The image shows a panoramic view of the city of Glasgow. Many buildings in Victorian and modern styles can be seen, set close together. The facades vary from red brick to various light, beige tones. The architecture is a mixture of historic buildings with domed roofs and newer office complexes. The sky is cloudy.
The image shows a panoramic view of the city of Glasgow. Many buildings in Victorian and modern styles can be seen, set close together. The facades vary from red brick to various light, beige tones. The architecture is a mixture of historic buildings with domed roofs and newer office complexes. The sky is cloudy.

Glasgow – Scottish City of Culture in new splendor

Published: 24 October 2024, 09:30

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and is located on the banks of the River Clyde in the west. Known as a former industrial centre and for shipbuilding, it is now a modern cultural metropolis. Landmarks such as Glasgow Cathedral and Glasgow University shape the cityscape with striking Victorian and Gothic architecture.

Even if the Scottish weather doesn’t enjoy the best reputation, there’s no risk of getting bored when it rains: Glasgow is home to some of the country’s best museums, most of which are free of charge. Highlights include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum. In addition to its vibrant music and cultural scene, the UNESCO City of Music is known for its humorous inhabitants – the Glaswegians – who are best approached over a beer in the pub. Some of them wear the legendary kilt – the Scottish skirt that is cult in Glasgow.
 

 

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: - one hour
  • Population: 635,000
  • Official language: English
  • Currency: British pound (GBP)

Five good reasons to travel to Glasgow

On the right-hand side of the picture is an impressive Victorian-style building. The facade is made of red sandstone with ornate towers and elaborate details. Well-kept gardens with flowerbeds can be seen in front of the building.
Grandiose art: Glasgow offers world-class museums, galleries and attractions. One of them is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. © cornfield/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a group of bagpipe players dressed in traditional Scottish attire. They are wearing red plaid kilts, white shirts, black hats and white socks with wide brims. Some of the men are playing bagpipes while others are playing drums. Trees can be seen in the background while in the foreground, there is a meadow with daisies in the blur.
UNESCO City of Music: There are many live music venues like the Barrowland Ballroom. Music pubs and open-air events are also very popular. © Elnur/stock.adobe.com
View overlooking tall plants leading to a section of the city with historic buildings. In the background, part of the neo-Gothic Glasgow University with a tall tower can be seen. On the right-hand side of the picture are multi-storey apartment buildings, while the upper part of a large white building can be seen on the left-hand side. The sky is overcast.
Impressive architecture: Glasgow is home to many Victorian and Gothic buildings – a testament to its past as a prosperous industrial and commercial centre. © gavin/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows an urban landscape from a bird’s eye view. In the foreground, there is a large park with a river and trees in autumn colours. Houses can be seen on the right. On the left, there is a striking Victorian-style building with red bricks.
Green spaces: Glasgow has more than 90 parks and gardens. One of the most popular city parks is Kelvingrove Park in the West End district, on the banks of the River Kelvin. © David/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows terraced stone houses with colourful doors, wrought-iron balconies and external staircases in a quiet lane. An old stone wall with a wrought-iron gate, surrounded by lush vegetation, can be seen on the left.
Charming district: Glasgow is easy to explore on foot. Those who are happy to roam will discover charming streets, pretty cafés to linger in and shops to browse in. © romankrykh/stock.adobe.com

Between the Lowlands and Highlands: Scotland’s nature

If you are fascinated by the vastness of untouched landscapes, lonely valleys, steep mountains and deep lakes where sea monsters may lurk, Scotland is the place for you. Whether you are looking for day trips or round trips lasting several days, Glasgow is the gateway to Scotland’s unspoilt nature. National parks and lochs are less than an hour's drive or train journey from the city centre.

The diverse landscape offers something for everyone – from strolls along the coast to challenging hikes up to the peaks of the Highlands. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where dense forests, tranquil waters and spectacular mountain panoramas await outdoor adventurers, are particularly popular. For those who want to delve even deeper into nature, the West Highlands further north are the place to go. Water sports enthusiasts will also get their money’s worth: kayaking, sailing or fishing on the numerous waterways ensure unforgettable experiences.

National parks, coastal resorts and castle ghosts with kilts

The picture shows an eye-catching landscape with a large lake surrounded by densely forested shores and rolling hills. More distant mountains rise up in the background. The sky is overcast and blue.
Hiking, boating or relaxing – all this is possible at Loch Lomond in the Trossachs National Park, which is only 45 minutes by train from Glasgow. © Colin & Linda McKie/stock.adobe.com
View from above of a majestic, historic castle on a hill, surrounded by green countryside. The castle consists of old stone walls, towers and a striking yellow building. There is a small town in the distant background on the right.
Is this place haunted? According to legend, Stirling Castle is haunted by a ghostly Highlander who appears in traditional costume and a kilt. © robin/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows an idyllic mountain landscape with green hills and rocks. The sun emerges from behind a rock and shines into the valley in the foreground. Grasses and heather can be seen in the foreground, while steep mountains and a valley characterise the background scene.
Picture-perfect nature, just a two-hour drive from Glasgow: the magnificent valleys and mountains of Glencoe are popular with hikers and climbers. © EyesTravelling/stock.adobe.com
View from the water of a harbour town with buildings of different sizes and light, sand-coloured and colourful facades. Boats are in the foreground. In the background, a hill with historic buildings and a round ruin on the hill can be seen.
Let’s go to the west coast, to the pretty coastal town of Oban! From here you can take a ferry to the Hebrides islands of Mull, Iona or Staffa. © EyesTravelling/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a hilly, grassy landscape in the foreground that resembles a golf course. In the background, a small coastal line and a city with old towers and historic buildings can be seen. The sky is overcast and hazy in warm pink tones.
If you are travelling east, the best route is over the Forth Road Bridge to St. Andrews on the Fife peninsula. The coastal town is considered the birthplace of golf. © lightpoet/stock.adobe.com

Glasgow from BER

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Glasgow Airport (GLA)

Five travel tips for …

1. River Clyde Walkway: A walk along the River Clyde and a chance to see the city from a new perspective

2. Kelvingrove Park: A walk through picturesque gardens and along the River Kelvin

3. City Centre Mural Trail: Admire the street art and vibrant graffiti in the city centre

4. West End Walk: Discover Byres Road, Glasgow University and the Botanic Garden

5. Merchant City to Barras Market: Experience tradition and modernity in a fascinating district

1. Visit a whisky distillery 

2. Attend a traditional ceilidh (dance event)

3. Explore a castle and meet its ghost

4. Watch a game between Celtic FC and Rangers FC

5. Experience live bagpipe music

1. Haggis – the traditional dish of the Scots

2. Fish & Chips – the timeless classic for any time of the day

3. Scotch Pie – a savoury snack for in-between meals

4. Cullen Skink – a classic fish soup 

5. Cranachan – a sweet dessert in a glass 
 

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© Jennifer/stock.adobe.com  

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