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The Glasgow Travel Guide looks at Glasgow, the largest and best known city in Scotland. Glasgow has a rich and varied history, once known as the ‘second city of the empire’ gives an indication as to its importance. The city gained its wealth and power from the cotton mills, shipyards and coal mines, thus was an industrial powerhouse. Today with the heavy industries no longer on the horizon, Glasgow still has its energy and generates the excitement associated with thriving cities.



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Glasgow Guide

Overview and Attractions
Glasgow Hotels
Glasgow Map
Glasgow Local Search
Glasgow Travel Videos
Glasgow Weather
Flight Search



Overview and Attractions

Is has been noted by many that Glasgow has more than a hint of the continent about it, there are a number of stylist bars and restaurants that give rise to this. The people of Glasgow are known for their warmth and humour. They have had to endure some tough times when heavy industry was closing and taking the lifeblood of the communities with it. However they have re-build and renovated and today’s Glasgow is very different to the image of a past industrial giant. The city has also been compared to North America, for its grid street system and streetwise locals.

The history of Glasgow dates back around 1,500 years ago, when it was founded by St. Mungo. Back in 1990 Glasgow became Britain’s first European Capital of Culture, this recognition acted as a catalyst in building Glasgow’s reputation as an arts & cultural centre and showcased its credentials to the world. The city has a lot to offer visitors the highlights include its museums, architecture and shopping for which Glasgow is famous. Scotland’s largest city nowadays displays its flamboyance that one would expect from a culturally rich city a far cry from the depths of a slow decline when its heavy industry had been winding down. The rich and famous not to mention fashionistas have an affinity with Glasgow that has helped in its rejuvenation. The city is home to a plethora of designer stores and shopping paradises for the wealthy, famous and the fashion set. Areas around Buchanan Street, Sauchiehall Street, St Enoch Centre and the Designer Exchange are examples of this transformation.

Glasgow’s Merchant City is viewed as a trendy part of town with warehouse/loft apartments. You can smell the aroma of the espressos on the street as you go past the fashionable cafes, there are a number of boutique designer stores, award winning restaurants and wine bars and clubs. It is where you will see Glasgow high society but being Glasgow there is a relaxed atmosphere.

Glaswegians are fanatical about football. Not only is the national stadium Hampden Park in the city, two of the giants in world football reside here namely Celtic and city rivals Rangers. Football fans can visit Ranger’s Ibrox stadium and Celtic’s Park Head for an atmosphere of passion they are unlikely to ever forget. The sporting rivalry between the two is also spilt by religious lines, it is not surprising the local derby matches when the two play each other, have been described by commentators as the biggest derby games in world club football. For more information please see:

Celtic Football Club

Rangers Football Club

There are many sites to visit in Glasgow among them is the Burrell Collection. When Sir William Burrell gifted his collection of over 9,000 works of art to Glasgow, the city was fortunate enough to acquire one of the greatest collections held by one person. The collection is made up of a wide range of works from all over the world. You can see significant collections of medieval art, alabasters and English oak furniture. There are European paintings, including works by Degas, Islamic art is also represented in the collection as are modern sculpture including works Rodin. There are fine works from yesteryear including works from ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. The Burrell Collection is situated in the Pollok Country Park in South Glasgow and is nearby to Pollok House. For more information please see:

Burrell Collection

Gallery of Modern Art is the second most visited contemporary art gallery outside London, it offers a programme of temporary exhibitions and workshops. The gallery displays work by both local Scottish and international artists. It first opened back in 1996, the Gallery of Modern Art is situated in Glasgow city centre. The elegant building that hosts the collection was refurbished to house the city’s contemporary art collection and the building is a combination of old and new architecture. The gallery is developing all the time and now has a dedicated Education and Access studio allowing for facilitating workshops. For further information please see:

Gallery of Modern Art

Glasgow Science Centre offers an interesting day out it is more than one attraction, it has a number of attractions for visitors to enjoy. The main centrepiece is the Science Mall. The mall has three floors of exhibits, there are also cafes and shops. A great place for those that like to explore and be challenged there are hundreds of exhibits, live science related shows, an E-learning centre and an impressive Virtual Science Theatre. The IMAX cinema at the Glasgow Science Centre has an awesome light and sound system that is sure to amaze. The 3D film experience is an impressive one. The Glasgow Tower at the Science Centre is the first tower able to revolve around 360 degrees from the ground up. It is around 400 feet in height and presents a great opportunity for far reaching views for miles around. For further information please see:

Glasgow Science Centre

Pollok House is located on an impressive historic mansion and contains wonderful examples of Spanish art, antique furniture and ceramics. It also boasts a library. A visit to Pollok House shows a quick glimpse at country life within stones throw of the city. The gardens of the house are superbly maintained and include a collection of over 1,000 species of rhododendrons, these can be viewed by visitors. For further information please see:

Glasgow Museums

For those that like the theatre The King’s theatre in Glasgow is one of Scotland’s most important theatres. Originally opened back in 1904 is has hosted a number of major stars and shows for a century. The King’s theatre provides Glasgow’s strong amateur groups with a stage to showcase their talents. It was the location in 1990 for the opening ceremony of Glasgow’s European City of Culture program of events. It is as popular as it has ever been and continues to play to full houses. The theatre produces musicals, pantomimes, dramas, comedy and dance. For more information please see:

The King’s Theatre Glasgow

Glasgow has a thriving nightlife and there a wide range of clubs, bars both basic and trendy, all types of pubs, restaurants of all cuisines that suit all budgets. The city does come alive at night and its nightlife is testament of this. For more information please see:

Glasgow Nightlife

Accommodation in Glasgow is available to suit all budgets from those on a budget to those visitors looking for ac more luxurious stay. It is worth considering a hotel is not too far away from where you need to get to, the travelling time each day to and from your hotel can take up time, especially for those on a tight schedule whilst they visit Glasgow. It is recommended to do your research and ensure your hotel is located at a convenient location for you and offers the amenities you require. There are a range of budget, mid range and exclusive hotels available in Glasgow, for further information please see:

Selection of Glasgow Hotels

For a full list of Glasgow Hotels please see:

Glasgow Hotels


With the Glasgow Travel Guide our concise look at Glasgow introduced a city with a mix of the old and new. The city is easily assessable by road, rail and air for visitors from the UK meaning it makes a great location for a weekend and short break. Its diverse range of attractions and activities mean you can become absorbed in the cultural arts by day and party the night away in equal measure.

Glasgow Travel Guide

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Glasgow Local Search


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