Visiting Glasgow

As well as being famous for its warm welcome, Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, is blessed with some of the greatest representations of Victorian architecture in the world, most notably the works of famed Glaswegian architects Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Alexander "The Greek" Thomson.

Apart from its 70 stunning parks and gardens and aesthetic beauty, most visitors are taken by the energy of the city, from its trendy bars and first class nightlife to its artsy galleries and great shopping. In fact, the shopping is one of the main reasons visitors from all around Europe hop on a flight to Glasgow for a city break.

While strolling through the city music always fills the air - which is no surprise given that the United Nation's cultural body, UNESCO, named Glasgow City of Music. If you like music there is no better city to visit than Glasgow. Stop into a pub on a weeknight and listen to a band looking to break into the scene, after all many award winning bands and artists including Paolo Nutini, Oasis and Franz Ferdinand made their breakthroughs in this inspiring city playing at such gigs. Traditional music lovers booking flights to Glasgow should definitely visit at a time when the city plays host to some great music festivals, particularly the Glasgow Music Festival.

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A perfect day out in Glasgow

Devote the morning to being inspired by a feast of art and culture. Begin with coffee at the Willow Tea Room, a recreation of Charles Rennie Mackintosh`s elegant art nouveau design. Then browse around the Lighthouse, the Centre for Architecture and Design, featuring diverse international exhibitions. Have a beer in the Horse Shoe Bar at 17 Drury Street, either because you’re thirsty, or because it has the second longest pub bar in Britain. Nearby is the cutting-edge Gallery of Modern Art with a collection of leading Scottish artists and sculptors.

Relax over a classy lunch around the corner at Rogano before an afternoon of serious designer shopping around the Merchant City, the Italian Centre, and Cruise (fabulously unique fashion), and along Buchanan Street. Alternatively head down to the Clyde to the Science Centre where technology is interactively brought to life. Back into the city centre for a couple of cocktails, before it’s time to get back to your hotel to dress for dinner, drinks, and a stylish night out on the town. Perfect.

Glasgow Climate

As with all of Scotland, Glasgow winters are cold and wet with occasional bouts of snow and little sun. From November to March, temperatures are typically between zero and about seven degrees Celsius so warm clothing is a must when out and about. Spring brings warmer weather and longer days. Summer can be warm and sunny but there is always a chance of rain. May and June typically have the lowest rainfall.


When to visit Glasgow

April to September is the tourist season for Glasgow, and the peak season is July and August. For this time of year, reserve your hotel well in advance.

The best times to book cheap flights to Glasgow are late spring, early summer, and autumn. All the attractions are open, rooms are easy to find, and the weather is warm but of course you are always guaranteed a warm welcome in Glasgow at any time of the year.

Getting Around Glasgow

The best way to explore the centre of Glasgow is on foot. The hop-on hop-off City Sightseeing bus is another great way to see the city. Further afield for exploring via waterways, try a cruise on Loch Lomond or take a day out onboard the Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world and visit the towns and islands on the Firth of Clyde. Even more adventurous would be a trip on the sea plane which lands and takes off on the river right in the heart of the city at the Science Centre.

Glasgow’s public transport is excellent. The local rail network is particularly good, and the bus system connects to the subway and train networks. The underground system is the best way to get between the city centre and the West End. The Roundabout Glasgow ticket covers all underground and train transport in the city for a day. The Family Day Tripper ticket gets two adults around the whole area.
 

Glasgow Insider Information

• George Square is right in the heart of the city, in the centre of the old town. Surrounded by huge and spectacular buildings, this is the perfect place to start a tour. The square houses information points and benches where you can relax and take in the architecture. It is also the host to many festivals throughout the year. The piping festival in August is especially worth visiting if you are in town.

• The University of Glasgow is housed in a spectacular building, right next to the Kelvingrove Museum. The second-oldest university in Scotland, the original university was founded in 1451. The buildings used today date from 1870 when the campus was moved to its current location. The University is also home to the Hunterian Museum – the oldest public museum in Scotland. The art collection is impressive, including works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Whistler.

• Whisky is one of Scotland’s biggest exports. The nearest distillery to Glasgow is at Glengoyne, 12 miles from Glasgow city centre. It is also located close to Loch Lomond so you could combine a visit to both in one day out. The distillery is open for tours and tastings throughout the year. Hire a car and drive, if you want to visit Loch Lomond as well, or take a taxi from Glasgow – which will take around 35 minutes.

• Much of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s best work can be found in the city. Architect, designer and painter, he was a spearhead of the Art Nouveau movement. The Lighthouse is a museum dedicated to architecture and design, converted from his 1895 Glasgow Herald office. You can learn all you’ll want to know about the designer and architecture in the museum. There is also the Mackintosh Tower, with excellent views of the city.

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More about visiting Glasgow: www.seeglasgow.com