Glasgow tourist guide

Glasgow - Scotland's largest city

Learn all about Glasgow from its unique style and architecture to its spectacular countryside and coastal views. You’ll also find useful travel information such as a map of Glasgow, accommodation booking and information on famous attractions and events such as the Glasgow School of Art, the Burrell Collection and much more.



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 art deco brasseries, 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 and 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 Lighthouse where the story of one of Glasgow’s most celebrated sons, architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh is told.

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 and 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 and 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 Direct (www.visitbritaindirect.com)

Must see and do


Top daytime must-do's

Top night time must-do's
  • Relax in Glasgow Botanic Gardens, one of Glasgow’s best-loved public gardens.
Cumbernauld golf course, Glasgow

Features, attractions & events

We list over 15,000 attractions and events in Britain and here we feature a few of the best ones. If you want to find a specific event for when you’re over here, or top attractions near your destination, use our handy attractions and events search.

View of Ben Nevis from Corpach © Britainonview.com

Join VisitScotland's HomeComing Scotland 2009 Celebrations!

Join us in 2009 when Scotland will host its first ever Homecoming year which has been created and timed to mark the 250th anniversary of Scotland's national poet, the international cultural icon, Robert Burns. From Burns Night to St Andrew's Day, a country-wide programme of exciting events and activities will celebrate some of Scotland's great contributions to the world: Burns himself, Whisky, Golf, Great Scottish Minds & Innovations and our rich culture and heritage  which lives on at home and through our global family.

Harvey Nichols Edinburgh

Shopping in Scotland

There's a lot more to Scottish fashion than kilts and Pringles cashmere. Find out just what makes Scotland a dynamic, sophisticated shopping destination.

Shopping in Scotland

Book & Buy

From hotels and plane tickets to top attractions and theatre shows. Now you can organise your travel wish list before you even leave.

Travel around Britain

Whether youre travelling by bus, coach or train, weve got lots of products to save you time and money.


 
And/or select one of these options
Travel to Britain

Compare all the leading airlines for the best scheduled, charter and low cost flights to Britain.


 
 *
 *
 *
Accommodation

Use Britains largest accommodation directory to find the perfect place to stay during your trip.


 
Attractions & Events Tickets

Dont waste time during your trip, buy tickets to all Britains top attractions before you leave.


 
And/or select one of these options
back to top


Search