A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Glasgow for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Ephesus or Glasgow?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Glasgow, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Ephesus

Ephesus is a fascinating, ancient, and world-renowned archeological site. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Ephesus travel costs.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a high energy, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Glasgow travel costs.

Ephesus and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ephesus or Glasgow?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glasgow than Ephesus, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Glasgow is more popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Ephesus is known for its museums and attractions. Ephesus is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its well-preserved ruins and vast size Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

How is Ephesus different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glasgow and Ephesus. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ephesus or Glasgow?

Ephesus is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Ephesus has many famous sights for visitors. Of course, the iconic site is the ruins of Ephesus. There are also several fascinating museums in the area that offer deeper insights into the region's rich history and culture. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is popular. It has an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Just outside the museum, the Temple of Artemis section displays remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Selçuk Museum of Ephesus is another excellent spot to explore, with exhibits that highlight both the daily life of ancient Ephesians and their religious practices. A short drive from Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary museum, a revered site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, with a chapel and peaceful surroundings. Lastly, the İsa Bey Mosque and Museum in Selçuk adds to the area's historical depth, offering a glimpse into the Seljuk architecture and Islamic heritage of the region.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Glasgow. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

Is the Food Better in Ephesus or Glasgow? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Ephesus and Glasgow.

Ephesus has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most of the food options are found in the nearby town of Selçuk. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Many restaurants are casual and cater specifically to the tourist crowds.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Glasgow area. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Ephesus or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Ephesus is not known for its evening party scene.

Glasgow is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

Most people don't head to Ephesus specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The there are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music in the town of Selçuk, but generally the nightlife is very low key.

Is Ephesus or Glasgow Better for Music?

Glasgow is renowned for its live music scene. However, Ephesus is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Glasgow. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Ephesus is not a live music destination.

Is Ephesus or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Ephesus does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Glasgow. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Ephesus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ephesus or Glasgow?

If you're looking to go shopping, Ephesus and Glasgow both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ephesus. Selçuk has a variety of local shops and markets. Traditional handicrafts such as carpet and kilim weaving, ceramics, and leather goods are popular souvenirs. The Selçuk Market is held on Saturdays and offers fresh produce, spices, and other local products.

Many visitors go to Glasgow to go shopping. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Is Ephesus or Glasgow Better for Families?

Ephesus and Glasgow are both good destinations for the whole family.

Ephesus offers lots of family activities. Kids who are into history or archeology will enjoy a visit to the famed ruins of Ephesus. There's also the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where everyone can learn about ancient Greek and Roman cultures in an interactive setting. The nearby House of the Virgin Mary offers a peaceful stop where kids can learn about its historical and religious significance in a tranquil environment. For an active experience, families can enjoy a short hike to Pamucak Beach, where children can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

Glasgow is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

Is Ephesus or Glasgow Better for Couples?

Ephesus and Glasgow are both good to visit as a couple.

Ephesus makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples stop off at these ruins as part of a bigger tour of Turkey. The ruins are well preserved and impressive, but can get crowded if you visit during the peak times.

Glasgow is a good archeological site for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

Is Ephesus or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Ephesus and Glasgow are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ephesus. Many backpackers stay in the nearby town of Selçuk, which has several hostels. This is also where you'll find a number of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Glasgow is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Is Ephesus or Glasgow Better for Students?

Glasgow is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Ephesus is not popular with students.

Glasgow is a great city to visit as a student. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

Ephesus is not popular with students.

Is Ephesus or Glasgow Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ephesus and Glasgow both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Ephesus has some very good public transit options. The town of Selçuk is well-connected by dolmuşes (shared minivans) that run frequently and offer affordable rides to nearby destinations, including Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Pamucak Beach area.

The public transit in Glasgow can get you to most places easily. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Is Ephesus or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Glasgow is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its ease of walking around.

Glasgow is a very walkable city. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.

Ephesus is a somewhat walkable archeological site. The ruins are spread out over a large area, but most of the key sites, like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, are within walking distance of each other. From Selçuk, it's about a half hour walk to the entrance of the Ephesus ruins, but most visitors prefer to take a short taxi or dolmuş ride to the site. Within Selçuk, many of the sites can be reached on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ephesus Worth Visiting? and Is Glasgow Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Ephesus?

How long in Ephesus or Glasgow?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ephesus and Glasgow. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Glasgow than in Ephesus. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ephesus, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glasgow.

Families should spend more time in Glasgow than Ephesus. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Glasgow, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Glasgow than Ephesus. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Glasgow that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Glasgow than Ephesus if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Glasgow.

One day in Ephesus or Glasgow?

In Ephesus, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Glasgow, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Ephesus or Glasgow?

In Ephesus, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ephesus has to offer.

In Glasgow, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Glasgow has to offer.

Five days in Ephesus or Glasgow?

Ephesus is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Glasgow is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ephesus or Glasgow?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ephesus. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ephesus. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glasgow. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Glasgow. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Glasgow, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ephesus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ephesus and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow than you might in Ephesus.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Glasgow Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Glasgow?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Glasgow, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Ephesus or Glasgow?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ephesus or Glasgow in the Summer?

Both Glasgow and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Ephesus because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.

In the summer, Ephesus is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Glasgow averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ephesus or Glasgow in the Autumn?

Both Glasgow and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Glasgow. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ephesus or Glasgow in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Glasgow. Many travelers come to Ephesus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Glasgow in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Glasgow can get quite cold in the winter. Ephesus is much warmer than Glasgow in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ephesus or Glasgow in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Glasgow. Additionally, most visitors come to Glasgow for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Ephesus is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Glasgow averages at about 7°C (45°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Glasgow. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Ephesus