Glasgow on a Budget | Cost Breakdown and Free Activities

Glasgow is the most populous city in Scotland and one of the friendliest cities in the world. In general, Scotland is a mid-range destination budget-wise. It’s not the most expensive destination, but it isn’t the cheapest either. The average daily cost to visit Glasgow is £112 ¹, and accommodations and food are generally the most expensive parts of your trip. Read on for how to do Glasgow on a budget, including a budget break down of my trip in 2022.

Full disclaimer: I don’t include my tips or donations in any of the costs below because it varies by person. Free walking tours are by donation/tip and are highly encouraged. Costs are from a 2022 trip.

Read more: Glasgow Itinerary | 10+ Things to Enjoy in this Fantastic City

Glasgow on a Budget

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland. That also means theres a ton to do in the city, and a lot of day trips to consider! Spending 3-4 days in the city would be ideal. This would give you time to explore different neighbourhoods but not break the bank on accommodations.

A great budget option is the Easy Hotel Glasgow City Centre. A room is about £20-25 per night. If you’re travelling with another person, that cost is split in half per person! It is a clean and a small space but perfect for the traveller just looking for somewhere to stay.

An average lunch or dinner at a restaurant will cost about £15-30. Museums and public gardens are free. Public transit is reasonable starting from £1.80/ride or £4.90/day. There are a ton of travel companies offering day trips or multi-day trips to see more of Scotland if you’re interested in heading outside of the city.

Some additional costs for Glasgow activities (that I didn’t get to do) include:

Kevingrove Art Gallery and Museum: FREE
People’s Palace: FREE
Glengoyne Distillery: £18 for a tour, bus included in day pass
Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands Day Trip from Glasgow: £55
City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: £15
Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe Adventure from Glasgow: £65

Read more: Glenfinnan Viaduct Tips to Visit and Take the Best Photos

Glasgow on a Budget Breakdown

Day one in Glasgow:

Airport Express Bus: £9
Walking tour: FREE (by donation)
Glasgow Necropolis and Glasgow Cathedral: FREE
Afternoon Tea on a Red Double Decker Bus: £42.50
Glasgow Murals: FREE
Easy Hotel: £30
Day one total: £81.50 + walking tour tip

Day two in Glasgow:

Public transport day pass: £4.90
Glasgow Green: FREE
Glasgow Botanic Gardens: FREE
University of Glasgow Cloisters: FREE
Gin and Tonic Cocktail on Ashton Lane: £8.95
Lunch at Brown’s: £13.95 (salad)
Dinner at Bucks Bar: £13.95 (chicken sandwich and fries)
Easy Hotel: £15 (£30 room split between two people)
Day two total: £56.75

Day three in Glasgow:

Public transport day pass: £4.90
Enjoy a Full Scottish Breakfast: £15
Glasgow Botanic Gardens: FREE
University of Glasgow Cloisters: FREE
Bus to Inverness: £15
Day three total: £34.90

Glasgow Grand Total: £173.15