Edinburgh vs Glasgow for Indians - Which Scottish City is Better?
Intro: Indians often ask which city to visit/study/live in
I get this question all the time from fellow Indians, whether they're planning a trip, looking to study, or even considering a move to Scotland. "Abhimanyu, which city should I choose – Edinburgh or Glasgow?" After 20 years in Edinburgh, I can tell you there's no simple answer. Both cities have their own personality, and what works for one person might not work for another. Let me break it down honestly.
I get this question all the time from fellow Indians, whether they're planning a trip, looking to study, or even considering a move to Scotland. "Abhimanyu, which city should I choose – Edinburgh or Glasgow?" After 20 years in Edinburgh, I can tell you there's no simple answer. Both cities have their own personality, and what works for one person might not work for another. Let me break it down honestly.
Size & Vibe: Edinburgh = historic, touristy, compact. Glasgow = bigger, grittier, more diverse
Edinburgh is small, walkable, and steeped in history. You can walk from the Old Town to the New Town in 20 minutes. It's a tourist magnet – think cobbled streets, castle views, and festival crowds in August. The vibe is more polished, almost like a living museum.
Glasgow, on the other hand, is bigger, grittier, and feels more like a real working city. It's Scotland's largest city, with a population of over 600,000 compared to Edinburgh's 500,000. The architecture is Victorian and industrial, and the people are famously warm and chatty. Glasgow has a more diverse, multicultural feel, with a stronger South Asian presence.
Glasgow, on the other hand, is bigger, grittier, and feels more like a real working city. It's Scotland's largest city, with a population of over 600,000 compared to Edinburgh's 500,000. The architecture is Victorian and industrial, and the people are famously warm and chatty. Glasgow has a more diverse, multicultural feel, with a stronger South Asian presence.
Indian Food Scene: Edinburgh has Kalpna, Dishoom, Dosa Express. Glasgow has bigger Indian community, better South Asian food overall
If you're craving authentic Indian food, Glasgow wins hands down. The city has a larger Indian and Pakistani community, so you'll find everything from proper South Indian dosas to Punjabi dhaba-style curries. Areas like Pollokshields and Shawlands are packed with Indian restaurants and grocery shops.
Edinburgh has some gems – Kalpna is a legendary vegetarian Indian restaurant, Dishoom brings Bombay café vibes, and Dosa Express does decent South Indian. But overall, Glasgow's Indian food scene is more authentic and affordable. For a deeper dive, check out our Indian Food in Scotland guide.
Edinburgh has some gems – Kalpna is a legendary vegetarian Indian restaurant, Dishoom brings Bombay café vibes, and Dosa Express does decent South Indian. But overall, Glasgow's Indian food scene is more authentic and affordable. For a deeper dive, check out our Indian Food in Scotland guide.
Indian Community: Glasgow has larger Indian/Pakistani community. Edinburgh has more students. Both have temples and gurudwaras
Glasgow has a well-established South Asian community, with families who have been there for generations. You'll find Indian grocery stores, community centres, and cultural events year-round. Edinburgh's Indian community is smaller and more transient, dominated by students and young professionals.
Both cities have temples and gurudwaras – here's a list of temples and mosques in Scotland for reference. Glasgow has more options for religious and cultural gatherings.
Both cities have temples and gurudwaras – here's a list of temples and mosques in Scotland for reference. Glasgow has more options for religious and cultural gatherings.
Cost of Living: Glasgow slightly cheaper rent. Edinburgh more expensive but more student jobs
Rent in Glasgow is about 15-20% cheaper than Edinburgh. A one-bedroom flat in Glasgow city centre might cost £700-900, while Edinburgh is £900-1,200. Groceries and eating out are also slightly cheaper in Glasgow.
However, Edinburgh has more student-friendly jobs – bars, restaurants, and tourist attractions are always hiring. If you're a student, you might find it easier to pick up part-time work in Edinburgh.
However, Edinburgh has more student-friendly jobs – bars, restaurants, and tourist attractions are always hiring. If you're a student, you might find it easier to pick up part-time work in Edinburgh.
Universities: Edinburgh Uni vs Glasgow Uni vs Strathclyde - quick comparison for Indian students
- University of Edinburgh: World-renowned, especially for arts, humanities, and science. Very competitive, higher fees (around £25,000-35,000 per year for international students).
- University of Glasgow: Strong in engineering, business, and medicine. Slightly lower fees (£20,000-30,000) but still prestigious.
- University of Strathclyde: Known for engineering and business. More affordable (£15,000-25,000) and has good industry connections.
For Indian students, Edinburgh Uni has more brand recognition in India, but Glasgow offers better value for money. For more on living costs, see our cost of living guide for Indian students in Edinburgh.
- University of Glasgow: Strong in engineering, business, and medicine. Slightly lower fees (£20,000-30,000) but still prestigious.
- University of Strathclyde: Known for engineering and business. More affordable (£15,000-25,000) and has good industry connections.
For Indian students, Edinburgh Uni has more brand recognition in India, but Glasgow offers better value for money. For more on living costs, see our cost of living guide for Indian students in Edinburgh.
Transport: Edinburgh more walkable. Glasgow better public transport
Edinburgh is compact and walkable – you can get from one end of the city to the other in 45 minutes. The buses are good but expensive (£1.80 single). Glasgow has an extensive subway system, more bus routes, and a train network that connects the suburbs. For daily commuting, Glasgow's public transport is more efficient.
Best for: Students (Edinburgh), Families (Glasgow), Tourists (Edinburgh), Foodies (Glasgow)
- Students: Edinburgh – more prestigious universities, more student jobs, vibrant social scene.
- Families: Glasgow – cheaper housing, larger Indian community, better schools.
- Tourists: Edinburgh – iconic sights, festivals, history.
- Foodies: Glasgow – authentic South Asian food, cheaper restaurants.
- Families: Glasgow – cheaper housing, larger Indian community, better schools.
- Tourists: Edinburgh – iconic sights, festivals, history.
- Foodies: Glasgow – authentic South Asian food, cheaper restaurants.
Verdict: honest take - both are great, depends on your needs
There's no winner here. If you want a historic, walkable city with strong universities and tourist appeal, choose Edinburgh. If you want a more affordable, multicultural city with better Indian food and a larger community, choose Glasgow.
Many Indians start in Edinburgh for studies and move to Glasgow for work and family life. Both cities are welcoming to Indians – you'll find your people in either place.
If you're looking for student housing, check out our Indian student accommodation in Edinburgh guide for practical tips.
Got questions? Drop me a message on WhatsApp at +44 7555 574456 or email hello@indiansinscotland.com. I'm happy to help you decide!
Many Indians start in Edinburgh for studies and move to Glasgow for work and family life. Both cities are welcoming to Indians – you'll find your people in either place.
If you're looking for student housing, check out our Indian student accommodation in Edinburgh guide for practical tips.
Got questions? Drop me a message on WhatsApp at +44 7555 574456 or email hello@indiansinscotland.com. I'm happy to help you decide!