Glasgow is often overlooked – here’s why you should visit!

Explore Glasgow Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, The High Kirk of Glasgow is the oldest building in Glasgow and the largest intact Cathedral in Scotland. Standing in east-central Glasgow it is a grand Gothic building that has an imposing position a the top of the Cathedral precinct, but the period in history that it represents is as interesting as the building itself. Steeped in history, originally built as a Catholic place of worship, Glasgow Cathedral remained intact because of continued use as a Protestant place of worship after the reformation (1560).

Many universities in the Uk were founded by the church and early teachings were deeply religious. Glasgow Cathedral was no different. Bishop William Turnbul was the first Chancellor of the university and instrumental in its establishment in 1451. In 1460 the University moved out of the Cathedral to dedicated buildings nearby.

Visit the Victorian City Centre

The Merchant City in Glasgow is a vibrant and historic district with a lot to offer visitors. The area boasts stunning examples of Victorian architecture, including grand warehouses, merchant houses, and ornate buildings. Exploring these structures provides a glimpse into Glasgow’s prosperous past as a major trading centre. It is home to numerous art galleries, theatres, and museums, making it a haven for art and culture enthusiasts. The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is a must-visit, showcasing contemporary art from around the world.

The district offers a diverse range of dining options, from cozy cafes and bistros to upscale restaurants. In the evenings, the Merchant City comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, featuring trendy bars, live music venues, and bustling pubs. Discover unique boutiques, independent shops, and designer stores offering a range of fashion, accessories, and gifts. The popular Merchant City Festival attracts 35,000 visits over three days in July, featuring street performers, live music, and food stalls.

Ride the Glasgow Underground

Take a ride on the only underground train in the U.K outside London. Nicknamed “The Clockwork Orange” because of its circular route and the orange colour of its branding introduced in the 1970s, it is the third-oldest underground railway in the world, after London and Budapest. The trains were originally pulled by cables until they were electrified in 1935. It’s one of few metro systems in the world that operates completely below ground and itt has an unusually narrow track gauge, making it distinct from most other metro systems and requires uniquely small trains to fit the track and tunnels.

Over 13.4 million people ride the Glasgow Underground annually, making it a large part of the personality of the city that should be experienced by all visitors, even if just for one stop.

Visit University Avenue

Glasgow University Avenue is the main campus of the University of Glasgow. Lined with impressive buildings in various architectural styles, from the Gothic Revival to more modern structures, it creates a dramatic and inspiring approach to the campus.

Built in 1891, to replace the old University at High Street, The main University building is a truly iconic structure and a prominent landmark in the city. Designed by the renowned architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, it’s a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. The intricate details, soaring spires, and ornate carvings make it a visually breathtaking building.

Don’t miss the Cloisters, Adam Smith institute entrance and Huntarian Museum.

Museums, museums, museums

Glasgow hosts more museums per capita that any other British City. It’s hard to rank them in preference, but museums to spend a while in Glasgow include;

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, an iconic red sandstone building, houses an incredibly diverse collection, from Salvador Dalí’s “Christ of St John of the Cross” to ancient Egyptian artefacts, plus a stunning stained glass ceiling. The museum has its own organ and recitals take place at 1.00pm Monday – Saturday and on 3.00pm on Sundays.

The Burrell Collection is a recently renovated stunning modern building within Pollok Country Park. Their collection boasts an astonishing array of art and artefacts from around the world, including Chinese ceramics, medieval armour, and paintings by renowned artists.

The Riverside Museum, designed by renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, stands on the River Clyde. this award-winning museum tells the story of transport in Glasgow. You’ll find everything from vintage cars and motorcycles to steam locomotives and historic ships.

The Hunterian Museum, located within the University of Glasgow, houses a fascinating collection of scientific and cultural artefacts, including specimens from the voyages of Captain Cook, natural curiosities and the world’s largest collection of works by James McNeill Whistler.

Explore the Dear Green Places

With over 90 parks, gardens and recreational spaces, Glasgow is often referred to as the ‘Dear Green Place’. Glasgow Green holds the title of being the oldest public park in Britain, dating back to the 15th century. Many of Glasgow’s iconic parks, like Kelvingrove Park and Queen’s Park, were designed during the Victorian era as part of a movement to provide green spaces for the city’s growing population. Sir Joseph Paxton, renowned for designing the Crystal Palace, he also played a key role in shaping several of Glasgow’s parks.

The Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city, offering a peaceful escape from the urban bustle. Explore the beautifully landscaped outdoor gardens, featuring a variety of plant life, including herbaceous borders, rock gardens, and a scenic loch. Home to several National Plant Collections, The Kibble Palace is an iconic Victorian glasshouse, housing a diverse collection of tropical plants, including towering palms, vibrant orchids, and exotic ferns.

Glasgow’s parks have played a significant role in the city’s social, biological and cultural history, hosting events, festivals, and community gatherings for generations.

Dine in one of thousands of eateries

Glasgow boasts a vibrant and diverse restaurant scene, offering a wide range of culinary experiences in thousands of places. From traditional Scottish fare like haggis, neeps, and tatties to international cuisines like Italian, Indian, and Japanese, Glasgow has something for every palate. The city is known for its innovative and creative chef, like Tony Singh MBE who are pushing boundaries and experimenting with new flavours and techniques.

From high-end restaurants to street food festivals, hidden door experiences, notable neighbourhoods that offer great dining experiences are Finnieston: A reclaimed docklands area with a concentration of independent restaurants and bars, Merchant City: A historic district with a mix of upscale and casual dining options, West End: A vibrant area with a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs.

Visit the Doulton Fountain and People’s Palace

The Doulton Fountain and People’s Palace offer a unique experience for visitors to Glasgow.

The People’s Palace was a gift to the city from the 5th Earl of Rosebery, a wealthy aristocrat and former Prime Minister of the UK. He envisioned a space for education and leisure for the working-class people of Glasgow. The museum delves into the fascinating history of Glasgow’s working-class communities and the city’s social history. You can learn about their lives, struggles, and triumphs through interactive exhibits and fascinating artefacts.

Before the Palace was built in 1898, the land was once part of Glasgow Green, a common ground used by the city’s residents for centuries. The creation of the Palace marked a significant moment in the city’s history, transforming a public space into a cultural hub.

As the world’s largest terracotta fountain, The Doulton Fountain was first installed in 1888 in Kelvingrove Park for the Glasgow International Exhibition. It is a stunning Victorian masterpiece with intricate details featuring references to The British Empire, commemorating Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee and symbolising Britain’s imperial power during that era. It was then moved to Glasgow Green in 1890 and finally relocated to its current position in front of the People’s Palace in 2004.