Top 10 reasons to visit Glasgow

By Kingfisher Visitor Guides

Fantastic museums and galleries

Glasgow is home to more than 20 museums and galleries. From the Museum of Transport to the St Mungo Museum of Life and Art, there is truly something for everyone. The city’s flagship museum is the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – an iconic red sandstone building in the west end of the city, which houses precious artwork by Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Dali, to name just a few, plus a fantastic natural history collection, armoury and even a beautifully-restored Spitfire.

Take a trip to the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Galley

The people

Glasgow is world renowned for being an extremely friendly city. The ‘weegies’ are humorous but modest and will always make you feel welcome.

Award-winning architecture

Glasgow is known as the best kept Victorian city and in 1999 Glasgow won the title of UK city of architecture and design. The city’s best known architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh left his mark on the city with a number of Art Nouveau buildings which inspire and delight.

Fabulous shopping

The city’s shopping credentials are second to none – from designer labels, to high street favourites, to quirky one-off boutiques, Glasgow offers the best in retail therapy. Pack your credit card and don your comfiest shoes, then head to the “Golden Z” of Argyle Street, Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street for a piece of shopping heaven.

“Dear Green Place”

Glasgow City has more parks and gardens per head of population than any other European city. The beautiful green spaces provide the perfect chill out areas for socialising on sunny days and evenings.

Love of sport

Glaswegians are passionate about sport – so it is fitting that the city was chosen as host to the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Whether you want to participate or spectate, there are lots of opportunities to get sporty in Glasgow. Why not run a 10k, or even a half marathon? Or if you’d rather be less energetic, take a visit to the Scottish Football Museum at Hampden Park, or watch some incredibly flexible athletes at the Gymnastics Grand Prix. Of course, Glasgow’s two big football teams Celtic and Rangers are always a big draw.

Fantastic nightlife

The Sauchiehall ‘strip’, situated at the top of Sauchiehall Street, is aptly named – jam packed with bars and big clubs where every taste is catered for. If you’re out for a more sophisticated evening then the Merchant City is for you. West End offers the best of both. Being a stone’s throw from the beautiful Glasgow University you can often find students blowing off some steam in Ashton Lane – a pretty little cobbled street with an abundance of watering holes.

Events and festivals

The city kicks off the year with Celtic Connections music festival in January, moves into February with the Glasgow Film Festival, has a laugh in spring with the International Comedy Festival, chills out in June with the Jazz Festival, embraces family fun in July with the River Festival. In August, Glasgow celebrates Scottish heritage with the Piping Live and the World Pipe Band Championships, gets arty with the Merchant City Festival in summer, sparkles in November with the Glasgow Fireworks and gets in the festive spirit in the run up to Christmas with Glasgow Loves Christmas.

Visit Glasgow at the right time and get involved in one of its many festivals

Centrality of the city

Glasgow provides a great base from which to explore the Scottish countryside. In only half an hour, you can be in the spectacular Loch Lomond area enjoying the “bonnie bonnie banks”.

The River Clyde

The River has always played a pivotal role in the city’s life. Nowadays the Clyde is a real focal point for leisure activities, with a string of attractions along its banks, including the spectacular titanium-clad trio of buildings that comprise the Glasgow Science Centre as well as the Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour and a plethora of restaurants and leisure options including a casino at Springfield Quay.

Read more about Glasgow