Glasgow (means ‘dear green place’) is Scotland’s largest city and is renowned for its culture, style and the friendliness of its people. We walked into shops, hotels, restaurants, galleries – every Glaswegian we encountered was extremely friendly, so we are not surprised that Glasgow recently voted the ‘friendliest city in the world’. Glasgow is one of the most eclectic architectural cities in Europe with its Italianate palazzo facades, Art Nouveau, classical Greek and Roman motifs, and the Spanish Renaissance style. It would be hard to find a place where you can’t see at least one spire in the distance. With over 90 green spaces, world-class architecture, a vibrant nightlife, breathtaking scenery and outstanding shopping, Glasgow has it all. Enjoy our list of the Top 8 Things To Do In Glasgow.
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Tall Ship
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The Clyde Maritime Trust owns the barque Glenlee, the principal exhibit at The Tall Ship at Riverside. Of the many hundreds of ships built in Glasgow’s shipyards, the Glenlee is one of only five Clyde built ships still afloat in the world today and she is the only one of her kind in the UK. The Tall Ship is an independent museum committed to the preservation and interpretation of the Glenlee and the maritime history of the area for the benefit of local people and visitors to Glasgow.
Glasgow Cathedral
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Glasgow Cathedral was at the very heart of the early development of Glasgow as a city. Dedicated to St Kentigern, the first bishop of Strathclyde, the awe-inspiring edifice attracted countless pilgrims to his shrine. Originally built in the 1100s, and substantially enlarged in the 1200s, it survived the Protestant Reformation of 1560 almost intact and stands today as the most complete medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland. Source: historic-scotland
Willow Tea Rooms
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Splendour and elegance await you at the Willow Tearooms. Designed by the internationally renowned artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1904, the tea rooms allow you to step into a fantasy realm and experience Art Deco beauty over afternoon tea. Delicious sandwiches and scrumptious cakes, accompany tea in ornate china cups. The Willow Tearooms is the ideal way to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the shoppers on Sauchiehall Street. Source: expressglasgow
House for an Art Lover
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Designed by the internationally acclaimed Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, House for an Art Lover provides an excellent resource for visitors as a cultural attraction & tourist destination. The House is home to the popular Art Lovers Cafe, Gallery & Shop.
Botanical Gardens
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Glasgow Botanic Gardens, located in the West End of Glasgow is arguably the finest Garden in Glasgow. It features several glasshouses, the most notable of which is the recently restored Kibble Palace, a magnificent Curvilinular Glasshouse designed by John Kibble.
Glasgow Science Centre
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Glasgow Science Centre is one of Scotland’s must-see visitor attractions – presenting concepts of science and technology in unique and inspiring ways.
The Lighthouse
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The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture, is a visitor centre, exhibition space and events venue situated in the heart of Glasgow, just off the Style Mile. The Lighthouse acts as a beacon for the creative industries in Scotland and promotes design and architecture through a vibrant programme of exhibitions and events. It also boasts one of the best views of Glasgow.
Clyde Arc
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The Clyde Arc, also known as the Finnieston Bridge or the ‘squinty’ bridge, is the first new surface level road bridge to cross the River Clyde since 1969 and is a key infrastructure component in the continued development of Pacific Quay. The bridge design was selected in July 2002 following a design and build procurement process. It features a spectacular tied arch which forms an instantly recognisable gateway to the city.
Just So You Know…
- There are over 20 towns in the US named ‘Glasgow’.
- Clubs close at 3am, but there are so many underground raves and flat parties after hours.
- Visit Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery, it presents a fascinating look into the history and success of Scotland’s oldest brewery.
- Have a drink at the Horse Shoe Bar in Drury-lane, it holds the current Guinness World Record for being the longest continuous bar in the UK.
Get Some Culture:
- Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery – Scotland’s oldest public museum.
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum – The most popular free-to-enter visitor attraction in Scotland.
- Riverside Museum -a marvel of design and engineering, housing many of the existing collections of the Glasgow Museum of Transport.
- Gallery of Modern Art – The main gallery of contemporary art in Glasgow.
Grab A Bite:
- Òran Mór – a converted church that’s now a restaurant as well as cultural venue, offers the traditional haggis (a Scottish dish consisting of a sheep’s or calf’s offal mixed with suet, oatmeal, and seasoning and boiled in a bag)
- The Hanoi Bike Shop – Became Glasgow’s first Vietnamese restaurant, and one with a fresh, casual, canteen-style feel.
