If you can't find what you're looking on these three excellent shopping streets then it might not exist! This is where Glaswegians pose and shop (and oh boy do they shop!) More fun than the nearby Buchanan Street Galleries and handy for any number of eateries and bars.
The Merchant City
Glasgow's equivalent of London's Soho with converted warehouse set among trendy bars and restaurants. This is the historic heart of Glasgow, built in 1700s. A great place to while away hours shopping, enjoying the architecture and imbibing of the nectar at any one of the chic bars in the area
Tenement House
Glasgow was once a byword for poverty, and remains so on the outskirts. The Tenement House is a typical tenement house preserved with all the original fittings and fixtures. Its original tenant never threw anything out and so it is a treasure trove of original fittings. Of course the smell is gone and the awful reality of the tenements with their shoddy building work and the grinding poverty that was the reality of Glasgow before the war and even more recently. 145 Buccleuch Str (0141 333 0183) Open daily (Mar-Nov) 1-5pm
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Kelvingrove is Scotland's most visited museum. The building is fantastic and after a recent multi-million pound refurbishment, the art and artefacts are now shown off to even better effect. A collection of some of the most important art and museum pieces in Scotland - including the famous Salvador Dali painting Christ of St John of the Cross - this is a place you simply have to visit. Ideal morning fare for weekend visitors and especially for the frequent rainy days.
Rogano Oyster Bar
In 1935, as the great Cunard liner'Queen Mary' took shape on the Clyde, a restaurant was refitted in the same Art Deco style - and a Glasgow legend was born. The oldest surviving restaurant in Glasgow, fish and exotic seafood are its speciality. Dead romantic and the perfect antidote to a morning's shopping or the frequent wet weather which sadly washes Glasgow all too frequently. Book ahead during the weekend and simply loiter into the afternoon.
The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Luke the Evangelist is the spiritual and community centre for Greeks from mainland Greece and Cyprus. It is one of three Orthodox Churches and the only Orthodox Cathedral in Scotland. It also serves all other Orthodox communities in Glasgow, such as Serbs, Romanians, Russians etc. The cathedral welcomes visitors of all denominations throughout the year, the traditional Easter service being a particularly well attended event, whilst the cathedral's participation in Glasgow's annual Doors Open Day provides visitors with another opportunity to visit this historic building.
You can very well enjoy a walk in the beautiful Botanic Gardens in Glasgow. Open all days of the week, the gardens close by 10pm in summer. The Botanic Gardens is one of the places where you can very well take in some quiet, in spite of the busy Great Western Road lying at a stone's throw away from the garden. The place is not thronged with locals and so is ideal for you to relax yourselves, having the place entirely to yourselves. The wooded botanic gardens of Glasgow border the banks of the Kelvin River. This favoured location is what makes the Botanic gardens home to a lot of tropical species. A part of the Botanic Gardens is a herb garden which also has some medicinal species. If you are looking for a picnic spot on your Glasgow city break, the hilly grounds of the gardens can turn out to be perfect. There is a noticeboard hung up at the entrance to keep you informed about any interesting events happening at the place like concerts and walks in summer.
IS A CITY BREAK TO GLASGOW ON THE TOP OF YOUR MINDS?
We can help you with planning your Glasgow city break right from the beginning.
STARTING TIPS:
For those who are on their first visit to the city, the West End is an ideal place from where you can start exploring Glasgow. Have your best walking shoes always with you, because the best way to explore the city is by foot. If you have some time, its always best you learn the lingo
BEST SEASON:
With cold winters and possibities of showers all around the year it is months between April-September that witness the largest number of tourists.
FLYING TO GLASGOW?
The ideal time to book inexpensive flights would be early summer,autumn or late spring. It is during this peak season that you get to find hotel rooms easily and all the tourist attractions are kept open.If you do not mind wet weather, drop in at the city during spring. The rooms and airline rates come are much cheaper.
GLASGOW CULTURE:
The earthy Glasgowegians love foreigners to the city. They are always glad to help provided you initiate the conversation. However, their strong accent can turn out to be incomprehensible if you are not familiar with the accent.
HEADING DOWNTOWN GLASGOW:
There are regular buses operating in Glasgow. A strong railway network connects the Glasgow Central Station with the other major cities and towns in Scotland.Taxis are available for hire 24 hours a day.