Glasgow travel guide

Memory of Glasgow

"I've stayed in so many cities I lost count long ago.  To my wife and I Glasgow is the best by far.  The food is fabulous and the shopping is some of the best in Britain - and you'll meet what we consider the best people on earth!"

Tom, New York, USA

Scotland's style capital

Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, famous for its culture, architecture, and design. Situated on the River Clyde on the country’s west coast, it’s known as Scotland’s style capital – a title reflected in its innovative buildings, stylish shops, cultural centres, more than 30 art galleries and museums and an annual programme of performing arts and festivals. Spectacular Scottish countryside and coastal views are within easy reach and the city is only a short trip of 42 miles from Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh.

Culture & heritage 

Glasgow has a history that stretches back to the Stone Age, but the hallmark of the city is its architecture. It’s the Art Nouveau ‘Glasgow Style’ for which the city has become famous, and no visitor should miss a trip to the Glasgow School of Art, the undisputed masterwork of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the city's most famous son.

Attractions

If you love museums, your only problem in Glasgow will be deciding which one to go to next. The Burrell Collection is home to the private collection of millionaire shipping owner Sir William Burrell; and the Hunterian Museum is home to one of the top 5 collections in Scotland.

Food & drink

Glasgow has so much to offer on a gastronomic night out. You’ll find a huge diversity in both style of cuisine and price, with something to suit all palates and budgets. Take your pick from the trendy Merchant City Area or the more laid-back Byres Road in the city's West End for a cosmopolitan selection of top quality restaurants.

Shopping

Plan for excess baggage on your return journey now. Glasgow is second only to London as Britain's most important shopping city. There's excellent shopping in Princes Square and Buchanan Galleries, which houses a designer mall with names like Liberty and Burberry, while Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street have most of the high street names.

Sport

Glasgow has a long sporting history – the world’s first international football match was held in the city. It is also home to 3 professional football clubs and Scotland’s largest football stadiums: Celtic Park, Ibrox Stadium and Hampden Park (Scotland’s national football stadium). The city will also host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Music & nightlife

Glasgow is home to a great music scene. King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut is a fantastic live music venue, and was also the place where Oasis were spotted and signed. And if it’s nightlife you’re after, the city centre has over 50 clubs and that's on top of the 100 or so pubs and bars.

Buy before you fly 

There’s so much to see and do in Glasgow, so don’t waste time in queues, buy your travel passes and attraction tickets online! With the BritRail GB Flexi Pass you can hop on a train wherever and whenever you like, and explore the country at your own pace. For more great offers, go to VisitBritain Shop .