Interested in a city break to Scotland? It’s a great idea, but how do you choose between the big rivals? Let’s find out which is best for you.
Scotland is famous for its age-old rivalry between its two largest cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow. There’s been a rivalry between these two cities for as long as anyone can remember, with each fighting to be the ‘best’ Scottish city. Of course, this rivalry is all in good humour and has nothing serious about it at all, it’s just a bit of fun that the local people love to get wrapped up in.
However, while the ‘fight’ between these two cities is all in jest, it doesn’t make it any easier to determine which city you should visit while on your travels. The truth is that both of these cities are just as enticing and enjoyable to visit as each other and have just as much available to see and do.
If you have to decide on just one of these amazing cities, the best thing to do is determine which sounds like the best fit for you. The guide below should help you to do that – read on for everything that you should know.
The food and drink
When visiting any city, the food on offer is, of course, a make or break factor. No one wants to visit a city that has a poor selection of tasty cuisine on offer, do they?
The good news is that both Glasgow and Edinburgh offer a wide range of delicious eateries to choose from, so whichever city you opt to visit you won’t go hungry.
If there’s one place to eat in Edinburgh it’s ‘The Kitchen’, a restaurant that offers fresh ‘farm to table’ meals that are wholesome and homemade, and highly popular with locals and visitors alike. The meals here have a French touch to them, giving them a gourmet twist, which only adds to the charm.
Valvona and Crolla is another place that every foodie must visit while in Edinburgh, serving a range of delicious meats and cheeses to a wide range of specialist desserts, coffees and wines, the food here is incredible.
The food scene in Glasgow is, of course, just as incredible. One of the best places to eat here is at Ubiquitous Chip, which is situated in the West End of the city. Offering a range of seasonal menus, fresh, local ingredients, and an amazingly cool and magical rooftop terrace complete with strings of fairy lights, it’s an eatery that’s difficult to top.
The history
Almost everywhere in Scotland is blessed with a rich and interesting history, and Edinburgh and Glasgow are no different.
Edinburgh is known to be packed full of historical secrets, making it a history lover’s dream to explore. If there’s one place that any history addict must see while in this amazing city, it’s The Castle. Touring each aspect of this incredible building is a must, as is wondering down the Royal Mile, so that you can take a peek at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Love the concept of exploring secret passageways? Then you have to pay a visit to The Real Mary King’s Close, which is home to an array of underground walkways that you can book to tour.
Glasgow is also home to some incredible pieces of history, and boasts a wide range of pieces of Gothic architecture. To learn more about the amazing architecture on offer here, you should consider visiting and viewing Glasgow Cathedral, the High Kirk of Glasgow, and St Mungo’s too.
The Provand’s Lordship, a house that dates back as far as 1471 is also worth taking the time to visit and explore, which is now a museum packed full of curious things.
Where to stay
Like every city, both Edinburgh and Glasgow boast a wide range of wonderful places to stay. From more affordable hostels and guest houses to fancy hotels, each city has a wide range of places to stay, it’s just a case of choosing the one that’s the right fit for you and your travel needs.
Of all the hotels in Edinburgh, one of the most famous is, of course, The Balmoral Hotel, which is renowned as being luxurious and highly decadent. Situated in the centre of the city, this hotel offers access to a wide range of amenities, from attractions to spas, restaurants and bars.
For accommodation that offers a more modern feel, the G and V Hotel is another option that’s worth considering. Complete with a modern, minimalist design, this contemporary building is chic and stylish.
In Glasgow, the equivalent of The Balmoral Hotel is Grand Central, a hotel that’s just as luxurious and opulent. Located close to Central Station, hence the name, this hotel is modern and wonderfully decadent.
Plus, being located next to the Gallery of Modern Art, it’s the ideal place to stay for art lovers. For a more affordable option, citizenM is a cool, classy hotel that comes with a much more affordable price range.
World-famous attractions and things to do
When it comes down to it, the number one reason you choose to visit a certain location tends to be because of the sights and attractions on offer. Luckily, both Edinburgh and Glasgow boast a wide range of attractions to choose from.
In Edinburgh there’s The Scottish National Gallery, which boasts some of the world’s most incredible pieces of artwork, including works by Monet. Then there’s The National Museum of Scotland, which is a must-see for anyone with an interest in Scotland’s history and heritage.
In Glasgow there’s the Gallery of Modern Art, a must-visit location for anyone with a love of artwork and passion for creativity. Inside the city’s old Stirling Library, this gallery is the city’s main area for modern artwork, and showcases pieces for all kinds of artists, including Andy Warhol.
There’s also The Riverside Museum, an attraction that’s packed full of all kinds of vehicles, from prams and trams to trains and cars, and can make a fantastic day out.
Choosing between Edinburgh and Glasgow is no easy task, as both cities are fairly well matched. What it comes down to at the end of the day is the type of experience that you want to have, and where your interests lay. Or, as they’re well-linked by public transport, why not visit both?
Have you been to one or both cities? If so, which would you recommend? If you’ve never been to Scotland and this post has inspired you to plan a trip, why not share your plans on Pinterest…
