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Glasgow – a brief overview
Edinburgh might get all the plaudits, but Glasgow has a well-deserved reputation as one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. Steeped in history thanks to its shipbuilding past, this is a place where culture fiends will feel instantly at home.
Whether it’s a visit to the striking Riverside Museum, a look up at Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s masterful Glasgow School of Art or a gig at any one of the city’s ace music venues, visitors will be left dazzled by everything that’s on offer. And with an ever-growing food scene, there are plenty of opportunities to kick back and reflect on your trip.
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Top 10 sights in Glasgow

Riverside Museum of Transport
G3 8RS Glasgow
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-141/287 27 20
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Opening times:
Mon-Thu, Sat 1000-1700
Fri, Sun 1100-1700
Housed in a futuristic, angular building on Glasgow’s waterfront, the Riverside Museum is a delight for adults and kids alike. Delving into the city’s history of shipbuilding and industry, the museum offers a great take on the fast-paced changes which affected Glasgow during the 20th century.
Burrell Collection
G43 1AT Glasgow
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-141/287 25 50
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Opening times:
Temporarily closed
Just outside of the city centre, the Burrell Collection plays home to one of Scotland’s finest selections of art. Built up by industrialist Sir William Burrell, the collection was handed to the city in 1944. Everything from Islamic art to modern, abstract works are on show.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
G3 8AG Glasgow
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-141/276 95 99
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Opening times:
Mon-Thu, Sat 1000-1700
Fri, Sun 1100-1700
Designed by the renowned Charles Rennie Mackintosh, this is the best place to see the architect and artist’s work after a fire ripped through his other Glasgow masterpiece, the Glasgow School of Art. A great example of CRM’s ‘Glasgow Style’.
The Mackintosh House
G12 8QQ Glasgow
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-141/330 42 21
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Opening times:
Tue-Sat 1000-1700
Sun 1100-1600
The home of Mackintosh and his wife during the early 20th century is another must-see. Original fixtures and fittings and CRM’s own art are on display, in a carefully curated recreation of the original house house on Gilmorehill campus.
Scottish Football Museum
G42 9BA Glasgow
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-141/616 61 39
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 1000-1700
Sun 1100-1700
Take a trip out to Hampden Park, the home of Scottish football and a museum detailing the history of the game north of the border. See classic kits, trophies and learn how the game became the be all and end all in this football-mad city.
Hunterian Museum
G12 8QQ Glasgow
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-141/330 42 21
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Opening times:
Tue-Sat 1000-1700
Sun 1100-1600
Another outpost of Glasgow’s booming museum scene. The Hunterian Museum dates back to 1807, its collection focusing on surgery and medicine throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Implements used by Joseph Lister and James Watt form just part of a fascinating collection.
Hunterian Art Gallery
G12 8QQ Glasgow
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-141/330 42 21
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Opening times:
Tue-Sat 1000-1700
Sun 1100-1600
As well as the science-focused Hunterian Museum, the art gallery of the same name is well worth your time. It has the largest permanent display of Whistler paintings in the world, as well as stunning works by the Scottish Colourists.
Scotland Street School Museum
G5 8QB Glasgow
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-141/287 05 00
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Opening times:
Tue-Thu, Sat 1000-1700
Fri, Sun 1100-1700
Another Mackintosh-designed building, housed in a school constructed at the start of the 20th century. Reconstructed classrooms shows visitors how education changed from Victorian times through to the 1960s.
Glasgow Cathedral
G4 0QZ Glasgow
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-141/552 81 98
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0930-1700 (Apr-Sep)
Sun 1300-1630 (Apr-Sep)
Mon-Sat 1030-1530 (Oct-Mar)
Sun 1300-1530 (Oct-Mar)
A dark, brooding building, Glasgow Cathedral, also known as St Mungo’s, is one of the finest churches in Scotland. Dating back to the 12th century, its interior is full of unique artefacts, including a beautiful rood screen.
Botanic Gardens
G12 0UE Glasgow
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-141/276 16 14
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Opening times:
Grounds:
Daily 0700-dusk
Glasshouses:
Daily 1000-1800 (summer)
Daily 1000-1615 (winter)
These sensational gardens rival London’s Kew Gardens in terms of the breadth of plants and flowers on show. If the weather is good, stroll the well-tended gardens. If not, pop into the greenhouses for a taste of more tropical climes.
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Country information
Country overview
Few places cram in as much scenery, history and culture as the United Kingdom. England’s southwest is dominated by a rugged shoreline and swathes of open national parkland, while its sprawling and vibrant capital London dominates the southeast. Hillwalkers can take some serious hikes in the Scottish Highlands or England’s Lake District. True British wilderness remains – stark, sometimes stunning and often inaccessible, particularly in the far North of Scotland.
Historic Edinburgh is a fascinating city to explore, while Glasgow explodes with nightlife options. Visitors to Wales can meander from the urban highlights of Cardiff to Snowdon’s jagged peaks in the north. Across the water, Belfast is reviving as a tourist destination, and Northern Ireland’s countryside is green and rolling.
Geography
The British landscape can be divided roughly into two kinds of terrain – highland and lowland. The highland area comprises the mountainous regions of Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and North Wales.
The English Lake District in the northwest contains lakes and fells. The lowland area is broken up by sandstone and limestone hills, long valleys and basins such as the Wash on the east coast. In the southeast, the North and South Downs culminate in the White Cliffs of Dover.
The coastline includes fjord-like inlets in the northwest of Scotland, spectacular cliffs and wild sandy beaches on the east coast and, further south, beaches of rock, shale and sand sometimes backed by dunes, and large areas of fenland in East Anglia.
Note: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Although they form one administrative unit (with regional exceptions), they have had separate cultures, languages and political histories.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 66,02 millions (estimate 2017)
Capital: London.
Language
English. Welsh is spoken in parts of Wales, and Gaelic in parts of Scotland.
Currency
Pound (GBP; symbol £) = 100 pence. Notes are in denominations of £50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of £2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 pence.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are standard.
Public holidays
Below are Public Holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period.
2019
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019
Good Friday: 19 April 2019
Early May BankHoliday: 6 May 2019
Spring Bank Holiday: 27 May 2019
Christmas Day: 25 December 2019
Boxing Day: 26 December 2019
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Good Friday: 10 April 2020
Early May BankHoliday: 4 May 2020
Spring Bank Holiday: 25 May 2020
Christmas Day: 25 December 2020
Boxing Day: 26 December 2020
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Let the music play on …
Made in Glasgow: Scotland’s largest city is almost like an assembly line turning out indie, pop and rock bands destined for world fame. Visitors to the music metropolis will find the latest in the line of bands following in Oasis’, Travis’ and Franz Ferdinand’s footsteps, but there’s also plenty here to make a trip to Glasgow worthwhile for jazz, folk and classical music fans.
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut: Iconic Britpop venue
Glasgow, G2 5RL
United Kingdom
Tel.: +44-141/223 52 79
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Back in the early 1990s, the members of the then still unknown Britpop band Oasis had to bully their way onto the stage at King Tut’s – and were promptly rewarded with a recording contract. At the latest since that legendary episode, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut – this tiny club’s correct and full name – has been an acknowledged springboard to fame. Radiohead, Franz Ferdinand, Travis, The Verve, Beck, Blur and Whites Stripes are just some of the bands of the long list of those that played the club either just before or just after making their breakthrough.
Òran Mór: Ecclesiastical acoustics
Glasgow, G12 8QX
United Kingdom
Tel.: +44-141/357 62 00
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Built 150 years ago as a church, today the Òran Mór is arguably Glasgow’s most unusual concert hall. Spanning the ceiling of The Auditorium upstairs, there’s an opulent mural created by Scottish artist Alasdair Gray. An illustrious array of international stars has performed here, among them the late Amy Winehouse. The Òran Mór hosts not only pop concerts but also comedy events and the lunchtime theater series A Play, A Pie and A Pint.
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall: From big band to ballet
Glasgow, G2 3NY
United Kingdom
Tel.: +44-141/353 80 00
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It’s not just indie, pop and rock fans who rate Glasgow’s music scene; classical music and jazz lovers also appreciate its excellent ensembles. The city is home to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, which is noted for its outstanding interpretations of Scandinavian composers and shares its venue, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, among others, with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra founded by saxophone legend Tommy Smith, one of Europe’s top big bands. The Scottish Ballet and the Scottish Opera are also based in Glasgow.
Love Records: The world is flat and round
Glasgow G1 2AQ
United Kingdom
Tel.: +44-141/332 2099
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Glasgow’s Love Records, Record Fayre and Missing Records stock the finest in vinyl. So does Rubadub Records as well as everything you need to record a vinyl of your own. It’s also the leading equipment store for DJs and producers. Fans rave about the vast selection of techno, house, hip-hop and jazz albums here.
Admiral Bar: Folk music, pizza and burlesque entertainment
Glasgow, G2 7DA
United Kingdom
Tel.: +44-141/221 77 05
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Tuesday night is folk night at the Admiral Bar, when musicians from the USA, Ireland and Scotland play the legendary Star Folk Club in the bar’s basement, which has been going strong for 40 years. The bar also hosts changing live gigs on other weekdays, and on Saturday’s the downstairs stage belongs to DJs and burlesque artistes. The Admiral Bar is also known all over town for its tasty pizzas, burgers and sandwiches.
Bagpipes meet Eminem: Festivals for all
Fruitmarket
Candleriggs, Glasgow G1 1NQ
United Kingdom
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Celtic Connections
Tel.: +44-141/353 80 00
To the website
TRNSMT
Tel.: +44-141/566 49 99
To the website
Summer Sessions
Tel.: +44-141/566 49 99
To the website
Festival fans make the pilgrimage to Glasgow in all seasons. In January, Scotland’s largest city becomes the bagpipers’ Mecca, when traditional sounds dominate the Celtic Connections festival, although folk music from all around the world also features on its program of over 300 events. The musicians appearing on stage at the young Trnsmt festival in late June/early July will be mostly from the alternative, indie and singer-songwriter scene, while the Glasgow Summer Sessions at the end of August attracts fans of rock, rap, hip-hop and electro.
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Stylish Scottish fare
Merchant City with its wonderfully restored sandstone facades has become the city’s nightlife district buzzing with bars and restaurants. Back in 1979, one of the first eateries to open in the then still slightly shabby district was Café Gandolfi. Seumas MacInnes joined the kitchen team in 1983 and since 1995, has been sole owner of the café, as well as the Bar Gandolfi, Gandolfi Fish and Fish to Go (all on Albion Street). With his soft spot for high-quality local and regional ingredients, MacInnes is seen as the renewer and refiner of Scottish cuisine. The café’s comfortable, elegant furnishings, now almost 40 years old, are early works of wooden furniture designer Tim Stead (1952-2000), a graduate of Glasgow School of Art.
64 Albion Street
G1 1NY Glasgow
United Kingdom
Tel.: +44-141/552 68 13
Open:
Monday-Saturday: 0800– 2300
Sunday: 0900–2300
Flight and accommodation
Scotland – wild at heart
The highland escapades in the James Bond movie Skyfall may have boosted Scotland’s popularity, but the country has long been a dream destination thanks to its natural landscapes, time-honored golf courses and smoky scotch. We start our trip in Aberdeen and travel around the northwest, encountering loads of fish, sled dog mushers, ancient settlements built on the water and rangers who make money off of 007.
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Margot Brodie sits in a small garret room at the Alex Scott & Co. kilt factory amid photos of her collie dog, lengths of cloth, an array of bobbins and her thimble. Over in the corner, there’s a sewing machine. Outside the window, helicopters hover like seagulls above the granite-gray port as they carry their regular deliveries of workers to the oil rigs out in the North Sea.
The sprightly senior is not only Aberdeen’s oldest kiltmaker, but also one of the best in the country. It takes her roughly 13 hours to complete a traditional Scottish kilt; a complete set can cost anything up to 1400 pounds. She began her five-year apprenticeship in 1954, learning her craft from an army kiltmaker. Today, she has officially retired, only sometimes she’ll make a kilt as a favour to Alex Scott & Co.
Her reputation extends far beyond the city’s limits. “People from all over the kingdom order my kilts,” she tells us with visible satisfaction, “I never get bored, I really enjoy the work.”
As if to prove her point, she takes out her measuring tape, which is 60 inches long, roughly a meter and a half. “Once someone came to me for a kilt. He was such a fatty, I had to use two tapes to measure all the way round his middle!” she laughs. She just has one regret, namely not having emigrated to Australia 40 years ago! She does fly out there regularly on winter vacation, though.
“130 yards ist not bad for your first day,” says Neil Marr, my golf instructor. In front of him, a laptop displays my tee-off performance data, and later Marr analyzes on video every error in my posture – and there are quite a few. Scotland is considered to be the cradle of the time-honored game, and Meldrum House Club, one of Scotland’s most exclusive golfing establishments, honors its traditions to the letter. The course is over 7000 yards long (roughly 6400 m), and club membership is limited to 400 to minimize waiting times. A stone’s throw from the first tee, there’s a stately old manor house that’s been converted into a luxury hotel.
Head coach Marr also trains the Scottish national youth team, but today he has me to contend with. A qualified sports psychologist, he keeps his true thoughts about my golfing potential to himself. “The main thing a good golfer needs in additionto mental strength, technique, physical fitness and a good diet,” says Marr, “is patience.” Wanting to do too much too soon often ends in failure. “I play less but I still improve my game,” he says,a look of surprise momentarily crossing his face. Marr seems a paragon of composure, and looks ten years younger than he is. We trundle across the extensive course in the cart, enjoying the view of endless green hills. The sun is out, the birds are singing. We would be happy to stay for another couple of days but it’s time to move on.
We plan to end the day at tiny Knockdhu Distillery, which was founded in 1894 and is hidden away in Knock, on the fringes of the Whisky Trail, a concentration of famous distilleries inthe northeast of the country. The air here is fragrant with the smell of malt.
Master distiller Gordon Bruce, takes us straight to the large wooden washbacks and copper stills. “We are very traditional in the way we produce our whisky, and we haven’t really changed our method in the past hundred years,” he says. “The fact that it’s not mass produced is what makes our scotch so special.” To prove his point, he holds up a calculator with huge buttons and mischievously says: “May I show you our latest computer?”
The ground outside is peaty, ideal for growing barley, and fresh, clear water bubbles from several springs. These are ideal prerequisites for an excellent scotch. Next door, the different “vintages” are maturing under the roof of a large barn in some 1200 oak barrels brought over especially from Spain or the United States. “They were originally used to store sherry or bourbon,” Bruce explains, tenderly running his fingers over one of them, “the flavor rubs off.” The warehouse is his great treasure, and as he man strides between the long rows of barrels in the gloom, his face suddenly takes on a blissful expression. “I love my work because it’s not something you can plan. Conditions change constantly and that constantly creates new challenges,” he explains. In his free time, Bruce likes to travel occasionally, “but only to cold places.” Otherwise he spends his time experimenting with whisky, blending different single malts – as you can see, for him the job really is a “vocation.” Also, he lives right across from the distillery, his workplace always within sight and reach. His eldest daughter is a master distiller at Chivas and one of very few women in the profession His other two children aren’t quite there yet. “But I’m working on it,” says Bruce with a wicked grin. Sláinte!
“One dog is enough to take you for a walk,” says Nici Nardini. Sled dog Pandora strains so hard on her leash you know immediately what she means. And listening to the barks and feral howls of the remaining 39 huskies outside their wooden kennels, you quickly realize why the Stewarts have no neighbors. Their cottage is in a clearing in the middle of nowhere, and their only regular visitor is a stork. Alan and Fiona Stewart are in the dog sled business, and Nardini helps them out of love for the animals. Asa dog handler, she travels all over the world. The Stewarts’ son, John, earns his living as a diver on an oil platform, but he’s also a professional “musher” (a person who drives a dog sled team) and competes in races. That’s why he spent the last three winters in Canada. He even survived Alaska’s Iditarod, the world’s most grueling dog sled race. “You must have the animals under control at minus 50 degrees because a tumble can be fatal,” says mother Fiona who herself raced for seven years.
In a race, a team of 16 dogs is harnessed to a sled and has to cover up to 100 miles a day. Training begins in September, and for this the Stewarts have specially designed carts with rubber wheels that the dogs pull through the woods. Few mushers can survive from their prize money alone; the races are mostly about prestige and the thrill of competition and taking part. “If I had known what I was letting myself in for when my husband brought a husky home…,” says Fiona, laughing. But on a serious note, she adds, “Living with the dogs is very different, very special. You have to devote your whole life to them.” Standing beside Nici, she surveys the barking pack. Both women beam.
Since Skyfall, ranger Scott McCombie has often stood right on what is now a famous spot in Glen Etive. In the movie, Bond and his boss, M, break their journey here, and later the Highlands provide the backdrop for a showdown. The last time McCombie was here, he traded his ranger’s gear for a pinstriped suit and struck a cool 007 pose. Photos of the occasion now form part of the Skyfall exhibition the national park which opened soon after the blockbuster’s release in order to attract new visitors. McCombie is quite happy to cash in on Skyfall’s success, as the proceeds will help preserve the beautiful natural scenery here. Lone campers put up their tents beside the streams and hikers lose themselves in the vast glens. “It’s just a pity we don’t have any bears,” says McCombie. At least they have an undaunted agent.
In the afternoon, we meet Barrie Andrian, an underwater archeologist from the United States, who ran the national Crannog Center until 2017. In case you didn’t know: For reasons not yet entirely clear, back in around 500 BCE the ancestors of today’s Scots lived in wooden settlements called crannogs, which they erected as artificial islands in a lake. They likely chose this form of dwelling for protection, but possibly as a status symbol. Andrian and her team have spent many years reconstructing such a crannog – using only original parts and the then customary tools. The result is an impressive exhibit people can step inside and touch. “It’s only wood, but it is so much more, too,” says Andrian. “We are the first people to have touched this wooden floor in 2500 years. To me, it feels like we are touching our ancestors – it’s like a connection with our past.”
This is what tranquility feels like. It’s early morning and we are in waders, standing in the fast-flowing waters of the Dee River as the first rays of the sun reach the riverbank. “It always takes about 20 minutes for people to say, “Wow, this is so peaceful,” says Ian Murray, following up with: “Don’t lose my late grandmother’s handmade fly!” With three elegant swishes of his 15-foot rod, he casts his line. Soon we can see the bright bait being carried along on the surface by the current. Ian has about 100 different flies in his SUV, dozens of them homemade. He is one of the most experienced rangers in the region and takes people from all over the world to the right spots to fish. Right now, all we lack is a proper catch. What was his biggest so far? “My girlfriend!,” says Murray with a laugh. It doesn’t seem to be his lucky day today, though, not a single a salmon bites. Even if one did, this is the closed season, so we would have to throw it back. And anyway, it can also be wonderfully relaxing to catch nothing at all.
Our last stop is Stonehaven, a pretty fishing village near Aberdeen. When we arrive, skipper Brian Wilkinson is already waiting to cast off, the engine of the Lady Gail II turning over impatiently. From the sea, we get the best view of the coast and the Dunnottar Castle ruins, and hope to glimpse a passing dolphin or whale. “Photographers usually go overboard first!” is our skipper’s greeting. We see numerous penguins waddling along the shore in front of the camera, but no mammals this time, not even out at sea. The sense of peace that follows a day spent outdoors stays with us even as we travel home. But we will certainly miss the Scottish sense of humor.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Glasgow
The food scene in Glasgow has blossomed in the past few years. New cafés and old haunts have all helped the city earn a worldwide reputation for excellent eating.
Whether you want to stop for coffee and cake or blow the budget on something fancy, there are endless options.
Ubiquitous Chip
G12 8SJ Glasgow
United Kingdom
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Price: Luxurious
A Glasgow institution serving the freshest Scottish cuisine and excellent wine.
Grill On The Corner
G2 6NL Glasgow
United Kingdom
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Price: Moderate
The best place in the city to taste gorgeous Angus steaks. A trendy spot with a young crowd.
The Dhabba
G1 1LE Glasgow
United Kingdom
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Price: Moderate
Sensational Indian food that matches the best curry houses in northern England.
Loop and Scoop
G12 8RE Glasgow
United Kingdom
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Price: Budget
A great place for homemade ice cream, coffee specialties and churros, the choux pastry fritters originally from Spain that can be enjoyed plain, dipped or filled with a variety of sauces, some of them vegan, of course. Nice extra: melted chocolate topping on tap.
The 78
G3 8NU Glasgow
United Kingdom
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Price: Budget
One for veggies and vegans. Excellent falafel and bean burgers, plus a great array of craft ales.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Glasgow
Unlike nearby Edinburgh, hotels in Glasgow won’t adversely hit your holiday budget.
There are some excellent five-star spots, but you can get much better value in Scotland’s second city compared to the capital.
Blythswood Square
G2 4AD Glasgow
United Kingdom
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Category: Luxurious
A 19th-century gem, this boutique hotel has well-appointed rooms and a superb restaurant.
Glasgow Radisson Blu
G2 8DL Glasgow
United Kingdom
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Category: Luxurious
This strikingly designed building houses some of Glasgow’s fanciest rooms.
ABode Glasgow
G2 2SZ Glasgow
United Kingdom
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Category: Moderate
A sharp boutique hotel that won’t break the bank. A great central location too.
Glasgow Pond
G12 0XP Glasgow
United Kingdom
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Category: Moderate
A handy business hotel away from the bustle of the centre, with smart, quiet rooms.
Argyll
G3 7TQ Glasgow
United Kingdom
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Category: Budget
On a quiet street near Kelvingrove Park, this cosy hotel offers comfortable, affordable rooms.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Glasgow
Party lovers will find Glasgow one of the best cities in the UK for late night fun.
Whether you want to dance your evening away, swig a few beers or enjoy some great live music, Glasgow has got it covered from every angle.
Find out more about the best music clubs in Glasgow here.
Barrowland Ballroom
G4 OTS Glasgow
United Kingdom
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Bob Dylan, Britney Spears and David Bowie all performed here, and Amy MacDonald serenaded the legendary concert hall with the amazing acoustics in a song named for the club. The ballroom is also famous for its gigantic, brightly colored, early-1960s neon sign.
Mono Cafe Bar
G1 5RB Glasgow
United Kingdom
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This café bar is the beating heart of Glasgow’s indie scene: Music fans love the Mono not only for its concerts but also for its adjoining record shop. The bar stocks an exquisite selection of spirits and home-brewed craft beer; the kitchen serves superb vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Sub Club
G1 4QD Glasgow
United Kingdom
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Scotland’s most famous club. One for serious dance music fans only.
Stereo
G2 6PH Glasgow
United Kingdom
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A bar and art space with a nightclub attached. All housed in a Mackintosh building.
Munro’s
G4 9EB Glasgow
United Kingdom
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Booze hounds should head here for the very best craft beers Glasgow has to offer.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Celtic Connections
7 January – 3 February 2019
Website
Venue: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and other venues
Glasgow’s annual folk, roots and world music festival, Celtic Connections celebrates Celtic music and its connections to cultures across the globe. Typically, over 2,000 musicians from around the world descend on Glasgow and bring the city to life for almost three weeks of concerts, ceilidhs, talks, art exhibitions, workshops and free events.
Glasgow Film Festival
20 February – 3 March 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
The festival programme encompasses a huge range of moving image experiences. Visitors can expect entertaining galas, premieres, parties, lively events, celebrities and of course a collection of stunning documentaries from around the world.
Glasgow International Comedy Festival
March 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
The Glasgow International Comedy Festival is attracting increasingly bigger and better names, making it one of the most well respected comedy festivals in Britain, rivalling even Edinburgh’s line-ups. Venues range from small pubs to big theatres and concert halls, so you can expect everything from major shows featuring big names on the circuit to little gems by unknown performers. Nearly 300 shows take place at some 40 venues all over Glasgow.
West End Festival
30 Mai – 30 June 2019
Website
Venue: Various West End venues and streets
This community festival and street party take place in Glasgow’s academic and campus quarter and include live music, film screenings, garden fetes, cake stalls, barbecue and family fun days, and a Japanese Matsuri, where visitors put on a kimono, make origami and try their hand at the Japanese alphabet.
Glasgow Jazz Festival
20 – 24 June 2019
Website
Venue: Royal Bank Big Stage and various venues
Now sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Glasgow Jazz Festival continues to progress, with over 160 separate performances staged each year. Most concerts take place at the Royal Bank Big Stage, aided and abetted by other concert venues and many Fringe venues around the Merchant City area. This is a festival with strong roots and many top names have featured here in past years.
Merchant City Festival
August 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues in Merchant City
This vibrant arts and entertainment festival takes place in about 70 venues in Glasgow’s rejuvenated cultural quarter. A packed, four-day programme includes music, theatre, comedy, film, food and exhibitions in a list of about 300 events. Past acts include the Urban Rocks Fashion Show, Ceilidh Dance Class, cutting-edge film screenings and street theatre.
Piping Live!
August 2019
Website
Venue: National Piping Centre (Cowcaddens) and various other venues
Scottish pipe bands from around the world perform daily for three hours in the middle of Glasgow during the annual Piping Live! event. Daily workshops offer an opportunity to be initiated into the secrets of the bag pipe – the quintessentially Scottish instrument. There are also café pipe jamming sessions, piping lectures, a Festival Club, the World Solo Amateur Piping Competition and the eagerly awaited Pipe Idol competition.
Glasgow's Hogmanay
31 December 2019
Venue: George Square and other venues
New Year’s Eve celebrations offer the best in Scottish themed entertainment and activities including Highland Dancing, pipe bands, free performances by top Ceilidh bands and much more.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone
Country code: +44
Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the new arrangement.
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking credentials entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Glasgow
Key Areas
Glasgow has fast become one of the UK’s best shopping spots. The so-called Style Mile, in the city centre, plays home to a string of unique boutiques, with over 200 shops to choose from. Head to Princes Street for major international brands.
Markets
The Barras is the very best market in Glasgow. Located on Gallowgate and open every weekend, this excellent flea market sells everything from unique souvenirs to vintage clothing. For something more rough and ready, try the Blochairn Market on the edge of town.
Shopping Centres
The Style Mile is chock full of excellent shopping malls. The Buchanan Galleries (buchanangalleries.co.uk), Princes Square (princessquare.co.uk) and St Enoch Centre (st-enoch.com) will all delight shopaholics looking for new clothes or a bargain in the sales. The Silverburn Centre (shopsilverburn.com) on the edge of town does a similar thing, but all under one roof.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Saturday, 07.12.2019 12:00 UTC

overcast
temperature
9°C
wind direction
southwestwind speed
10.625 mphhumidity
88%7 days forecast
Sunday
08.12.2019
6°C / 5°C
Monday
09.12.2019
6°C / 2°C
Tuesday
10.12.2019
11°C / 5°C
Wednesday
11.12.2019
5°C / 4°C
Thursday
12.12.2019
5°C / 3°C
Friday
13.12.2019
5°C / 3°C
Saturday
14.12.2019
5°C / 3°C
Climate & best time to visit United Kingdom
Temperate climate, damp and warm in the summer, wet and cool in the winter. Due to its island location, the United Kingdom has extremely changeable weather. A great deal of rain falls on the west coast and on high ground, and it’s colder and windier on the north coast. The southeast is sunnier than the north and has less rain. The southwestern part of the country has the mildest climate.
The best time to visit is high summer although even then, relatively low temperatures and rain are always a possibility, especially in the northern regions. Southern England’s seaside resorts are at their best in July and August.
Best time to visit Scotland
The best time of the year to visit Scotland is the month of May, when the attractions are not overrun by tourists, the weather is (usually) pleasant, and the country is swathed in yellow broom. Although it is a little warmer in the summer, visitors should expect some cool breezes and sudden downpours. Generally speaking, the weather in Scotland is very changeable, so it’s always a good idea to take along warm and waterproof clothing. The fall tends to be very wet and cool. In the winter, the Scottish climate is harsh, but Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow still await visitors with some wonderful museums and restaurants. If you are planning a winter visit, please bear in mind that small hotels and Bed & Breakfast establishments often close for several weeks between November and February.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | 13 °C | -17 °C | 5 °C | 0 °C | 86 % | 111 mm | 17 | 1.1 h |
Feb | 13 °C | -15 °C | 6 °C | 1 °C | 83 % | 85 mm | 12 | 2.1 h |
Mar | 21 °C | -13 °C | 8 °C | 2 °C | 80 % | 69 mm | 10 | 2.9 h |
Apr | 23 °C | -6 °C | 11 °C | 3 °C | 76 % | 67 mm | 10 | 4.7 h |
May | 27 °C | -3 °C | 15 °C | 6 °C | 74 % | 63 mm | 10 | 6.0 h |
Jun | 30 °C | 0 °C | 17 °C | 9 °C | 76 % | 70 mm | 10 | 6.1 h |
Jul | 30 °C | 2 °C | 18 °C | 11 °C | 78 % | 97 mm | 13 | 5.1 h |
Aug | 31 °C | 0 °C | 18 °C | 10 °C | 80 % | 93 mm | 14 | 4.4 h |
Sep | 26 °C | -3 °C | 16 °C | 8 °C | 82 % | 102 mm | 13 | 3.7 h |
Oct | 23 °C | -7 °C | 12 °C | 7 °C | 84 % | 119 mm | 16 | 2.3 h |
Nov | 16 °C | -10 °C | 8 °C | 3 °C | 85 % | 106 mm | 14 | 1.4 h |
Dec | 14 °C | -18 °C | 6 °C | 2 °C | 87 % | 127 mm | 16 | 0.8 h |
year | 31 °C | -18 °C | 12 °C | 5 °C | 81 % | 1109 mm | 155 | 3.4 h |
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
The monarchy, though now only symbolic politically, is a powerful and often subconscious unifying force. Members of the Royal Family are the subject of unceasing fascination, with their every move avidly followed and reported by the popular press, both in the UK and abroad.
Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. One kiss on the cheek is gaining popularity for close friends. Normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone’s home and a small present such as flowers or chocolates is appreciated. It is polite to wait until everyone has been served before eating.
Clothing
Some nightclubs and restaurants do not allow jeans and trainers, otherwise casual wear is widely acceptable. For business, a suit and tie should be worn, although in some workplaces an open neck is acceptable.
Use of public places
Topless sunbathing is allowed on certain beaches and tolerated in some parks. Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places, including stations, pubs and restaurants, throughout the UK.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Main emergency number: 112
Food & Drink
Food within the UK is generally safe to eat, with health and safety standards monitored by various government agencies. Tap water is considered safe to drink but bottled water is widely available. If you’re camping, always boil, filter or purify water from streams.
Other Risks
The UK is not a risky destination but travellers should still take appropriate precautions. Summer temperatures in England rarely reach above 30°C but on hot days there is still risk of sunstroke and it’s advisable to wear sunscreen, as well as appropriate clothing. The same goes for winters, during which weather can be very changeable. Waterproofs (or at least a strong umbrella) are mandatory at any time of year. Those hiking in the mountains should come prepared, with appropriate gear and maps if needed but the biggest danger comes from those who disregard warning signs or poor weather.
Although the risk remains low, travellers are advised to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles, as cases have risen in the past few years. Travellers visiting the UK during the winter may also wish to consider being vaccinated against flu.
If you’re planning to walk in wooded or heath areas such as in the Scottish Highlands, it’s worth taking precautions against tick bites: ensure you wear long-sleeved tops, tuck your socks into your trousers and wear insect repellent. Ticks are known to spread Lyme disease which, although fairly rare in the UK, can affect your skin, joints, heart and nervous system. Symptoms include: a pink or red circular rash which develops around the bite up to 30 days after a person is bitten; flu-like symptoms; headaches; and muscle or joint pain. If left untreated, symptoms can become more serious.
Midges are a hiker’s and camper’s nemesis, especially in the northwest Highlands during the summer. While they’ll do no worse than cause a multitude of unbearably itchy bites, it’s definitely worth covering up and dousing yourself in insect repellent to ward off these persistent beasties.
The weather in Scotland can change in an instant. If you’re walking, skiing or climbing in the hills, it’s vital to be prepared for all weathers. It’s not at all uncommon to go for a walk on a beautifully sunny day, only to find yourself surrounded by mist and drizzle with little warning. Make sure you’re equipped with a map, compass, extra food, layers and waterproofs, and always tell someone where you’re heading before you set out. Scots and visitors alike also find themselves unexpectedly caught out by the sun – you might not need it often, but pack some sunscreen.