Finnieston Bridge © Allan J Donaldson
Why? The 'other' Scottish city, Glasgow is very different
to Edinburgh, having in recent years shrugged off its reputation as
a boring, deprived industrial city to becoming a desirable tourist
destination. A holiday in Glasgow will prove the city is
revitalised, with lovely parks, good museums and galleries,
arguably the best shopping outside of London, and a lively music
scene.
When? Scottish weather is abysmal, so most choose to travel
to Glasgow in the middle of summer (July and August) to capitalise
on the warmest time of year. This is also the time when attractions
are most crowded, however, so a better time to holiday in Glasgow
would perhaps be spring and autumn, when the weather is still
relatively dry and mild. Winters are best avoided as they are
notoriously cold and wet, with occasional snow, and many
attractions are closed.
Who for? With its many art galleries, Victorian architecture
and arty events calendar, a holiday in Glasgow is recommended for
culture vultures. Music and football fans will also find plenty to
satisfy their passions during a holiday in Glasgow.
More Info: Before embarking on a holiday in Glasgow find out
all there is to know about the city by consulting our full Glasgow
travel guide, which is packed with information of all sorts from
attractions and events to public transport and the weather.
Overview
During the past few decades Glasgow, the UK's fourth largest
city, has re-invented itself from a rather economically depressed
post-war industrial centre to a modern metropolis with a thriving
art and culture scene, which has earned it accolades like the
'European City of Culture' title in 1990 and 'City of Architecture'
in 1999.
In days of yore Glasgow depended on shipbuilding and engineering
for its wealth; the city fell into decline in the mid-20th century
with poverty and unemployment rife. Prosperity has returned, riding
on the back of 21st century technology, and it is the hub of
Scottish film, theatre, writing, music and design that has captured
worldwide attention.
The city has more than 20 galleries and museums to complement
the architectural heritage of architects like Alexander Thomson,
renowned for his classical designs, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh,
master of art nouveau.
The youthful, progressive atmosphere of the reborn Glasgow is
encouraged by its large student population, spawned by four
universities and several colleges, and reflected in the numerous
lively restaurants, pubs and attractive shopping precincts.
Tourists find plenty to see and do in this city on the River
Clyde, and can also use it as a base to explore the surrounding
countryside that boasts some of Scotland's most scenic mountains,
glens, lochs and coastline.
