Glasgow Travel Guide
Although not the Scottish capital, Glasgow is in fact the largest city in the country. It’s also the third most populous city in the whole of the UK, so visitors to the city are sure to have plenty of things to do and see whilst there, and hopefully our Glasgow guide will help choose what you want to do. Great travel links via train and road mean making your way there across the UK is incredibly easy, and for those wanting to fly Glasgow’s two international airports offer visitors a quick and comfortable trip to the city. Travelling around Glasgow is simple too thanks to a large urban public transport system and our Glasgow guide has all the details.
In the heart of the city sits George Square, surrounded by theatre and shopping districts as well as some spectacular historic architecture. Glasgow’s West End is a bohemian district in the city, filled with boutique stores, quaint cafes and upmarket bars & hotels perfect for finding those hidden gems and Aladdin’s caves. The range of culture in Glasgow also means visitors are in for a treat, as some of the world’s greatest orchestras, opera singers, art galleries and film festivals grace the city on a regular basis. Whether you love sport, theatre, music, shopping, history or anything else, Glasgow’s vast history and diverse districts give visitors a great opportunity to explore somewhere new every day, and with this Glasgow guide you’ll be able to plan the perfect trip. Being the third most populated city in the UK means that Glasgow is well visited, and thankfully transport links to and from the city are very good. Whether you’re travelling by train, plane or by road there’s an easy way for you to make the journey. Travelling by train is quick and efficient from almost anywhere in the UK. Trains from London take around 4 hours 30 minutes to reach the city, and trains from further west towards Manchester, Liverpool and Wales take around 3 hours 30 minutes. By road, whether by car or coach, the numerous motorway links again mean it’s easily reached from all over the UK. With two international airports in close proximity, flying into Glasgow is very easy for visitors from abroad or those further away in the UK who wish to travel as quickly as possible. Glasgow International is around a 45 minute flight from London. Unlike a lot of large cities, Glasgow is very walkable and can be explored in a leisurely hour and a half stroll. However, for those who want to get around quicker or to go further afield there are excellent transport links including the Subway, local trains, and various buses. The majority of the main attractions are located around the city centre, so buses and cycles are the best way to travel. An all-day bus ticket costs very little. Trains stretch out to the suburbs so if your hotel is a little further away from the centre, travelling back and forth is no issue. The local subway is also very efficient and one of the best systems in the UK Glasgow’s vast shopping scene has something for everyone. From boutiques to book stores, high-end fashion to specialist and local produce, there are so many options on where to spend your money. The West End of Glasgow has a more bohemian feel with quirky shops and quaint cafes, whereas ‘The Style Mile’, from Argyle Street to Buchanan Street, the best fashion and must-haves in the city. The usual shopping centres also provide a larger retail retreat for anyone wanting everything in one place. The motto of the city that greets airport arrivals is ‘Glasgow: Scotland with Style’, and dubbed as one of the best locations for shopping outside of London, it really is a great place for retail therapy.
Glasgow is known for its deep fried cuisine, from mars bars and pizza to haggis and its chips with cheese. Yet, it is in fact a city where you can find food from anywhere in the world. It’s official title as ‘Curry Capital of the UK’ shows just how cultured the city’s restaurant scene is. Indians are of some of the finest quality you will find outside of India itself, along with delicious tapas bars, Chinese buffets, Japanese sushi bars and much more. Seafood and fish is high on the dish of choice for most visitors thanks to the fresh produce from the local waters, and the list of high-end and Michelin star restaurants is long enough to treat yourself every night.
With a great history and culture, night time attractions in Glasgow vary greatly. From theatres to historic walks, comedy clubs to great local pubs restaurants, whatever you feel like doing there’s something to keep you entertained. Although pubs and clubs are the main night time activity, there are plenty of places to go and things to see for those who would prefer to avoid the busy crowds, and our guide to Glasgow’s nightlife has just a few of the great activities available. Drinking in Glasgow is a big reason as to why so many people visit the city for short breaks. A top destination for hens/stags, birthday parties an student nights out, Glasgow’s bar seen is vibrant, varied and has something for everyone. Although the party vibe is strong in the city, local pubs, ale houses and specialist whiskey bars are also very popular. If you don’t want to stay out all night but would like to enjoy a drink, there are lots of riverside bars, cosy restaurant bars and late night cafes that are all perfect for winding down after a busy day exploring. Scotland’s largest city is a friendly, bustling place with imposing 19th-century buildings to explore, vibrant theatre life, the most talked-about independent music scene outside the USA and watering holes from trendy bars to traditional pubs. The great cultural selection includes the re-opened Kelvingrove Art Museum, the Victorian Necropolis, and the most successful football team in history, Glasgow Rangers. Thanks to a vast range in types of attraction, whatever you enjoy doing on your short break Glasgow will have something to offer you.
Glasgow is the third biggest city in the UK and the business capital of Scotland, and as such has excellent transport links. It is served by two airports, two major railway stations, a large bus terminal, and several motorways leading across the UK. The two stations, Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street, are about a mile apart. Central Station is the main station for journeys to London (4 hours 30 minutes), Preston, and the West of Scotland. Queen Street has the train to Edinburgh and Fort William. Glasgow is linked to the rest of the UK via the M1, M6, M42, A74 (M), M73 and M8 motorways. Thanks to such good transport links, driving or taking a coach to Glasgow is a simple way of visiting the city. About 400 miles from London, it takes around 8 hours to travel there by road. Glasgow Airport is about twenty minutes away from the city centre by bus (£6.50 return on the Glasgow Flyer) or taxi (£20 average). Airlines that use Glasgow Airports are Easyjet, British Airways, BMI, BMI Baby, Thomson, or KLM, flying passengers all over Europe and beyond. Glasgow Prestwick is actually in Ayrshire and takes around an hour on the train. Unlike most large cities, Glasgow is very walkable and can be explored in a leisurely hour and a half walk. However, for those who want to get around quicker or to go further afield there are excellent transport links including the Subway, local trains, and various buses. The Subway is the easiest way to get around the city centre and West End of Glasgow. Running every four minutes at peak times, it takes just 25 minutes to complete a circuit of the fifteen stations and costs as little as £1.40 for an adult single to travel anywhere else on the system. Unlike most large cities, Glasgow is very walkable and can be explored in a leisurely hour and a half walk. However, for those who want to get around quicker or to go further afield there are excellent transport links including the Subway, local trains, and various buses. Glasgow has the most extensive urban rail network in the UK outside of London with rail services travelling to a large part of the West of Scotland. Glasgow Central is the main station for all trains, whether domestic of travelling across the rest of the UK.
Be inspired at the Scottish Ballet & Opera
Take an open-top bus ride and enjoy the sights
Have a laugh in one of many comedy clubs
Visit the People’s Palace for a taste of Glaswegian history
Join the locals for a play, a pie and a pint
Enjoy a wee dram on a tour of Glengoyne Distillery
Glasgow Airport is about twenty minutes away from the city centre by bus or taxi (£20 average) meaning visitors can begin their holiday as soon as they land. Airlines that use Glasgow Airports are Easyjet, British Airways, BMI, BMI Baby, Thomson, or KLM, flying passengers all over Europe and beyond on a regular basis. Glasgow Prestwick is actually in Ayrshire and takes around an hour on the train. It is served mainly by Ryanair meaning the majority of flights are budget ones. Glasgow is linked to the rest of the UK via the M1, M6, M42, A74(M), M73 and M8 motorways. Thanks to such good transport links, driving or taking a coach to Glasgow is a simple way of travelling to the city. Glasgow is around 400 miles from London, and it takes about 8 hours to travel there by road. Due to its size, the city is well signposted and easy to find, as are the main attractions of which the majority are around the city centre. Glasgow has two main rail stations, Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street, and they are about a mile apart. Central Station is the main station for journeys to London (4 hours 30 minutes), Preston, and the West of Scotland. Queen Street has the train to Edinburgh and Fort William. Queen Street where you will find Prestwick Station is more useful for trains North and East to Edinburgh and Fort William. Taxis wait outside both stations to take you to your hotel, as well as regular bus links in the local area. The Subway is the easiest way to get around the city centre and West End of Glasgow. Running every four minutes at peak times, it takes just 25 minutes to complete a circuit of the fifteen stations and costs as little as £1.40 for an adult single to travel anywhere else on the system although an all day Discovery ticket is only £3.80 for those visitors wanting to hop on and off at different locations. Under 16’s can travel around the subway services from as little as 70p one way. Glasgow has the most extensive urban rail network in the UK outside of London with rail services travelling to a large part of the West of Scotland and the city centre suburbs. Glasgow Central is the main station for all trains, whether domestic of travelling across the rest of the UK but Glasgow Prestwick, also located in the city centre, is still a busy station for more northern and eastern rail links. When booking in advance, single fares to most Scottish cities will be around £10pp. The First Group are the main bus company serving the city of Glasgow, with over 1000 buses in operation. This means visitors can easily travel around the city to different attractions and have a frequent, efficient route to travel on. An adult FirstDay all day ticket costs from as little as £4.50 and a standard return is £3.00 across one city-zone. Children’s (Under 15) FirstDay tickets are a mere £1.50 and a Family FirstDay ticket is also available which allows 2 adults and 2 children to travel from 9am Monday – Friday and all day on a Saturday or Sunday for only £8.
Top 5 Boutique Shops in Glasgow
Top 5 Shopping Centres/Malls
Top 5 Shops in The Style Mile
Top 5 Special Occasion Restaurants
Unique theatre menus can be created to make your night even more special.
Top 5 Restaurants for International Cuisine
As Glasgow is the official ‘Curry Capital of the UK’, it’s not surprising that its Indian restaurants are to quality, and Dhabba is no exception. Always book train tickets in advance to save as much as possible
With a drawing pad and crayons for the kids and great food all round, this restaurant is the perfect family Italian and all for a reasonable price Gamba is a delicious seafood based restaurant close to the main theatre district.
Top 5 Family Friendly Restaurants
Buy an adult FirstDay bus ticket for unlimited travel.
Hotel Indigo is a beautiful Victorian historic building right in the heart of the Glasgow financial services district. After a £20 million transformation, the hotel now offers a chic boutique atmosphere in the centre of the vibrant city of Glasgow just a short stroll from Glasgow Central station.
Home to the Royal Scottish Orchestra, this magnificent concert hall plays host to some of the most fabulous performances from around the world. A traditional drinking venue which will surprise you with its size. Great if there’s a few of you. This is Scotland’s most visited free attraction, with 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects and extensive, international collections. Perfect for all fans of retro, vintage and bargain shopping, Mr Ben’s has loads of second hand designer gear and an astonishing number of great bargains. Just outside the city centre, this shopping centre has everything you need from the high street. With over 100 stores including Apple, M&S, Primark and numerous delicious restaurants, with Xscape and IKEA next door From its origins as a one man stall in Glasgow market, Fopp has gone on to be one of the UK’s leading music, film and book chains. A haven of the highest quality bath, body and fragrance products, Arran Aromatics is the perfect girly treat destination. This cute and rustic Italian has a dedicated kids menu and was awarded &’The Best Pizza in Glasgow’ and ‘Best New Restaurant’ in 2010. With a unique 1930’s ambience, Rogano is the oldest surviving restaurant in Glasgow. Serving some of the finest fish and seafood from Scottish waters. It does exactly what it says in the name. Enjoy an afternoon/evening performance with a delicious pie dinner and a refreshing drink If you’re flying, Glasgow Prestwick Airport tends to offer the cheaper flights
Buy a subway Discovery Ticket for £3.80 and travel wherever you want
The interior is stylish and contemporary and is popular with young professional types. Perfect for a tasty cocktail and the latest chart music.
Theatres, shops, cafes, bars and anything else you can imagine is available in the West End. Selling gorgeous niche products – everything from handbags to brooches, prints to jewellery – The Shop of Interest is a real gem for finding quirky gifts.
A warm and friendly welcome will greet you at this unique Mongolian barbeque restaurant, as well as exotic delicacies like zebra and kangaroo. In the heart of the city, Buchanan Galleries has fast become the one-stop venue for shoppers, local and visiting. With easy car parking and the best high street shops, it has everything you need. Opium is the perfect place for fine dining with a trendy twist – specialising in oriental fusion, you can find a great mixture of dim sum and claypot cooking here. This New York style steakhouse has a buzzing atmosphere and delicious food. Never quiet, the bustling restaurant is one of the reasons families love it so much. A great rustic atmosphere awaits you at The Grill Room, with some delicious meaty steaks and a contemporary twist on some traditional, home-cooked meals. Whether you’re out as a couple, a family or with friends, the biggest names in cinema are available for you to watch in Glasgow’s biggest cinema. Grab a train timetable from the information office so you can plan your day in advance
If you’re driving, try to avoid the M8 as it goes right through the city centre and congestion is common
Having undergone a multi-million pound renovation, The Corinthian is the city’s flagship bar for the rich, famous and wannabe rich and famous. Scotland’s only purpose built cook school with a wide range of classes available, from an afternoon cocktail-making class to a full professional chef qualification.
LOVEmusic is a classic independent record shop. They specialize in rock music of all kinds and stock new releases, back catalogue, new and second-hand CDs, vinyl, DVDs and T-shirts. Forge is one of Scotland’s premier shopping centres, with over 70 stores and very large car park, it’s never quiet.
Everything from the high street with a great range of cafes and coffee shops.
Their luxury chocolates are hand made from the finest Belgian Chocolate, so no doubt you’ll find them to be among the best in the world. With authentic Spanish decor and a real Mediterranean spirit, this tapas bar sets the perfect scene for some tasty tapas sharing and great wine. With burgers, pizzas and pastas on the menu as well as British staple meals, kids will have no problem deciding what to eat from this list of options. Serving tasty food from all over the world, this restaurant has a cosy and informal feel. Delicious steaks, truffles and a huge cocktail menu help create the perfect night. With a screen bigger than a 5-a-side football pitch and the best sound systems available, you’ll feel like you’re really in the movie you’re watching! Over 360 acres of green, this lovely park is best known for its well-kept scenic running and walking trails, perfect for a family day away from the crowds A modest bar tucked away in the cobbles of the Merchant Cit with cozy with a rustic decor serving everything from cocktails to burgers and lush salads Makers in woodwork, glasswear, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, print, candles, chocolates and many many more areas of expertise gather to show off their craftsmanship.
For unique and designer jewellery, Dower and Hall is the place to be – with only two stores, one in Glasgow and one in London, you’ll have to travel far to find something quite as special
A universe of both Marvel and DC and everything else in between, this home-grown den of geekery is staffed by genuinely knowledgeable comic book guys with some great limited editions.
A delightful French alpine bistro with wood clad walls and deep red upholstered chairs, with a menu serving inspired by French classics using seasonal produce.
SoHo’s little sister, this restaurant focuses on gorgeous homemade stone baked pizzas and a large cocktail menu to keep the adults happy. The friendly atmosphere makes for a perfect family meal out. Well known for its high quality food, Hotel du Vin’s modern European menu is a hit with many people.
With a classy interior and excellent service too. Scotland’s premier national venue for public events, concerts and conferences is sure to have something on to entertain everyone. Often described as “Scotland’s Most Beautiful Distillery”, Glengoyne is open all year for informative guided distillery tours and delicious whiskey tastings. Boasting the longest bar in the UK, this is a famous drinking saloon that has a lively mix of regulars, locals, tourists and students. A true slice of Glasgow life. Located just minutes drive from Glasgow City Centre with free parking, The Avenue is an ideal central shopping centre packed with high street brands. The best of the high street, selling clothing, beauty products, fragrances and much more. A real high-end department store. Little-Persia is one of the UK’s leading handmade Persian & Oriental rug specialists, with the largest collection of unique handmade rugs in Scotland. Converted out of the cellars of an old school, The Glasgow Stand is a tardis-like venue with an unassuming exterior, but an explosion of colour and laughter inside This Victorian City of the Dead is a vast and grand cemetery modelled on Père-Lachaise in Paris. Described as one of the most significant cemeteries in Europe, it is a major visitor attraction. This underground German beer bar homage is one of the most popular hangouts in the city, probably thanks to its huge selection of local and imported beers and ales. An entertaining walking tour that will have you discover the ghost stories of Glasgow. Ghosts and witches are a big part of Glasgow’s folklore, and this tour introduces guests to the best of them. Glasgow’s famous malt whisky pub is one of the best traditional bars in the city. Opened back in 1867, visitors come from all round the world to try its unequalled range of whiskies.A magnificent look into the history of the &lsquoWorld&rsquos Most Successful&rsquo football club and its stadium, Glasgow Rangers. From ground-breaking theatre to huge name DJs and hot new bands, The Arches breaks down any traditional notions of what an arts venue should be. Somewhat alternative, The butterfly & Pig is a quirky hybrid of Glasgow vintage style, described as &lsquoa cross between my gran&rsquos old living room and the Mad Hatter&rsquos tea party&rsquo. A must visit for anyone interested in this speciality. Highlights include steam trains, Glasgow trams, vintage cars and motorcycles and guided tours through the museum are available. Great for families, this huge water park is lots of fun and has a whole range of facilities and activities to keep everyone happy A great indie bar with unsigned acts and a whole host of beer and cider. Before they were famous, the likes of Snow Patrol, Belle and Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand could often be seen propping up the bar. This is Scotland’s oldest public museum and home to one of the largest collections outside the National Museums.  From Roman artefacts, anatomical collections, objects from Captain Cook and much more. Great sightseeing trips for 1, 2 and 3 days, including Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle, Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & The Trossachs National Park, The Famous Grouse Experience, and the Isle of Skye and the West Highlands Recently refurbished, these original Victorian swimming baths are not only great fun but also very interesting to explore and discover the history. In the past Oasis, Blur and The Verve have performed here with many claiming that Oasis&rsquo success story started here. Glickman&rsquos Confectionery was established way back in 1903 and is Glasgow’s oldest traditional sweet shop. Every kind of old-fashioned sugary treat for you to get your hands on or take back home as a delicious gift from your trip. A café, bar, music and arts venue, this basement eatery has food suitable for everyone, whether vegetarian, vegan or anyone with a discerning palate. A bohemian haven perfect for a relaxing lunch. Come and celebrate the best of contemporary and traditional Celtic musicGlasgow&rsquos shopping scene has something for everyone. From boutiques to book stores, high-end fashion to specialist and local produce, there are so many options on where to spend your money For movie lovers and dedicated film enthusiasts, this is the place to be!Glasgow is known for its deep fried cuisine, from mars bars and pizza to haggis and its chips with cheese. Yet, it is in fact a city where you can find food from anywhere in the world Enjoy a spot of comedy at this incredibly popular Scottish festivalWith a great history and culture, night time attractions range from theatres to historic walks, comedy clubs to great local pubs & restaurants. Whatever you feel like doing there&rsquos something to keep you entertained There&rsquos a wide variety of bars and clubs in Glasgow, everything from swanky cocktail bars to traditional Scottish locals. With so many to choose from it&rsquos easy to find a place you like A chance to see the globes finest jazz performers perform live on stageCelebrate the festiv
e season with magical events and plenty of shoppingHighlands DistilleryGlasgow Guide – A City Guide to Glasgow – SuperbreakBrowse our Glasgow Guide and make the most out of your break. You’ll find tips and inspiration on the best attractions, events, restaurants and hotels in Glasgow.
