Glasgow Travel Tips

Located at the west end of Scotland’s central belt, Glasgow is fully stocked with ornate architectural splendour, stately old museums, and fine contemporary art galleries. There’s also a strong retail scene full of designer stores and quirky boutiques, ideal for the splurging shopper. Glasgow is also a cutting edge city when it comes to music, hosting endless live gigs and concerts from hip indie bands to classical folk outfits.

 

Best Time to Travel

 

Glasgow is a great city to visit any time of year, though if you’re travelling in winter, be prepared for harsh weather. While snowstorms are rare, temperatures can drop well below freezing. If you're coming here for summer - when the weather is often mild and pleasant - check out the city’s festival schedule. The West End festival - which sees brass-band parades, outdoor theatre, and sprawling markets - takes place in June, which is also the month of the International Jazz Festival. There are some festivals in winter as well, like the week-long Celtic Connections celebration.

 

Not to Miss

 

Glasgow provides too many sights to see in a day, but there are some you can’t miss, even if you’re only stopping for a short while. Wander around the University of Glasgow - Scotland’s oldest - marvelling at the majestic Neo-Gothic architecture. While you’re here, also check out the Hunterian Museum. Art-lovers should see paintings by the European masters at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, or the contemporary work in the Gallery of Modern Art. Meanwhile, shoppers can explore the designer and brand-name stores along Buchanan and Argyle Street.

 

Getting around

 

Fly in from worldwide destinations to Glasgow International Airport, based only 7 miles from the city. Once there, hop on a shuttle bus directly to the city, or - for the cheapest option - take a bus to Paisley Gilmour Street train station, and catch a train to Glasgow Central, which takes a mere 10 minutes. Once in the city, both parking and driving can be difficult throughout the centre. The centre is very pedestrian friendly, and, combined with the extensive bus service and simple, circular subway line, it’s best to explore on foot and public transport.

 

Cuisine

 

Glasgow has a huge love of Indian cuisine, with aromatic, spicy cooking being found in fine sit-down curry houses and cheap and easy takeaways. Although the Indian influence on Glasgow’s cuisine-scene is strong, it doesn’t rule it. There’s also a focus on authentic Italian dining, and plenty of local Scottish restaurants – if you've never tried it before, you've got to get stuck into the national dish of haggis while you're here.

 

Customs and etiquette

 

While many of the central pubs are warm and welcoming family-locations during the day, many don't let children in from 8pm onwards. An important point to remember when visiting Glasgow is that it’s best to avoid wearing football shirts - particularly of the Rangers and Celtic clubs - as it could lead to unwanted confrontations. Many clubs and bars ban wearing such clothing. Also, whether or not Glasgow’s locals identify themselves as Glaswegians, remember that they’re certainly not to be referred to as "Scotch".Fast Facts

 

• Population: 600000

• Spoken languages: English, Gaelic

• Electrical: The UK runs on 230V, 50 Hz current

• Phone Calling Code: +44 141999