A former European Capital of Culture, Glasgow combines beautiful architecture and a thriving arts scene. Visitors can rest assured that they’ll never run out of things to do, whether it’s exploring the Georgian buildings of George Square or embarking on a shopping spree along the ‘Style Mile’.
Scotland’s largest city is also home to some top-rated museums. Be inspired at the avant-garde Glasgow Science Centre on the banks of the River Clyde, or the iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, where you’ll find everything from dinosaur fossils to masterpieces by Dutch masters. Meanwhile, the award-winning Riverside Museum showcases the city’s transport and shipbuilding heritage with its huge collection.
Stylish cafés and cosy restaurants line Glasgow’s revamped riverfront, while its architectural legacy is preserved by the Victorian designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. You can find these dotted around the city, from the central Lighthouse to the Hunterian Art Gallery, which recreates the famous architect’s home in remarkable detail.
These days, the city’s primary creative outlet is music. Be sure to catch a gig at one of countless venues, from the world’s oldest surviving music hall to the venue that launched the career of Oasis.
Glasgow also makes a great base for exploring the surrounding landscapes. Loch Lomond, on the lowlands border, is around half an hour’s drive away, while the vast and verdant Highlands are right on the doorstep.