Birmingham or Glasgow? (good hotels, homes, shops)

[RagingEagle]

I have the opportunity to move to either Birmingham or Glasgow, I've been trying to compare the cities, but haven't had much success.

So I wanted to see if anyone here had any insight on which city is better (and if possible, why?).

Thanks.

[dizzybint]

never been to Birmingham so would be a bit unfair of me to say.. what we do have in Glasgow is lovely architecture.. shops galore. pubs , clubs, museums. cafes, faboulous riverside music venues, good hotels, and a sense of humour equal to none on the planet.. there ye go.... your coming to Glasgow

[dragonborn]

Personally I prefer Glasgow by far for the following reasons;

- More beautiful architecture
- Much better and more extensive public transport
- More of a "big city" feel (Brum feels like an oversized town in some respects)
- Far more stunning surrounding scenery

Birmingham does edge it for the following though:

- Shopping (probably the best outside of London, several huge malls)
- Centrally located in in the UK
- Variety of nightlife (lots of clubs on Broad Street)

Both cities have come a long way in the last 30 years or so, but Birmingham still has a lot of ugly architecture from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Glasgow's city centre is a lot bigger and feels a lot bigger and more strategically and historically important, for want of a better word. I would pick Glasgow, hands down.

[sunshineleith]

I am guessing the weather would be better in Birmingham. I have not been to Scotland yet when it wasn't raining.

[Scotslass]

Originally Posted by sunshineleith

I am guessing the weather would be better in Birmingham. I have not been to Scotland yet when it wasn't raining.

The differences are pretty marginal considering they´re both on the west which receives more rain.

[Jezer]

Translators required in both cities.

[Scotslass]

Originally Posted by Jezer

Translators required in both cities.

Very true, especially with the slang. You can always tell people from Glasgow, the accent is so strong.

Don´t have much experience in Birmingham though

[Baldrick]

Given the choice i'd opt for Glasgow.

I've been to both cities a fair few times and the only thing going for Birmingham is that there are many other nicer cities/large towns close to it or they're easy to get to from it.

Birmingham itself is one of the ugliest places i've ever been to.

[Scotslass]

Glasgow borders Ayrshire and Renfrewshire which boasts some really nice traditional towns and villages like Houston, Bridge of Weir, Kilmacolm, Largs, Eaglesham, etc. Safe, good public transport links to Glasgow, nice tradition victorian homes and new builds, good amenities. I should know I am from Renfrewshire

[Virijat]

It depends on what you are looking for. As a city I would go for Glasgow, it has better public transport, better architecture and it's definitely more organised.

Birmingham is better connected though, central location, closer to London, more air links, etc.