Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, a friendly, creative place with grand Victorian streets, free world class museums, a famous music scene and easy trips to the lochs and hills.
Glasgow grew rich on shipbuilding and trade, and that wealth left behind splendid architecture and generous public museums, many of them free. Today the city is known for its warm welcome, live music, design heritage and a dining scene that has come a long way.
This grand red sandstone building holds everything from Dutch masters to Scottish art and natural history, including Salvador Dali's Christ of Saint John of the Cross. Entry is free, and the daily organ recital is a treat.
Kelvingrove is one of the most visited museums in Scotland. Photo: Stinglehammer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Glasgow Cathedral is a rare medieval Scottish cathedral that survived the Reformation almost intact. Behind it, the Victorian Necropolis covers a hill with elaborate monuments and views over the city.
The Necropolis rises behind Glasgow Cathedral. Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Finlay McWalter assumed (based on copyright claims)., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Designed by Zaha Hadid on the banks of the Clyde, the Riverside Museum tells the story of transport with trams, cars and a recreated old street. The tall ship Glenlee is moored outside.
The Riverside Museum was designed by Zaha Hadid. Photo: Cutkiller2018, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Glasgow is the city of the architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. See his work at The Lighthouse and take tea at Mackintosh at the Willow on Sauchiehall Street.
The leafy West End is home to Kelvingrove Park, the Botanic Gardens and Ashton Lane, a cobbled lane of pubs and restaurants strung with lights.
Ashton Lane is a cobbled lane of bars and restaurants. Photo: Richard Sutcliffe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
The university's Gothic Revival main building and its vaulted cloisters are among the most photographed spots in the city.
The university cloisters are a favourite photo spot. Photo: Atreides83, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The old trading quarter is now full of restaurants, bars and boutiques in handsome eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings, close to George Square and Buchanan Street.
Merchant City is the old trading quarter. Photo: Postdlf, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Glasgow Green is the oldest park in the city. The People's Palace museum tells the story of everyday Glaswegians, with a glasshouse full of plants next door.
The People's Palace tells the story of everyday Glaswegians. Photo: Emmi Hakka, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
South of the river, Pollok Country Park has woodland walks and Highland cattle. It is also home to the Burrell Collection, a remarkable museum of art and antiques from around the world.
The Burrell Collection sits in Pollok Country Park. Photo: Richard Sutcliffe , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Try haggis with neeps and tatties, a hearty full Scottish breakfast and fresh seafood from the west coast. Glasgow is often credited as the birthplace of chicken tikka masala and has a strong curry scene. For something sweet, look for tablet, a crumbly Scottish fudge, and wash it down with a bottle of Irn Bru.
Popular dishes to try in Glasgow
The City Centre is close to the main stations, shopping streets and music venues. Merchant City has stylish hotels and great dining, while the West End offers a quieter base near the museums, parks and university.
Where to stay in Glasgow
Late spring and summer bring the longest days and the most festivals. Rain is possible in every season, so pack a waterproof jacket. December is cold and dark, but the city glows with Christmas markets and lights.
Glasgow Airport is a short bus or taxi ride from the centre, and Glasgow Prestwick serves some budget flights. Trains run from Central and Queen Street stations across Scotland and to London. The circular Subway, nicknamed the Clockwork Orange, links the centre with the West End and south side.
Visit the Cathedral and Necropolis, walk through Merchant City and spend the evening at a live music venue.
Explore Kelvingrove, the university and Ashton Lane in the West End, then visit the Riverside Museum.
Head to the Burrell Collection and Pollok Country Park, or take a day trip to Loch Lomond.
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