Scotland‘s largest city is a thriving metropolis renowned for its culture and style. It is home to world-class museums and galleries, a vibrant arts scene and some of Scotland’s best shopping and nightlife.

Located on the valley floor of the River Clyde, Glasgow is surrounded by hills to the north and south, the vast expanse of Loch Lomond National Park just an hour away.

The city itself has a rich and diverse history, reflected in its architecture which ranges from the 18th-century warehouses of Merchant City to the red sandstone Victorian buildings that line its squares and crescents. Then there are the silver space-age constructions of the Glasgow Science Centre and the Clyde Auditorium, affectionately known as the Armadillo.

Glasgow started as a small fishing village on the River Clyde but by the 18th century it had flourished thanks to a burgeoning shipping industry. The city was transformed by the Industrial Revolution but suffered as the shipbuilding trade began to decline. The 80s saw a period of revival and in 1990 it became a European City of Culture and it has been thriving ever since.

When it comes to culture, Glasgow has it in spades. Make time to visit the Gallery of Modern Art, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the People’s Palace which tells the story of the city and its people. And of course, you cannot forget one of the city’s most celebrated sons, Charles Rennie Mackinstosh, whose work can be admired at the House for an Art Love set within the beautiful landscape of Bellahouston Park.

When to go

Glasgow can get very busy during the summer, especially in July and August. The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, but spring, early summer and autumn are your best bets for sunny skies and fewer crowds.

 
 
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What to do

  • Explore the city's museums and galleries, including the Gallery of Modern Art, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the People's Palace
  • Admire the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh at the House for an Art Lover
  • Shop to your heart's content in Glasgow's Style Mile

Glasgow travel guides

Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline