Glasgow Holidays

See a great show

Head to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to delight in a wide variety of entertaining shows that feature everything from classical music to dance performances. The most frequent performer at the concert hall is the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, yet tourists should not be surprised to see a wide arrangement of international presentations. Theatrical dance performances as well as theatre works such as Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” are also quite common.

Honour the dead at Glasgow Necropolis

It may not seem like the most pleasant destination when you are on a vacation, but the Glasgow Necropolis is worth seeing largely because of its incredible location. Sitting atop of a hill near the River Clyde, the cemetery is truly a tranquil and respectful final resting place for all of Scotland’s most honoured citizens. Visitors can traverse the “Bridge of Sighs” towards the impressive and quiet graves. The Presbyterian reformer John Knox’s 61-metre obelisk is one of the most noteworthy monuments.

Enjoy the outdoors at Mugdock Country Park

Mugdock Country Park is located just 16 kilometres from the city centre and features more than 700 acres of space where tourists and locals alike can participate in a wide variety of outdoor recreation. The park is the place to bring the whole family and participate in cycling, horse riding, archery, and all sorts of other park activities. Guests can bring food and have a picnic or eat and shop in a couple of garden restaurants. The park features beautiful gardens as well as the Medieval Mugdock Loch. The impressive Mugdock Castle also offers visitors memorable photos.

Spend an afternoon at George Square

It may not be as scenic as some of Glasgow’s spacious parks, but George Square in the city’s financial district is full of statues dedicated to great Scottish figures such as Queen Victoria, Robert Burns (National Poet), James Watt and his steam engine, and writer Sir Walter Scott. Featuring buildings designed in the Renaissance, the square is as beautiful as it is architecturally important. So head to this popular square to get a taste of Scotland’s history, and then enjoy a meal or drink with some locals afterward.

Provand´s Lordship

Visitors can get a glimpse of the past by visiting the oldest existing home in all of Glasgow. The house was built in 1471, and has retained much of its original architecture, and its furniture has been well-preserved preservation as well. Guests can also see paintings, classic stained glass, and truly antique household accessories like a sundial, which was a common appliance at the time. The front of the house has all the medieval medicines a person could want in it cosy, and a beautiful physic garden that contains plants that used to be grown for medical purposes.

Ancient Village

Continue to satisfy your desire for time travel at this New Lanark World Heritage Site. Instead of finding another incredibly well preserved antique home, visitors will discover an entire village that was constructed in 1785. The noted socialist Robert Owen used the village to help try and improve the lives of millworkers during the 1800s. Despite the so-called “Annie McLeod Experience”, life during this time period was not much better for village residents. The town is still fully functional, and now acts as a historic resource for grade school and university students who are interested in learning about their country’s history, economics, architecture, and engineering.

The Burrell Collection

The most celebrated and varied museum in Glasgow, Sir William Burrell established this fine collection of artwork in 1944. The museum now features works from Impressionist artists such as Degas, Bellini, and Sisley, as well as a host of incredible artefacts from Roman, Greece, and Chinese ceramics, urns, and tapestries from numerous ancient dynasties. The museum boasts a total more than 8,000 items, however only 3,000 are on display at a time. The most famous work in the Burrell Collection is the Warwick Vase, which one belonged to Roman Emperor Hadrian.

Gallery of Modern Art

Another must-see cultural destination in Glasgow is the Gallery of Modern Art, which dazzles visitors with its impressive architecture and diverse collections. Intimidating Corinthian pillars greet guests on the outside, while on the inside the building is separated into four different galleries representing, fire, air, earth and water. The museum has works from legendary Scottish artists like John Bellamy and Ken Curry, as well as more contemporary three-dimensional installations.

Tip * Booking your Tours, Transfers & Airport Parking before you go will save your money & time and ensure a stress free start to your holiday

Common Forms of Transportation

It is good for visitors and tourists to Glasgow to know that they can explore most of the city on the underground. Visitors thinking about taking several trips throughout the day might want to consider a day bus ticket. Otherwise tourists can choose between train service, taxis and even bicycles.

Airport Service

Consider arranging transport with your hotel, or catch a taxi, train, and bus, which all make daily trips to and from the Glasgow International Airport.

Trains, Undergrounds and Buses

With its small trains cruising the third oldest subway line in the world, the Glasgow Underground is a piece of history. The line has 15 stations and the principal stops are at Enoch and Buchanan Street in the centre. A day ticket gets visitors around the city at a deeply discounted rate. Buses are run by First Glasgow, and you must hail them so that they stop to pick you up. Drivers accept only exact change. Trains can be caught at the stations of Queen Street and Central. Around four trains leave per hour from the main Central station.

Other Forms of Transport

The best taxi companies in Glasgow are East Kilbride and Station. Another transportation idea is the STP Trams, which visit the city centre, Glasgow Harbour, the River Clyde and along the South Bank. Consider car hire in Glasgow for greatest mobility.

Guests who are looking for both fancy décor and excellent and comfortable amenities will find all of the above at the Radisson Blu Hotel. This luxury hotel is not for the budget traveller, but guests will find that it offers something a little bit out of the ordinary that just might hit the spot. The Radisson is superbly located, situated near Glasgow’s business, entertainment, and shopping districts. Rooms have cable television, free Internet for guests, and air conditioning. Guests can also pass the time in the hotel’s fitness centre, spa, indoor pool, or sauna.

The Glasgow Pond Hotel is a more affordable, family-style hotel that provides visitors with a warm reception in Glasgow’s West End. With amenities aplenty, the hotel can be a site for relaxation, and each room is fitted with a telephone, free WiFi Internet, and an LCD television. Its location near the city’s best restaurants and bars makes it an equally convenient location for families and younger, single travellers as well.

For guests who seek the ultimate in luxury, another top-of-the-line option in Glasgow is the Carlton George Hotel. As one of the best boutique hotels in the city, the Carlton George sits just blocks away from the business district as well as some of the city’s best shopping and cultural spots. This hotel’s style is decidedly sophisticated, and amenities include a picturesque rooftop restaurant and a business lounge.

For visitors who are coming in and out of town for only a brief stay, the Holiday Inn Express Airport Hotel hotel is a good option. Located just a few minutes away from Glasgow International Airport, this hotel is both business and family-friendly, as well as being affordable for most budgets. Service includes complimentary breakfast and shuttles to and from the city centre.

Get more information on hotels in Glasgow here.

Head over to the An Lochen restaurant (340 Crow Road) to taste some authentic Scottish meat. Located in the city’s West End, the restaurant’s name means “by the loch” in Scottish Gaelic, and this restaurant and hotel is a staple of fining dining in Glasgow. The menu’s meat, game, and fresh seafood are all slowly cooked to absolutely mouth-watering perfection. One local favourite is the Roast Salmon Fillet with lyonnaise Potatoes and cream sauce.

Visitors looking for an affordable eatery should be certain to check out Grianach (38 Nithsdale Road). The atmosphere in this classic Scottish restaurant is laid- back and comfortable. The name translates to “Sunny, Bright” in Gaelic, and the restaurant specializes in local, home-style tastes. The sandwiches here steal the show by combining deliciously classical flavours. One favourite at Grianach is the salmon, spring onion and cream cheese sandwich. For those who are looking for something quick and cheap, a sandwich, cheese platter, and dessert combo is the way to go.

A local Glasgow favourite is Neelim (1590 Dumbarton Road). This restaurant is a hot spot for both lovers and families, and has both sit-down and takeaway plates. Favourite dinner items include chicken tikka boona with garlic and coriander. Good beers like Tennents and Kingfisher are poured fresh, and dessert lovers will melt for the famous banana split.

An incredible place to grab a good bite outdoors during a warm night is The Bothy (11 Ruthven Lane). The servers are dressed in kilts as they pass by tables with plates of meat and fish. The menu is varied, and some of the most popular dishes include steak, pan-seared duck, and the Bothy fish broth. To end the meal in Scottish style, finish with a local cheese and apple plate.

Vaccinations and Hygiene

No vaccinations are necessary to visit Glasgow and water is potable. Health infrastructure is in excellent condition. Visitors are recommended to avoid excessive seafood consumption in the summer months. Contact the local Social Security centre for a European Health Insurance Card to be safe.

Accidents or Health Problems

In the case of an accident or health problem, visitors should dial 999 for the Emergency Rescue Service or fire department. Dial 112 for a police emergency. Pharmacies are called “Chemists”.

Safety

Assaults are infrequent and travel throughout the city is advisable at any time. It is recommended not to walk alone at night, or with many expensive objects that may attract attention. It is recommended to have photocopies for travel documents just in case the originals are lost. A mobile phone can be handy in case of an emergency. If assaulted remain calm and don’t resist.

The purchase or possession of drugs is illegal, sexual prostitution is prohibited, and the purchase of alcohol is prohibited for anyone under the age of 18.