Comparison · Belfast vs Glasgow · United Kingdom
Belfast vs Glasgow
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Belfast for Titanic and Political murals; choose Glasgow for Free museums, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 177 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 177 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Belfast
- May–June and August–September
- Best time for Glasgow
- May–September
Side by side
| Belfast | Glasgow | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Known for | Titanic, Political murals and Victorian pubs | Free museums, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Live music |
| Best time to visit | May–June and August–September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $150–$260 | $160–$280 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 19°C (66°F) | July, 19°C (66°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 8°C (46°F) | January, 7°C (45°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 14 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BFS, BHD | GLA, PIK |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Belfast for…
Titanic and Political murals. Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, grew rich on linen, rope-making and shipbuilding — the Harland & Wolff yard built the Titanic here — and that history is told at Titanic Belfast on the old slipways. The compact centre around City Hall is walkable…
Choose Glasgow for…
Free museums, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and free sights. Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, a former shipbuilding and trading powerhouse on the River Clyde whose Victorian wealth left grand sandstone streets, a medieval cathedral and an unusually generous set of free museums, from Kelvingrove to the Burrell…
Top sights compared
| # | Belfast | Glasgow |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Titanic Belfast | Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum |
| 2 | SS Nomadic | Glasgow Cathedral |
| 3 | Belfast City Hall | Glasgow Necropolis |
| 4 | Ulster Museum | Riverside Museum |
| 5 | Botanic Gardens and Palm House | Burrell Collection |
Food compared
| Belfast | Glasgow |
|---|---|
| Ulster fry | Full Scottish breakfast |
| Soda bread and potato bread | Square sausage roll |
| Champ | Haggis, neeps and tatties |
| Irish stew | Chicken tikka masala and Glasgow curry |
Which is cheaper?
Belfast and Glasgow cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $150–$260 in Belfast and $160–$280 in Glasgow (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Belfast on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Belfast and Glasgow are about 177 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Belfast and 3 in Glasgow.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Belfast or Glasgow cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $150–$260 in Belfast and $160–$280 in Glasgow (estimates).
+Is Belfast or Glasgow better for a first trip?
Pick Belfast for Titanic and Political murals, or Glasgow for Free museums, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and free sights.
+How far is Belfast from Glasgow?
About 177 km in a straight line.