Deciding Between Glasgow or Edinburgh

Glasgow or Edinburgh? Scotland’s two major cities are just an hour apart, but are quite different from each other. Yet for some reason people tend to pick one or the other to visit, so the Glasgow or Edinburgh question commonly comes up.

Even I’m guilty of asking if Glasgow or Edinburgh is better, but I made the mistake of asking someone who lives in Edinburgh. He scoffed at Glasgow and even Glaswegians, knocking their accent and sense of humor. Later, when I asked a Glaswegian his thoughts on Edinburgh, he boasted Glasgow was better than Edinburgh without a doubt.

So after spending three days in Glasgow last month and three trips to Edinburgh last year, I wanted to straighten out the differences between Glasgow and Edinburgh. But which city is better will be up to you to decide. (I vote you visit both and truly decide for yourself!)

Should You Go to Glasgow or Edinburgh?

Glasgow or Edinburgh? Why Edinburgh is Better than Glasgow

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and has all the components of a tourist hotspot. In the center of the medieval city sits the ancient Edinburgh Castle perched on a hill surrounded by centuries-old pubs, cobblestone streets complete with narrow alleys (called closes), and gothic-style churches. Add to that plenty of fantastic restaurants, and — of course — lots of whisky.

The architecture is old and unique, making walking down the street an activity in itself. And everything is close enough that walking everywhere is more than doable, but cabs and trams are there when your feet give out before you do. The Princes Street Gardens or a hike to Arthur’s Seat (for a view above the city) will cure your outdoorsy bug — or at least help you walk off your whisky. (Here’s what to do in Edinburgh.)

If you happen to visit Edinburgh during Christmastime, there’s an outdoor Christmas market in the center of the city selling everything in traditional tartan (that’s “plaid” to Americans), and a massive New Year’s celebration that includes a torch parade thousands of people strong.

Whisky Bars in Edinburgh

Whisky is not far from anywhere in Scotland and Edinburgh is no exception. Right in the city is the Scotch Whisky Experience, showcasing how whisky is made for those who can’t make it to a distillery. Skip the Disney-ified tour (especially the one with the whisky barrel ride) and check out the world’s largest single malt collection instead (3,384 bottles deep). The whisky bar is worth a stop, too. As are plenty of others in the area: Usquabae Whisky Bar, Kaleidoscope (the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s bar open to the public), Bow Bar, and Whiski Rooms, to name a few.

Whisky Distilleries in Edinburgh

If you want the real deal (of course you do!), Glenkinchie Distillery is right outside of Edinburgh. An easy bus or cab ride will get you there, where you can tour the distillery and taste Lowland scotch.

Tullibardine Distillery is nearby, too; hop on the Interrail train to Stirling and catch the bus or cab from there. The distillery is the oldest brewery site in Scotland, dating to 1488. The Highland single malt is known for its unique cask maturation, so don’t miss the Burgundy cask and the Châteauneuf-du-Pape finish. Blair Athol, Deanston, Edrador, Famous Grouse, and Dewar’s World of Whisky at Aberfeldy Distillery are all near Edinburgh too.

Because of its location on the east side of Scotland, Edinburgh is an easy entry point to the Highland or Speyside whisky regions. Plenty of guided tours ranging from one day to several start in Edinburgh, making it a good home base.

Day Trips from Edinburgh

Edinburgh is close to more than just whisky regions. Besides Stirling (and the stunning Stirling Castle), dozens of places make for easy day trips from Edinburgh. From North Berwick to Newcastle, Edinburgh puts you in easy access to all of them. Here are the best day trips from Edinburgh all compiled together.

Glasgow or Edinburgh? Why Glasgow is Better than Edinburgh

Glasgow was once described to me as “industrial” and while I didn’t see factories, I understand the description. With less tourists, Glasgow is less on display. It’s a university city full of students and locals, without the souvenir shops on every block or restaurants obviously catering to tourists. It certainly has more modern buildings, striking a contrast against the dark stone of the old architecture.

Even though it doesn’t seem like it, Glasgow has a larger population than Edinburgh. (It’s the largest city in Scotland.) Maybe it doesn’t feel as dense because it’s more spread out, with wider streets and more city squares. Life feels a little slower here, more relaxed.

The Glasgow Cathedral is one of the city’s architecture stars, sitting next to a hill dotted with Victorian statues dedicated to once-rich merchants. The Victorian cemetery, called the Necropolis, is the final resting place for 50,000 people. Even if you’re not into old cemeteries, the view of the city from there is beautiful. Street art and huge murals color the streets, while pubs and parks aren’t hard to find, and neither are museums (most free to the public).

Whisky Bars in Glasgow

This being Scotland, whisky is in full force in Glasgow. The Pot Still and the Bon Accord are two of Scotland’s most famous whisky bars, each boasting upwards of 700 whiskies each! If you prefer not to be overwhelmed by your options, the Ben Nevis, Islay Inn, and Piper’s Bar are great options.

Whisky Distilleries Near Glasgow

Plenty of whisky distilleries are near Glasgow, but Glaswegians can boast there’s actually a working distillery in the city. The newly opened Clydeside Distillery is right in the city and while it’s not selling its own juice just yet, it’s open for distillery tours and tastings of other classic single malts.

And Glengoyne Distillery is not far away, yet it feels like a completely different world. It’s the only distillery to distill whisky in the Highland region and age it in the Lowlands, since the distillery sits on the division between the two. (The tour of Glengoyne was the highlight of my trip.)

Auchentoshan, a Lowland single malt known for its light whisky, is just as close. Deanston, Isle of Arran, and even Tullibardine (which I visited from Edinburgh) are all easily accessible from Glasgow.

And if you really want to get ambitious, Glasgow is a great starting point for the Islay and Campbeltown whisky regions. Ferries and flights regularly leave from the city or just outside it.

Day Trips from Glasgow

As a base for day trips, Glasgow puts you within easy reach of the infamous Loch Ness and the Highlands, which is beautiful as it is mysterious; Oban, an adorable little coastal town; the historical Perth or St. Andrews; and Stirling, home to a castle, small city, and Tullibardine Distillery.

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Clearly the question isn’t “Is Glasgow or Edinburgh better?” It’s “what do you want out of your time in Scotland?” Both cities, although similar, have their own characteristics and definitely their own feel to them. But both have great food, lots of whisky, and easy access to whisky distilleries.

The Glasgow or Edinburgh debate is much like the Barcelona or Madrid argument in Spain. There are enough people arguing for each city and they are different enough that you’re best bet is to visit both and decide for yourself. (For the record, I’m a Madrid fan.)

At the end of the day, you can’t choose wrong. After all, you’re in Scotland! And it depends on what your agenda is for each city. As for me, I enjoyed Glasgow but Edinburgh will always hold a special place in my heart. Feel free to argue with me in the comments! :)

Related:: What to Eat in Edinburgh, What to do in Edinburgh, and Three Days in Glasgow

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