Visiting Glasgow

Despite the fact that Glasgow isn’t Scotland’s capital city, at over 600,000 people it’s the largest city in Scotland, and the third largest in the United Kingdom. Situated relatively close to the border with England, it’s an easy city to get to, with good transportation links via air and rail and a great road network leading to the north of Scotland.  Close to the west coast, it’s fed by the River Clyde, once famous for its shipbuilding industry. Much of that was destroyed by bombers during the Second World War, but there are still traces of its maritime past in evidence today.

Glasgow has a vibrant lifestyle and, much like London, there are distinct neighbourhoods and districts that are home to any number of stylish hotels, upmarket eateries and lively pubs and clubs. There are always plenty of festivals to enjoy throughout the year in this welcoming city, and with ample parks and open space to enjoy, it’s as green a city as you’ll find.

Where to Stay

Glasgow isn’t short of a hotel or two, and although there are plenty of places to stay at both ends of the budget scale, there’s certainly an impressive collected of high-end luxury hotels to be found here. Some of our favourites can be found in the heart of Glasgow, easy to get to and within a short stroll from some of the city’s major attractions, but don’t rule out the hotels that can be found in the rest of Scotland. There are some simply sublime hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, and the surrounding countryside has a wealth of hidden estates, magnificent castles and private islands to enjoy. Check out our Where to Stay in Glasgow pages for some reviews of our favourite hotels.

Where to Eat

Scotland has the most remarkable larder at its disposal, and there are a number of particularly good restaurants that draw on its abundant natural resources to create dishes which inspire and delight their customers. From Michelin starred restaurants, to a number of local AA rosette winning bistros, you’ll be spoilt for choice, and Glasgow certainly has its fair share. For the hip and trendy, or the choice of five star dining establishments, check out our Where to Eat in Glasgow pages for some great recommendations.

Activities in Glasgow

Glasgow has a number of historical and cultural sites of interest, and with favourite attractions like the recently renovated Transport Museum and the Glasgow Museum of Modern Art at Kelvingrove directly in the centre of the city, there’s plenty to do without having to travel very far. But one of the best things about Glasgow is that despite being a big city, you can drive for about twenty minutes in any direction and the high rises will be left behind, giving up some of the best countryside to enjoy, along with all the fantastic activities it brings. We’ve checked out some of the best activities there are in the city, so for some ideas that’ll help you plan your visit to Glasgow, check out our Things to Do in Glasgow section for inspiration.

Transport in Glasgow

Glasgow has a particularly good transportation network that includes an excellent rail network, and regular bus service, and possibly one of the simplest underground rail services in the world. Other methods of getting around include taxi hire, private chauffeured cars and your own self drive hire. To name but a few. And getting here is simple as well, with the largest airport in Scotland a short drive from the city centre. For advice and links to the best transport options for your visit to Glasgow, have a look at our Transport in Glasgow Section for more information.

Weather in Glasgow

The weather in Glasgow as somewhat unpredictable, but savvy travellers should at least carry an umbrella where possible. It’s not quite the wettest place on Earth, but sadly it’s not the driest either. The best months to visit are usually between May and October, where it tends to be sunnier and reasonably warm. Winters can get very cold, but snow is sporadic and can fall anytime between November and the following March. It doesn’t lie as long as it does in colder countries though, so snow boots and shoes are rarely required. The best advice for any time of year is to make sure you travel with a warm jacket or fleece and some sort of protection from the rain, even if it’s just a lightweight summer jacket.