Glasgow has plenty going on to keep you on your toes. It’s the full package, with world-class museums and galleries, breath-taking architecture, wonderful parks, unique attractions, high street, designer and independent retailers, as well as an excellent range of bars, pubs and restaurants.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery
Start the day with a walk in the park to the grand red sandstone building housing Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It’s free to get in and inside there are over 8,000 objects of art, archaeology, and natural history – it’s even home to a real Spitfire! Just a 10 minute walk away is The University of Glasgow. The beautiful vaulted Cloisters (also known as the Undercroft) date back to the 1860s. They’re part of Bute Hall, a Gothic revival building designed by renowned architect George Gilbert Scott.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Explore the pathways of Glasgow Botanic Gardens to see their collection of flora and shrubs before visiting Kibble Palace, an exquisite restored Victorian glasshouse. If you’re feeling peckish, the tearoom offers a tasty selection of cakes, sandwiches, teas and coffees.
Once you’ve had your fill of cake and tea, head towards the city centre and enjoy a bit of culture. Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is housed in a stunning neoclassical building in Royal Exchange Square. Exhibitions regularly change and there’s an events programme too. If you have time you should squeeze in a visit to The Lighthouse, Scotland’s national centre for design and architecture. From the viewing platform, you get some spectacular views of the city skyline.
Have a bite to eat
Head for The Ubiquitous Chip, a classy restaurant in a hanging garden in the heart of the West End. Traditional Scots food with creative twists, and lots of lively bars in cobbled lanes around it.
Next, head back to the city centre and over to the People’s Palace on historic Glasgow Green, a fantastic free museum where you can learn the story of Glasgow’s people – some of friendliest on the planet. If you’re feeling thirsty afterwards, grab a pew at the WEST Brewery bar, set in the beautiful Templeton Building on the edge of the Green.
Glasgow by night
To discover the West End at night, head to Ashton Lane, a pretty cobbled pedestrian street near Byres Road, which has a great mix of bars, pubs and eateries. Alternatively, try the Finneston area – it’s built up a reputation for being home to a number of the city’s best new restaurants. If you fancy being at heart of the action, then get yourself to the Merchant City area, chock full of trendy cocktail and wine bars, clubs and restaurants.
Take a breath of fresh air
Visit Pollok Country Park, where highland cattle roam. Explore its woods and glades, stroll along a scenic path by the River Cart to Pollok House, a grand mansion with formal gardens and the UK’s finest collection of Spanish art.
Shopping
For high-end fashion head to Glasgow’s “Style Mile”, a central, upscale shopping district that incorporates Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and Merchant City. You can get great, quirky and unusual items like vintage clothing, local Scottish crafts and handmade jewellery at a variety of independent shops in De Courcy’s Arcade on Cresswell Lane.
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