Hotels in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Glasgow might be overshadowed by Edinburgh and not being the capital of Scotland, but its draw for visitors is equally persuasive. Glasgow is larger than Edinburgh and lies in the east of Scotland on the River Clyde. This a gritty metropolis – the 5th largest city in the United Kingdom - but it also has many charms and delights for the visitor who cares to look. There’s a juxtaposition of Victorian splendour and modern innovation that simply works, historical and cultural attractions, a lively pub culture and vibrant music scene.

There’s no problem in finding holiday accommodation in Glasgow. Every format of lodgings is available from bed and breakfast establishments to luxury 5* hotels. Cheap hotels are located all around the city.

Neighbourhoods of Glasgow

The city is a veritable tapestry of neighbourhoods, each with a distinct feel and atmosphere. Those of most interest to visitors are:

• City Centre: Easily one of the best shopping areas in the UK, the Golden Z of Argyle, Buchanan, and Sauchiehall (pronounced sockyhall) streets are a utopia for retail therapy. Some of the main architectural sights are also here.
• The West End: The hippest part of the city, it’s known for its architectural gems and trendy vibe. Finnieston is a great foodie destination and this area is also known for being the city’s arty showcase as well as home to favourite green spaces.
• The East End: The historic heart, it may not be as culturally enriched as Central and West Glasgow but it’s a great place to relax as the city’s largest park, Glasgow Green is here. Celtic Park, home of Celtic FC is in Parkhead, in the eastern end of East End.
• Shawlands: Located near the river, a break in the residential area is Queen’s Park with its interesting glass house and insect museum.
• Cessnock: Sitting beside the south bank of the river, Cessnock is another area for architecture enthusiasts. It’s also home to Ibrox, the ground of Rangers FC.

What to See and Do in Glasgow

The rich list of sights and activities of the city appeal to many types of visitors. Just some of the top attractions are:

• The works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh: The distinctive and instantly recognisable style of Mackintosh dots the city and makes up some of the most important sights. The architect, designer, and painter left his indelible mark in the Willow Tea Rooms, Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture known as The Lighthouse, House for An Art lover, and The Mackintosh Building at The School of Art.
• Architectural attractions: Must-see sights include George Square with its statues of Sir Walter Scott and James Watt, the City Chambers, Theatre Royal, Cathedral and the world’s oldest surviving music hall, the Glasgow Panopticon.
• Museums and galleries: The rich pickings include Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, St. Mungo Museum, and the Gallery of Modern Art.
• Green Spaces: As well as the aforementioned Glasgow Green and Queens Park, great spaces for some R&R are the Botanic Gardens, Kelvingrove Park, and the only authentic Japanese garden in the UK, the Zen Garden at the Mungo Museum.
• shopping: Away from the city centre are pockets of great shopping like Ingram Street, Merchant Street, and the Skirving Street Farmers Market.

What to Eat in Glasgow

Food in this destination is representative of Scottish cuisine which has quite a distinctive identity that is different to English food. It relies on its rich produce of game, seafood, oats, and raspberries. Dishes to try include:

• Haggis: The most famous Scottish dish is a stuffed sheep’s stomach served with neeps and tatties (potato and turnips).
• Cullen Skink: A rich soup of haddock, potatoes, and onions.
• Scotch Pie: A small, hand-held pie of shortcrust pastry filled with a minced meat – beef, lamb, or mutton.
• Fish Supper: Fish and chips are made from the freshest catch of the day and served with a tangy brown sauce. Follow it with a deep-fried Mars Bars - yes, seriously!
• Cranachan: A dessert that combines the holy trinity of oats, whisky, and raspberries with cream.
• Shortbread: A biscuit made in Scotland for centuries.

You’ll find many dishes that contain Scottish salmon, grouse, venison, langoustines, mussels, leeks, potatoes, and oats, as well as whisky.

Typical Events and Festivals in Glasgow

The theatres, music venues, concert halls, arenas and pubs always have something going on, but city wide events include:

• West End Festival: The biggest celebration in the city takes place for 16 days in June. It’s the second largest UK street event after the Notting Hill Carnival.
• International Comedy Festival: Europe’s biggest comedy festival happens in March.
• Merchant City Festival: A smaller but still noisy and festive carnival in July.
• World Pipe Band Championships: The annual competition takes place in August.

How to Move About in Glasgow

Navigation is easy in all areas of the city thanks to a good public transport network system. There is a wide-ranging bus network and Glasgow has the UK’s largest urban rail network outside of London. There’s also an underground metro system which is claimed to be the third oldest in the world (after London and Budapest). Taxi firms and car hire companies are plentiful

The Climate in Glasgow

Classed as Oceanic and warmed by the Gulf Stream, the climate in the city is milder than in other parts of Scotland. It is, however, the rainiest city in the UK! The warmest months are July and August and the coldest are December and January.