Glasgow Travel Guide

The City of Glasgow is said to be the largest and arguably, best retail centre in the United Kingdom after London. The heart of the city can boast a vibrant shopping district that is focused around the pedestrian areas of Argyle Street, Buchanan Street and Sauchuehall Street. The Argyll Arcade is one of Britain’s eldest covered shopping arcades which was built in 1827 and is currently home to 32 jewellery shops. The Buchanan Galleries in Buchanan Street has one of the United Kingdom’s largest city centre retail projects. If it is shopping that you seek, then you cannot go wrong by visiting this vibrant city. Other highlights of the city include the Designer Exchange just of Royal Exchange Square, the newly refurbished Enoch Centre, and Princes Square which is set in a renovated 1841 square and has a mixed array of designer names on hand. Some may say that this is a shoppers dream come true!

The Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow is the second most visited contemporary art gallery outside of London. Offering an unbelievably thought-provoking programme of temporary worktops and exhibitions, GoMA really has to be seen to be believed. Having opened in 1996, it houses a neo-classical building in the heart of the Glasgow city centre. If art is a topic that interests you, then the Gallery of Modern Art will certainly not disappoint.

For any tourists looking to find some cultural sites in Glasgow, look no further than the Glasgow Cathedral. This is built on the site where St. Kentigern, the first bishop within the ancient British kingdom of Strathclyde, was thought to have been buried in AD 612. The current cathedral was built during the 13th to 15th centuries and is a true part of Scottish history. Witnessing this ancient cathedral will give any tourist a true insight into the 1560 Reformation of Scotland.

In Pacific Quay lies the Glasgow Science Centre. This centre is widely known in Scotland as being one of the most exciting and challenging projects in recent years. It is the aim of the centre to increase public awareness to the importance of science and technology. The Glasgow Science Centre also addresses the needs of people who are socially, cognitively or physically challenged. It really is one of Scotland’s must-see tourist attractions.

Based in the Kelvin Hall, The Museum of Transport is one of the most popular transportations museums in the British Isles. It was founded in 1964 and attracts half a million visitors each year. Based in Bunhouse Road, it houses many exhibits of national and international relevance. The museums of Glasgow offer something for everybody. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has recently re-opened after a three-year restoration programme and is currently breaking all visitor records. With a vast array of paintings, this museum has something for everybody and is based in Argyle Street. The People’s Palace is another museum that gives tourists a chance to witness some social history of Glasgow. Inside you can see paintings, prints and photographs demonstrating the story of the people of Glasgow from 1750 to the present. A must see visit for anyone attempting to get an understanding of the history of this amazing city.

If it is a less vivacious and more soothing holiday you are after, Glasgow has many gloriously landscaped parks to choose from. The Loch Eck Country Lodges and Stratheck Country Park can provide you with a soothing holiday amongst astonishing views - if caravanning is the type of holiday you are after. Whether it’s a tranquil caravan holiday, or a busy shopping spree, Glasgow can accommodate for any tourist, at any time of the year.