Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is a treasure trove of rich history, vibrant culture, and magnificent architecture. Far from it’s outdated less-than-salubrious reputation, this truly is a fantastic city to visit and a favourite of British TIPS teamsters. With its friendly locals, bustling city streets, and countless attractions, Glasgow offers a unique experience to those who are curious enough to explore its charm. Get in touch to book your experiences at sales@britishtips.com or 021 975 2047.
British TIPS recommends! Take a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour to get around the city. We suggest staying on the bus for one full circuit so you get to know where everything is and listen to the guided commentary to give you insight into this hidden gem of a city.
Views of handsome Victorian buildings greet you as you step onto the streets of Glasgow. Kick off your day in the very heart of Glasgow at George Square, surrounded by old buildings and boasting several statues of Scottish historical figures like poet Robert Burns. It’s a great place to people watch – and hop onto the sightseeing bus. Sit back on the bus for a full loop and soak in the city – don’t forget to keep an eye out for the many murals and street art pieces.
Once it’s done its loop, instead of hopping off at George’s Square, stay on until the next stop [correct at time of writing]: Glasgow Cathedral (pictured) the oldest building in the city. It’s free of charge to enter but donations towards its upkeep are appreciated. Right beside the cathedral is the Victorian Glasgow Necropolis and we highly recommend a visit, not just to see the many historic monuments but also for a great view of the city.
If you have some time, stroll along Buchanan Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, just off George Square. This pedestrianised street surrounded by attractive architecture offers many popular high-street stores and boutiques. It’s always buzzing and you may even spot a piper playing bagpipes amongst the street performers! Nearby, the Argylle Arcade, often called “The Diamond Centre of the North” is the place to go for luxury jewellery – and it’s housed in an exquisite Parisian-style covered shopping arcade dating back to 1827, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
As lunchtime beckons, venture into the trendy Merchant City, which dates back to the late 1700s and has since been beautifully restored and become a popular destination. At Merchant Square you’ll find bars and restaurants, from global cuisines to Scottish dishes like authentic haggis with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes). Or make a trip to Glasgow’s West End, which you can easily do by subway or taxi, and stroll down one the world’s coolest streets (as named by Time Out in 2022) – the Great Western Road. This area is packed with cobbled streets, historic walkways, and excellent cafes and shops. We recommend a foodie tour of Glasgow if you’d like to sightsee and snack at the same time!
Having indulged your taste buds, it’s time to explore more of Glasgow’s marvels. Wherever you go, remember to look up as some of the loveliest architecture is all around.
Glasgow has a surprising amount of museums and most are absolutely free of charge to visit, so it’s definitely a great idea to make a stop at one or two of them. Nearby, the iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which opened in 1901, houses an outstanding collection of artworks and is free to enter. Beside it is a lovely green space – Kelvingrove Park – so, if you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, take some time to relax and do some people watching. If you prefer something more quirky, check out the Riverside Museum, which features over 3000 exhibitions celebrating Glasgow’s transport and technology in a super-modern building. Right beside it is the Tall Ship Glenlee at Riverside; this fully restored Victorian sailing ship is a fascinating visit for anyone, particularly those interested in maritime history. Both the Riverside Museum and the Tall Ship are very popular with children. If you’d prefer something a little greener, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens on the river Kelvin is the place to be. It boasts several nature trails, magnificent glasshouses, Kibble Palace, an arboretum, and a lovely café – The Tearoom at The Botanics.
As evening descends upon the bustling city, immerse yourself in the vibrant live music scene and lively pubs Glasgow is famous for or explore some of the city’s bohemian venues where local talent puts on extraordinary live gigs. Sip on a pint of beer brewed by a local craft brewery or have a “wee dram” of Scotch whisky.
At the end of the day, reflecting on your time in Glasgow, it becomes apparent that amidst its remarkable history and cultural heritage lies an energetic creative force. It is most definitely worth a visit – and you’ll be sure to look forward to returning.
