Scotland’s largest city is home to incredible architecture, fantastic shopping, excellent whiskies 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. What are you waiting for? 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 the station, while taxis are available from outside the Gordon Street exit. If you need assistance, there’s a tourist information centre just outside the station entrance.
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 belting Eggs Benedict on super cute crockery - definitely one for Instagram. With its art deco furnishings and fabulous menu, Rogano oozes style. Try the lobster and langoustine (you won’t regret it). 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.
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. If you’re in the area, don’t miss Oran Mor. This church-turned-theatre venue reinvented lunchtimes with A Play, A Pie and A Pint. 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, a planetarium and an Imax cinema, bored is the last thing you’ll be.
Don’t miss Braehead Mall, where you’ll find over a million square feet of quality Glasgow shopping – plus plenty of places to pick up a hard-earned coffee. Princess 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. Finally, if you’ve gone completely native, head to Geoffrey (Tailor), 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