Ten things to do in Glasgow
Prepare to be surprised — these attractions need to be on your must-do list when visiting Scotland’s largest city, writes Victoria Guild.
Glasgow doesn’t usually pop to the front of your mind as a tourist destination in Scotland, but overlook it and you’ll miss out on some real gems. It is fast emerging out of its industrial ship-building past as the layers of coal soot are scrubbed off sandstone buildings and chic cutting-edge eateries pop up all over this very walkable city.
While some parts are just beginning to undergo revitalisation, the grittiness actually adds to the appeal. As a working city, it doesn’t suffer tourist fatigue, but celebrates its unique Victorian and art nouveau architecture – and has fabulous shopping. It was voted the ‘‘friendliest city in the world’’ in a Rough Guides poll and my interactions with the people there would endorse that.
If you only have a day or two there are some attractions which are well worth checking out. A hop-on, hop-off bus tour or Glasgow Subway all-day pass are also convenient ways to get around the central city and West End.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
With surprises around every corner, Kelvingrove is a mustvisit. A curious mix of art and history, it hosts an impressive collection, in an equally impressive building. An ‘‘old school’’ museum with various taxidermied animals juxtaposed with fine art from great masters like Monet, Dali, Gaugin, and Renoir. Delightful, humorous and fascinating. Allow at least half a day.
Mackintosh walking tour
So often we fail to properly look at the buildings around us, and this tour, led by students from the Glasgow School of Art, gives you an appreciation for design and the impact certain architects can have on a city. Charles Rennie Mackintosh was not widely celebrated until well after his death, but his early-1900s building have left an indelible impression on Glasgow’s city streets.
The Lighthouse
Scotland’s centre for design and architecture is worth a visit for the building alone. Modern and vibrant, built around the shell of the former Glasgow Herald building, it champions great design. The building was Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s first public commission and you can learn about Glasgow’s most famous architect at the Mackintosh Interpretation Centre, as well as enjoying guest exhibitors and emerging designers.
A play, a pie and a pint
Based in a former church, Oran Mor, at the top of Byers Rd in the West End, is an ideal stop to refuel for the rest of your day sightseeing. Now a pub, the play is put on at lunchtime and the entry price includes a pint and a pie. Stars such as Robbie Coltrane have appeared here and 37 plays are put on each year. Judging by the audience, it’s a regular haunt for many.
Drygate Brewery
With brands like Bearface lager and Ax Man IPA, this craft beer brewery clearly has a sense of humour. An experimental brewery, more than 200 craft beers have been produced here and the passion of the staff for their craft is evident. Brand ambassador Chris laments he no longer has the best beard in the place, but he sure knows a lot about brewing. You can also use their studio kit to brew your own beer. Stay for lunch.
Vintage shopping
The West End of Glasgow rivals London for vintage shopping. Sneak down the alleyways off Byers Rd and uncover all sorts of treasures, from costume jewellery and early-1900 gowns, to mid century furniture. Byers Rd itself also offers many opportunity shops, and Great Western Rd is definitely worth a stroll.
Learn the bagpipes
The National Piping Centre is where you will find everything you ever wanted know about bagpipes and their history, with the museum of piping holding 300 years of piping history. Staff are happy to give you a demo, and get you practising your pipes.
Mitchell Library
Dive into your ancestry at one of Europe’s biggest public libraries. Be prepared to spend the time and also bring some clues with you. The library specialises in Glasgow history and has extensive family archives, including census records since 1841. The building itself is stunning, with large private rooms which can be rented out for functions such as the Jeffrey Room which is set under the dome of the original 1911 building. Robert Jeffrey bequeathed his whole library collection, including bookcases, to the Mitchell and the room was built to house them.
George Square
Surrounded by striking buildings from the late 1800s and at least a dozen statues celebrating the likes of Robert Burns, Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Scott, George Square is also the perfect spot to people-watch, and the place where you will notice the most tourists (the Tourist Information Centre is here).
Botanic Gardens
Glasgow boasts many parks and one of the best is the Botanic Gardens in the city’s West End. The noise of the traffic fades as you meander along its paths, admiring the beds of tulips in spring, or watching little ones gleefully heading to the children’s garden. The large glasshouses are design features in themselves, and it’s a great place to spot squirrels.