Glasgow Trip Cost Calculator
Glasgow ranges from £60/day budget adventures to £260+ luxury experiences. World-class free museums, legendary nightlife, and Scotland's best food scene.
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Glasgow Budget Guide
Your Glasgow Budget at a Glance
Glasgow is Scotland’s secret budget gem. While Edinburgh gets the tourists, Glasgow delivers world-class museums (all free), superior nightlife, and a friendlier food scene - at significantly lower prices. Budget travelers can manage on $75-130 per day, mid-range travelers should expect $130-260 per day, and luxury seekers will spend $380+ per day.
Where Your Money Goes
Accommodation is cheaper than Edinburgh. Food is excellent value with outstanding curry and independent restaurants. Transport is cheap with the circular subway. Attractions are exceptional - all major museums are completely free.
Budget Traveler Tips
Stretch your pounds by:
- Staying in hostels in the West End or city centre (from £20/night)
- Eating square sausage rolls for breakfast and curry for dinner
- Using the £4.90 subway day ticket for unlimited travel
- Spending days at Kelvingrove, Riverside Museum, and GOMA - all free
Worth the Splurge
Even budget travelers should consider:
- Dinner at Mother India or Ubiquitous Chip
- A whisky flight at The Pot Still (700+ whiskies)
- Day trip to Loch Lomond (45 mins by train)
Best Time to Visit for Value
January to March offers the best deals. Mid-week stays year-round are significantly cheaper. Check for Hydro concerts and Old Firm matches that spike prices.
Avoid these expensive periods:
- Celtic vs Rangers matches and big European nights
- Major Hydro concert weekends
- Summer festival weekends
- Christmas market season
Practical Money Tips
Tipping Culture
Standard 10-12% at restaurants if service isn’t included. No tip at pubs. Round up taxi fares.
Paying for Things
Contactless widely accepted. Cash occasionally useful for smaller establishments. Free ATMs at banks.
Tap Water
Scottish tap water is excellent - some of the UK’s best. Free at all restaurants.
Getting There & Around
From Glasgow Airport
- Bus 500 Express: £9 single (20-25 minutes)
- Taxi/Uber: £25-30 (25 minutes)
Getting Around
The city centre is walkable. The circular subway connects centre to West End. Buses cover wider areas. Very easy to navigate.
Money-Saving Tips
World-Class Free Museums
Glasgow's major museums are ALL free - Kelvingrove (Scotland's most visited), Riverside Museum, Gallery of Modern Art, Hunterian. You could spend a week on museums alone.
Save $60-100 per tripCheap Subway System
The circular subway (Clockwork Orange) costs just £1.90 per ride or £4.90 all day. It connects central Glasgow with the West End quickly and cheaply.
Save $10-15 per day vs taxisRoll & Sausage Breakfast
Skip hotel breakfast. A square sausage roll and coffee at a local cafe costs £4-5 and is authentically Glaswegian.
Save $8-10 per dayCheap Curry Scene
Glasgow's curry houses offer incredible value - BYO at many places. A feast at Mother India Cafe can cost under £15 per person.
Save $10-20 per mealBest Time to Visit
Prices can vary by 50% depending on the season
Peak Season (More Expensive)
- Summer weekends (June - August)
- Major Hydro concerts
- Celtic/Rangers big matches
- Christmas Markets
Low Season (Best Deals)
- January - March
- November
- Mid-week year-round
Frequently Asked Questions
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