Things To Do And See In Glasgow | Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow draws from the Celtic meaning ‘dear green place’. Scotland’s largest city is blessed with plenty of parks and picturesque gardens for the locals. Glasgow is a paradox of gracious sandstone buildings and contemporary Scotland. Glaswegians are renowned for their hearts of gold and working-class heritage. Images of a rough and industrial city have long been forgotten.
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It’s now easy to get cheap flights to Glasgow and see how the city has reinvented itself with eclectic and cutting-edge bars and shopping. You will not leave disappointed by the personality of Glasgow. This Scottish city has preserved its rich history while celebrating innovative design through art, food and architecture.
Sights Of Glasgow
Make sure you take time to visit the Glasgow Tower. Scotland’s tallest building has a steely façade and a stark contrast to the beautiful Victorian architecture around the city. The Glasgow Tower is also the only building in the world with the ability to turn 360 degrees from the ground up. At the very top, visitors will be surprised by the striking views of the city that stretch out as far as the Loch Lomond.
The Glasgow Cathedral is definitely a site to behold. The medieval site is truly special as it’s one of the few Scottish medieval churches to have survived the Reformation period. The walls and turrets are steeped with history of volatile religious periods.
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An attractive neoclassical building houses the Gallery of Modern Art. Situated on the Royal Exchange Square, visitors can enjoy taking in the distinguished Scottish art and an extensive selection of international exhibits.
Grow your appreciation for fine art at the Kelingrove Art Gallery & Museum which has free admission. Spend the day musing over the Museum’s newest exhibition, 500 Years of Italian Art. The exhibition is open until 12 August 2012 and the beauty of Italian art and delicate Venetian glass objects will astonish you.
Food and Shopping in Glasgow
Glasgow has resurfaced with extensive dining options. Not far for George Square, dine at Fifi & Ally for a fresh take on Scottish produce. Scotland is said to have the best salmon in the world, so why not try the self-assembly of salmon and cream cheese bagel. If you’re partial to an ethnic lunch, the city is awash with quality Japanese and Indonesian restaurants.
Retail therapy doesn’t go a miss in Glasgow. In fact, the cosmopolitan city has some of the best shopping in the United Kingdom. Take a look at Buchanan Street and be astounded by the range of high street stores and boutiques. No doubt you will leave with lighter pockets. For souvenirs and gifts that are anything but mediocre, try The Lighthouse on Mitchell Lane. Tojo Design stocks fun lifestyle products like angular clocks and serving trays in punchy colours. GmBH bookshop has a trove of specialised books that will definitely come in handy on the long flight home.
Author: Rebecca Parish+ – is a freelance journalist who is passionate about travel and a great lover of food and culture.
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