Glasgow youth guide
About Glasgow
Glasgow has a spirit and a character that embodies much of Scotland: hardship, opportunity, rejuvenation and hospitality. Don’t expect another Edinburgh here – Glasgow is raw and energetic with a gritty honesty. You don’t have to scratch far under the surface to find a beguiling magnetism that combines affability, urban mayhem, wry humour and…oomph.
Easy to get to and around by train or bus, Glasgow makes a great base for exploring nearby towns, and is deceptively close to stunning highland and island country. Get to Glasgow now before it becomes part of everyone’s Scottish adventure.
Glasgow Tourist Information Centre (www.seeglasgow.com) on 11 George Square is the best place to start your journey into the city’s rich culture.
For more information visit our Glasgow city guide.
Must Do
Glasgow is a city to see on foot and a great excuse to stroll around is getting on the trail of architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His Art Nouveau masterpieces are found all over the city and the Glasgow School of Art (www.gsa.ac.uk/) is arguably his finest work.
An attraction that shouldn’t be missed, Glasgow Cathedral (0141 552 6891; Cathedral Sq; free) has a rare timelessness. The dark and imposing interior conjures up medieval might and can send a shiver down the spine.
The city’s history revolves around the River Clyde and today you can see the rebirth of docks, quays and the river itself. Clydebuilt (0141 886 1013; Kings Inch Rd, Braehead; £3.50) is a superb exhibition devoted to the shipbuilding industry of the city. Take the Pride o’ The Clyde waterbus (return £5) from the city centre to get here.
Off The Beaten Track
Football fans will just love the Scottish Football Museum (www.scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk/) which features exhibits on the history of the game in Scotland and the influence of Scots on the world game. You can have a nose round the national football stadium while you’re there.
Insider Info
It may not seem like it when you’re standing in George Sq in the middle of Glasgow, but you’re on the doorstep of some of the world’s finest scenery. The famous West Highland Way begins in Milngavie, eight miles (12km) north of Glasgow, and runs for 95 spectacular miles (153 km) to Fort William passing lochs, rivers and towering mountains.
Shopping
Boasting the UK’s largest retail contingency outside London, Glasgow is a shopaholic’s paradise. Trendy traders litter the pedestrian malls of Sauchiehall and Buchanan Street. Try Buchanan Galleries on Royal Exchange Square and the exquisite Princes Square, which is set in a magnificent 1841 renovated square. Institutions include Buchanan St’s splendid, jewellery-laden Argyll Arcade and the Barras on London Road, Glasgow’s burgeoning weekend flea market with over 1000 stalls.
Eating
Glasgow is one of the best places to eat in Scotland with an excellent range of eateries, centred on the West End.
Centre for Contemporary Arts (www.cca-glasgow.com)
The lovely, open café at the Centre for Contemporary Arts is a trendy dining experience and a popular meeting spot. Tel: +44 (0)141 332 7521; 350 Sauchiehall Street.
Willow Tea Rooms
Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1903, these tearooms are located above a jewellery shop. Tel: +44 (0)141 332 0521; 217 Sauchiehall Street.
Wee Curry Shop
The place to come for quality home-cooked Indian food. Tel: +44 (0)141 357 5280; upstairs at Jinty McGintys, 23-29 Ashton Lane.
Artà
If only every city had an Artà. Very much a favourite, this extraordinary hacienda-style place has to be seen to be believed. Eat on the mock-baroque, Spanish-style ground floor among the drinking crowd, or in the elegant upstairs restaurant. Tel: +44 (0)141 552 2101; 13 Walls Street.
Nightlife
Some of Scotland’s best nightlife is found in the din and sometimes roar of Glasgow’s pubs and bars. To tap into your scene, check out the fortnightly events guide The List (www.list.co.uk).
Horse Shoe
Legendary city pub and popular meeting place, dating from the late 19th century and remaining largely unchanged. It has the longest continuous bar in the UK. Tel: +44 (0)141 221 3051; 17 Drury Street.
Bar 10
A little city treasure that will cause the canny Glasgow drinker to give you a knowing glance if you mention its name. As laid back as you could ask in a hip city bar. Tel: +44 (0)141 572 1448; 10 Mitchell Lane.
Arches
One of the city’s biggest clubs, hear some of the UK’s up-and-coming turntable spinners here. Tel: +44 (0)141 565 1035; Argyle Street, off Jamaica Street.
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut (www.kingtuts.co.uk/)
One of the city’s premier live music pub venues which hosts up-and-coming bands every night of the week. Oasis made Britpop history by debuting here. Tel: +44 (0)141 221 5279; 272a St Vincent Street.
Sleeping
Finding accommodation in Glasgow on weekends or anytime in July and August can be difficult – make sure you book ahead.
Euro Hostel
Bustling 380-bed hostel right in the heart of the city with 24-hour reception and ensuite rooms. Tel: +44 (0)141 222 2828; 318 Clyde Street.
University of Strathclyde Campus Village
Opposite Glasgow Cathedral, the accommodation is in shared, single-sex, self-catering flats on a weekly basis or good-value B&B. Tel +44 (0)141 548 4381.
Babbity Bowster
Smack-bang in the heart of the trendy Merchant City area, this lively bar also has six bedrooms with bathroom. Tel: +44 (0)141 552 5055; 16-18 Blackfriars Street.
The Old School House
The contemporary rooms in this beautiful, heritage-listed building have been pleasingly restored and are fresh, clean and well-furnished. Tel: +44 (0)141 332 7600; 194 Renfrew Street.