Glasgow guide 
Sights and attractions - What should you see and visit in Glasgow? Cathedral of St. Munga, the local university, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and more.
Accommodation - Do you prefer accommodation in a luxurious 5* hotel, a classic modern hotel near the center, apartments or a cheap hostel?
Typical food and drink - What you should try in Glasgow - huggies, bridies, classic fish and chips, or maybe whiskey.
Practical tips - Here you can learn about local transport, customs, festivals, electrical outlets or perhaps the local currency.
Weather - When does it rain the most and when does the wind blow? What temperatures can you expect in summer and winter?
Celebrities - What famous people lived and worked in Glasgow?
Poet AI - And what has artificial intelligence invented about Glasgow?
Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland and one of the most important cultural, economic and historical centers in the country, is located on the west coast. The city has a rich industrial and commercial history and plays an important role in British industry, particularly shipbuilding.
Glasgow is located in west central Scotland on the River Clyde, about 80 km west of Edinburgh.
It has a population of approximately 600,000, making it the largest city in Scotland.
Glasgow originated as a small settlement around St. Mungo's Cathedral in the 6th century. From the 18th century, the city became one of the most important industrial centers of Britain, especially in shipbuilding and the tobacco and textile trade.
Glasgow has a vibrant arts scene - you can visit the Kelvingrove Museum and Gallery, The SSE Hydro, a theater scene and many music events.
The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451. It is one of the oldest universities in the world and offers excellent academic programs.
The city is famous for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture. An important architect associated with Glasgow is Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who influenced the Art Nouveau style of the city.
Glasgow has transformed from an industrial city to a modern center of technology, education and culture. It was named European City of Culture in 1990 and hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
Sights and attractions
Cathedral of St. Munga (Glasgow Cathedral) - This magnificent Gothic cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the city. They built it in the 12th century and dedicated it to Saint Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow. In the cathedral you can admire the impressive interiors and the crypt.
Necropolis – This Victorian cemetery is located near the Cathedral of St. Munga on the hill with a wonderful view of the city. You can see many historical tombs and monuments here.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - This museum and gallery is one of the most popular attractions in Glasgow. It includes a wide variety of artworks, historical artifacts, and natural exhibits. The building itself is a fine example of Victorian architecture.
University of Glasgow - This famous university was founded in 1451. Its beautiful campus boasts historic buildings in the Gothic style. Here you can visit the Hunterian Museum, which is located on the campus of the university.
The Riverside Museum - A modern museum focused on transportation and technology. Located on the banks of the River Clyde, it features interactive exhibits on shipping, cars and trains. Anyone interested in the history of technology will certainly find something to their taste here.
Glasgow Science Center - This modern science center offers interactive exhibitions, a planetarium and an IMAX cinema. It will mainly be enjoyed by families with children and fans of science and technology.
George Square - Glasgow's main square, home to important government buildings, statues of famous people and often hosts major events. George Square is right in the heart of the city.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens - These botanic gardens are a popular place to relax and stroll. They include various greenhouses, including the famous Victorian Kibble Palace, and an extensive collection of exotic plants.
The Lighthouse - Design and Architecture Center in Glasgow, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The Lighthouse offers great exhibitions focusing on architecture and design, as well as great views of the city from the observation tower.
People's Palace and Winter Gardens - A museum focusing on the social history of Glasgow, located in the beautiful Glasgow Green. Here you can explore the history of the daily life of the townspeople and enjoy a walk in the adjacent gardens.
Accommodations
In Glasgow, you can choose from almost 600 different accommodation capacities, from the most represented apartments to hotels, guesthouses, houses and villas or hostels. If you are going to the city for classic tourism, we recommend staying in the city center.
You can enjoy Victorian-style luxury, for example, at the 5* One Devonshire Gardens a Hotel Du Vin, which is located in the fashionable West End district. As the name of the hotel suggests, the local bistro will offer you Scottish specialties as well as a wide selection of wines. You can relax on the terrace, in the garden, in the fitness center or the beauty salon.
More affordable accommodation near the center is offered by the 4* hotel The Social Hub Glasgow. In this modernly furnished hotel, you can use the fitness center or the terrace, play billiards or table tennis, or rent a bicycle. The Hotel also has a bar, restaurant and cafe. Some accommodation units are wheelchair accessible.
If you prefer to stay in apartments, you can find the Native Glasgow aparthotel in the city center. All apartments have an equipped kitchen and dining area. If you don't feel like cooking, you can order breakfast or meals during the day at the local restaurant. You can use the concierge service or luggage storage at the always open reception.
You can book cheaper accommodation at the Glasgow Youth Hostel, for example. The hostel offers both mixed and private rooms. Located in the bustling West End, the hostel is housed in a Victorian-style building with beautiful views over Kelvingrove Park. Guests have access to a lounge with a view of the park, a TV room, a games room, a laundry room, a bike room and a luggage room.
For a complete offer of accommodation in Glasgow, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.
Typical food and drink
In Glasgow, as in the rest of Scotland, you will find typical Scottish cuisine that combines traditional ingredients with modern approaches to cooking. Here you will find classic dishes such as Haggis, Cullen Skink, Scotch Pie or Full Scottish Breakfast, which we mentioned in the article about Edinburgh. Other typical pork, sweets and drinks include, for example:
Bridie - A traditional Scottish pastry filled with meat and onions, similar to a meat pie, but larger and without the spice.
Fish and Chips - Fried fish fillets with chips have become very popular throughout Britain and also in Scotland (including Glasgow). Fried peas are often served with the fish, and the fish is sometimes fried in a beer batter.
Lorne Sausage - This square type of Scottish sausage is used in Scottish breakfasts. It is usually served fried with eggs or in a bun.
Cranachan - A traditional Scottish dessert consisting of whipped cream, oatmeal, honey, raspberries and whiskey.
Scotch whiskey - Whiskey (or "Scotch") is one of the most important drinks in Scotland. In Glasgow you will find many whiskey bars as well as distilleries where you can sample different varieties of this famous drink, including single malt and blended whisky.
Hot Toddy - A hot drink made from whiskey, honey, lemon and warm water, popular in the colder months. Sometimes it is also drunk as a cold medicine.
Practical travel advice
Glasgow has a well-developed public transport network, including buses, trains and the underground (one of the oldest in the world). You can easily get to where you need to go in and around the center by metro, while buses and trains cover longer distances.
The city also has a bicycle rental system, and you can explore the city's parks or architecture on bike rides.
Many of the main attractions can also be easily visited on foot.
You can also use a taxi or Uber in Glasgow. Keep in mind that it can be more difficult to find a free car at night, especially on weekends.
Scotland is known for its changeable weather, and this also applies to Glasgow. Even during the summer months you can experience rain. So don't forget to pack an umbrella and layers of clothing that you can easily add or remove depending on the weather.
Scotland uses British pounds (£), but you may also see Scottish pounds. These notes are legal throughout the UK but may not always be accepted outside of Scotland.
Most museums and galleries in Glasgow offer free entry. This includes, for example, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, or the Gallery of Modern Art. So you can get to know the culture and history of the city without much expense.
Glasgow is known for its lively nightlife, particularly in areas such as Sauchiehall Street and Ashton Lane. If you plan to go out at night, it is recommended to travel in a group and stay in busy areas.
They host many cultural events and festivals in Glasgow, including Celtic Connections (music festival in winter) or Glasgow International (art festival). Before you travel, check the calendar of events so you can time your stay to attend an event of interest.
In Scotland, as in the whole of Great Britain, type G (three-pin) sockets are used. Remember to bring an adapter if you are traveling from a country with a different type of socket.
Football lovers will definitely not miss a visit to the Celtic Park football stadium, where one of the most famous Scottish clubs, Celtic Glasgow, plays its home matches.
Weather
Glasgow has an oceanic climate characterized by mild winters and cooler summers.
The weather tends to be changeable and humid throughout the year, with frequent rain showers.
In winter, temperatures are around 0-5 °C, in summer between 15-20 °C.
The city is affected by western winds from the Atlantic, which brings humidity and changeable weather.
Famous people associated with Glasgow
Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868–1928) – Famous architect and designer whose art nouveau and modernist works symbolize Glasgow. Among his most important works are the Glasgow School of Art.
Billy Connolly (1942) – One of Scotland's best-known comedians and actors, known for his distinctive style of humour. He is from the Anderston area of Glasgow.
James Watt (1736–1819) – Inventor and mechanic whose work to improve the steam engine played a key role in the Industrial Revolution. He studied and worked in Glasgow.
Alex Ferguson (1941) – Legendary football coach, who is particularly famous for his long tenure at Manchester United. Originally from Glasgow, he started his career as a player and coach in local teams.
Lulu (1948) - Scottish singer and actress who rose to fame with the hit song "Shout" and winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1969. She is from the Dennistoun area of Glasgow.
Peter Capaldi (1958) – Actor, director and writer, best known for portraying the role of the Doctor in 'Doctor Who'. He was born in Glasgow.
Frankie Boyle (1972) – Scottish stand-up comedian and satirist, known for his sharp humour. Hailing from Glasgow, he is a regular on UK TV shows.
A poem about Glasgow created by artificial intelligence
Glasgow, a city full of power,
where the river Clyde flows quietly on,
streets old, stories hide,
in the heart of Scotland they proudly reside.
Mackintosh lines carved in stone,
art and beauty weave in every corner.
Kelvingrove with treasures of old,
where history and art dance together.
Raindrops sprinkle the city with silver,
while in the streets life never stops.
Music, laughter and pulsating traffic,
Every day there is a new excitement in Glasgow.
From factory fumes to science rise,
James Watt took his machines to the skies.
Billy Connolly and his gift of wit,
brings laughter like bright heat.
Glasgow, a city strong and tough,
where every corner is a story of the proud land of Scotland.
The one who knows you carries you in his heart,
Glasgow will love you forever.