Scotland’s largest city is home to incredible architecture, fantastic shopping, excellent whisky and world-renowned entertainment, so it’s no wonder it attracts millions of visitors each year. And the city is within easy reach: trains to Glasgow from Preston take around 2 and a half hours and a jot over 3 hours from Manchester. Plus there is a new direct service from Liverpool to Glasgow 3 times a day. What are you waiting for? Hop on a train to Glasgow and visit this spirited, thriving, happy city today.
For unlimited bus travel around the city, buy a Glasgow Plusbus ticket with your train ticket for £3.80 (£2.50 with a Railcard). Alternatively, there’s a short stay and 24-hour car park at Oswald Street. Cycle hire can also be found at Glasgow train station, while taxis are available from outside the Gordon Street exit. If you need assistance, the Glasgow iCentre is centrally located on Buchanan Street in the heart of Glasgow.
For green spaces head to Glasgow Botanic Gardens or Kelvingrove park, home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Winter sports fans will love Snow Factor, part of the huge intu Braehead entertainment complex, where you can take to the slopes, try ice climbing or enjoy a tipple at the Ice Bar. Watch out for Baltic Betty the Ice Bear! Over the other side of the river is the Clydeside Distillery. Only open since 2017, they’ve already built a name for their whiskey making. Take a tour, visit the shop and say Slàinte to renewed whiskey making on the Clyde.
Brunch lovers should make their way to Cafe Strange Brew, who serve eggs many ways on super cute crockery - definitely one for Instagram. Explore Glasgow’s foodie district Finnieston, and try out the ‘Ox and Finch or The Gannet. For more delicious Scottish seafood, Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery is a Glaswegian institution, offering classic dishes with a modern edge. Bread meats bread is the place to stop for trendy burgers and bulging butties, and for even more independent bars, cafes and restaurants, head to Glasgow's West End and explore Ashton Lane.
Places to stay in Glasgow come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. Rest your head for as little as £10 a night at Euro Hostel, a comfy and clean establishment in the heart of the city. If it’s affordable luxury you’re after, citizenM is a beautiful boutique hotel in the centre of Glasgow. The Argyll Hotel, meanwhile, is a perfect little place, ideally situated and reasonably priced – those on an average budget, should look no further. If money is less of an issue, then join the celebs at the opulent Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens.
Each of Glasgow’s districts has their own specific appeal and if you’re on the hunt for a bargain, head to the city’s West End. It’s full of independent shops and Ashton Lane is one of the best places to eat in Glasgow. A good way to explore Glasgow is to try out one of the many tours, choose from the self-guided city centre mural trail or Glasgow contemporary art trail, Walking Tours in Glasgow or Glasgow Bike Tours. The Gallery of Modern Art makes stunning use of the 18th Century former Royal Exchange building to striking effect. After a wander through the exhibits, you can stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants around the Georgian Royal Exchange Square, browse the shops or grab a photo in front of the Duke of Wellington statue - hopefully he won’t have a traffic cone on his head! The Glasgow Science Centre on the South Side, is a must for families. With three floors of interactive science-learning exhibits and a planetarium, bored is the last thing you’ll be.
Glasgow is the largest retail centre in the UK outside of London’s West End. Explore the best high street shopping, flagship stores and designer favourites. Princes Square has 5 floors of high fashion, great dining and even a gin bar. Ingram Street is beautiful with row after row of designer brands, although it’s the incredible architecture that will really catch your eye here. For something quirky don’t miss the Scottish Design Exchange or Hidden Lane. Buchanan Galleries has all the high street favourites. Finally, if you’ve gone completely native, head to Slanj Kilts where you’ll be able to purchase that traditional kilt you've always wanted.
For more ideas on what to do in Glasgow, visit People Make Glasgow
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