-worthy destinations, too. Or on its food, artistic culture, or streetlife, for that matter.

For me, my personal favourite city is Edinburgh – in fact, it’s one of my favourite cities in the world. I just can’t resist its inherent magical charm.

What’s your favourite city in the Glasgow vs Edinburgh stand-off? Let me know in the comments below!

Or check out some of my Edinburgh guides:

• 12 cosy cafés in Edinburgh
• 10 best cocktail bars in Edinburgh
• 12 Edinburgh bars and restaurants with a view
• 16 amazing brunch places in Edinburgh