You may consider getting a traveler friendly Scottish Heritage Pass (valid April to October) to save money on entry fees if you are planning to visit several National Historic sites in Scotland. (Image: Glasgow city centre panorama from The Lighthouse, Tomek Augustyn from Glasgow, UK, Wikicommons)
Glasgow was founded in the 6th century when St Mungo built a church at place called Glas Gu. … Glasgow was given a bishop in 1115, indicating it was a fairly important settlement by that time. The church in Glasgow was replaced by a cathedral in 1136. Glasgow is also known for the Glasgow patter, a distinct dialect of the Scots language that is noted for being difficult to understand by those from outside the city. Glasgow grew from a small rural settlement on the River Clyde to become the largest seaport in Scotland, and tenth largest by tonnage in Britain.
Glasgow is famed for its culture, shopping and people. Spend your day exploring a wide range of fascinating free museums and galleries, enjoying the UK’s best shopping outside of London, and taking advantage of tips from friendly local people in the city. The weather is generally decent in Glasgow in May and June with longer daylight and and less crowd.
Population
Glasgow is the most populous city in Scotland, and the third most populous city in the United Kingdom, as of the 2017 estimated city population of 621,020. Glasgow is situated on the River Clyde in the country’s West Central Lowlands. Inhabitants of the city are referred to as “Glaswegians” or “Weegies”. It is the fourth most visited city in the UK.
City Centre
Glasgow is a relatively safe city. From 2013 to 2014, Glasgow had 1,538 reports of serious violent crime, which include serious assaults and robberies. The city centre is bounded by Saltmarket, High Street and Castle Street to the east, Broomielaw and Clyde Street (along the River Clyde) to the south and Newton Street to the west. The northern boundary (from east to west) follows Cathedral Street, North Hanover Street, Dobbie’s Loan and Pheonix Road. The city centre is composed of the areas of Garnethill, Blythswood Hill, and Merchant City as well as parts of Anderston, Calton, Cowcaddens and Townhead.
Culture
The city has many amenities for a wide range of cultural activities, from curling to opera and ballet and from football to art appreciation; it also has a large selection of museums that include those devoted to transport, religion, and modern art. Many of the city’s cultural sites were celebrated in 1990 when Glasgow was designated European City of Culture. Most of Scotland’s national arts organisations are based in Glasgow, including Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, National Theatre of Scotland, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Scottish Youth Theatre.
Religion
Glasgow is a city of significant religious diversity. The Church of Scotland (32%) and the Roman Catholic Church (29%) are the two largest Christian denominations in the city according to the 2001 census (Christians overall form 65%). There are 147 congregations in the Church of Scotland’s Presbytery of Glasgow.
Accommodations
It’s best to stay in a central location to places you would like to see so they are all within walking distance or at least a short ride from your hotel. Here are some recommended accommodation options in Glasgow:
- Grand Central Hotel – The 4-star Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow City Centre district provides a swimming pool and a golf course. The venue opened its doors in 1883 and was remodeled in 2010. The property is set 20 minutes’ walk from Glasgow Cathedral. Set within a 10-minute walking distance from Glasgow city center.
Guests can visit a museum, a gallery and a church as well as restaurants, bars and a concert hall close by. - Native Glasgow – Elegant apartment hotel in an Edwardian building formerly home to the Anchor Line Shipping Company’s headquarters, this gorgeous Glasgow city centre aparthotel draws on the opulence of a 1920s ocean liner. With original 1906 features kept intact, you’ll find glazed tiles, terrazzo flooring, timber wall-panelling, stunning fireplaces and even the original safes.
- Blythswood Square – A 5-star Scotland’s biggest luxury historical hotel. A landmark hotel in the most vibrant city. Blythswood Square has been a prestigious address since the early 19th century. Overlooking a private garden square, the hotel’s Georgian townhouses were originally home to wealthy merchants and were later turned into the club headquarters for The Royal Scottish Automobile Club.
- Rennie Mackintosh Hotel – A 3-star collection of three Glasgow hotels, all with prime Glasgow city centre locations and first-class amenities. Located in one of the finest shopping, restaurants, and nightlife that Glasgow has to offer – and from the main Glasgow railway and underground stations and the SECC (Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre).
- Sherbrooke Castle Hotel – Magnificent 4 star baronial hotel crafted in rich red sandstone. Set in beautifully landscaped gardens in the leafy suburb of Pollokshields in Glasgow’s Southside. The hotel has luxury bedrooms and suites, a lounge bar, restaurant and meetings and event facilities for up to 200 guests.
What to See in Glasgow
Scotland’s largest city offers an abundance attractions that cannot be overshadowed by eastern city Edinburgh.
- Pollok Country Park: Comprised of about 360 acres, the park makes for a peaceful retreat.
- City Chambers: Victorian-style City Chambers today hosts the Glasgow City Council.
- George Square: George Square is the main city square in central Glasgow laid out in 1781.
- Riverside Museum: A free museum displaying the Glasgow’s transportation history.
- Botanic Gardens and Kibble Palace: A free attraction showing colorful flora and fauna along the River Kelvin.
