Glasgow city guide and sightseeing         

Summary
Glasgow’s meteoric rise on the city break map leaves this thriving Scottish city challenging Edinburgh for attention. Massive regeneration over the last 25 years has injected this former European City of Culture with much-needed spark and confidence, demonstrated by its bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. It has garnered particular praise for its vibrant cultural and arts scene, while proudly claiming to be the country’s style capital.

In addition, the city has award-winning restaurants and diverse nightlife options, guaranteeing round-the-clock action on a weekend break. With a range of hotels and guest accommodation in all price brackets Glasgow is ideal for a late break!

Getting there/getting around Glasgow
There are frequent flights from London to Glasgow Airport, where passengers can choose bus, taxi or trains to reach the city centre. The journey by road is around 20 minutes. Glasgow Prestwick International Airport is 32 miles from the city.

Train passengers will arrive at Glasgow Central rather than Queen Street Station. The two are linked by buses. Long distance coaches arrive at Buchanan St bus station.  The city is easily accessible by road.

The city is easy to navigate on foot. Buses and rail services are excellent. There is also an underground metro network called Clockwork Orange, which operates a loop system around the city.

Sightseeing in Glasgow
Wander around the city and you’ll spot its architectural diversity from its Victorian facades and medieval spires to modern steel and glass structures. Those with a passion for culture should visit some of the city’s 20 museums and galleries, including the acclaimed Burrell Collection, Centre for Contemporary Arts and Gallery of Modern Art.

The Lighthouse is also worth popping into. Formerly the home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s 1895 Glasgow Herald newspaper office, it celebrates design and architecture.  Soccer lovers should visit the Scottish Football Museum to discover more about its football heritage.

If you want to relax, book a paddle steamer trip on the P S Waverley which cruises around the Firth of Clyde. Tours vary in duration and depart from Waverley Terminal and Anderson Quay.

Glasgow family attractions, day trips and shopping experiences         

Family attractions in Glasgow
Take the children to the Glasgow Science Centre on the Pacific Quay where interactive exhibits, an IMAX Theatre and the needle-like Tower provide plenty of fun and games. There’s also the Museum of Transport and the People’s Palace, a museum dedicated to telling the story of the city and its inhabitants from 1750 to the present day. Stroll around the adjacent Winter Gardens too.

Kids will also enjoy a visit to the Glenlee, the only Clyde-built windjammer still afloat in the UK, where they can inspect the galley, take the wheel or explore the cargo hold.

Day trips around Glasgow
From Glasgow, it’s also possible to enjoy the breath-taking splendour of the Scottish Highlands, the dense forests of Trossachs National Park and take a steamboat ride on romantic lochs. Join an organised tour or hire a car for the day. Loch Lomond, Europe’s largest freshwater lake, is just 12 miles from the city.

Stirling Castle where William Wallace and Robert the Bruce fought and Mary Queen of Scots was crowned is set in a stunning location, while Inverarary Castle is a fine example of Scottish Georgian architecture. The picturesque village of Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond or Glengoyne, one of the country’s oldest whisky distilleries, make a fitting pit-stop.

Edinburgh is less than one hour away by train or 31 miles away by road and has plenty to occupy day-trippers such as its castle, Old Town and the Royal Mile.

Eating out in Glasgow
If you thought dining out in Scotland was all about haggis, or tatties, think again. Food lovers will be delighted with the breadth of culinary cuisine available in the city from Japanese sushi to Indian balti and Scottish oyster bars. Malmaison Brasserie, The Mariner, Chardon D’or, Loop and Gamba are among the restaurants serving top quality fare.

If you prefer, indulge in afternoon tea at the renowned Willow Tea Rooms in Sauciehall and Buchanan streets where you can sip a cuppa, scoff cakes or try a Scottish dish in elegant surroundings.

Glasgow nightlife, restaurants, bars and clubs         

Nightlife in Glasgow
Everyone from opera, theatre and concertgoers to clubbers will be spoilt for choice in this cosmopolitan city. The Merchant City area is home to the smart designer bars. Stylish watering holes include Groucho St Jude’s, The Corinthian, Bargo and The Horseshoe which boasts an impressively long bar area. Plenty of traditional pubs serving real ale also exist. There are also two casinos in the city.

The annual extravaganza associated with events like the Hogmanay celebrations and International Jazz Festivals are worth dipping into if you’re in the city and draw repeat visitors.

Shopping in Glasgow
The city claims to be Scotland’s style capital – great for those seeking retail sustenance. Glasgow’s compact size means it’s easy to move from one mall to the next – head for the Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch Centre for High Street names, the Italian Centre and Princes Square for designer brands, the Argyll Arcade for specialist jewellery stores and Barras Market for bargains.

The Merchant City area and the West End are perfect for books and antique stores.