HOTELS IN Glasgow

Things to do in Glasgow

Scotland’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city is certainly not short of things to do, with museums, free and pre-paid tours of the city, gorgeous gardens, impeccable shopping and a thriving arts and culture scene. Whether you stay in the centre of the bustling city, or take a day trip out to surrounding points of interest - including Loch Ness and the West Highlands - your trip is sure to be memorable.  

• Glasgow Botanic Gardens: These stunning (and completely free) gardens offer exquisite plant collections, riverside walks, ample lawn space and a magnificent glasshouse, housing the national collection of tree ferns. The garden also boasts a lovely tearoom if you’re feeling peckish.

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: Kelvingrove stands as one of Glasgow’s most popular attractions, with an impressive 22 themed galleries and over 8000 objects on display. You’ll see everything from Salvador Dali’s Christ of St John of the Cross and exhibits focused on world cultures, Ancient Egypt and the Natural World.

• Clyde Walkway: This 40-mile-long stretch links Patrick in Glasgow and New Lanark in South Lanarkshire, proving a great route for hiking/cycling. It begins with bustling city views and ends with a spectacular gorge, so make sure you pack your walking boots.

Culture and nightlife in Glasgow

Scotland’s creative hub boasts a vibrant art scene and is the proud home to many performing art organisations, including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the National Theatre of Scotland and the Scottish Ballet. When it comes to nightlife, you can enjoy everything from classic pubs and quaint bars, to lively cabaret, comedy or music nights, as well as theatre, clubbing and cinema.   

• Gallery of Modern Art: This iconic gallery is in fact the most visited modern art gallery in the whole of Scotland, exhibiting an inspiring collection of contemporary art from around the world. The gallery also includes a café, free Wi-Fi and a great collection of art and design books.  

• Riding Room: The Riding Room puts on all kinds of events, unusual entertainment nights and quirky activities. You can enjoy live sets, burlesque extravaganzas, comedians and even magic acts. The venue boasts plenty of its own quirks, so expect your cocktail to come in a jam jar.

• Glasgow Film Theatre: This lovely spot is celebrated as Scotland’s original independent cinema. The cinema boats three screens, showing art-house gems and timeless classics such as Mulholland Drive.

Shopping in Glasgow

Thanks to the 1,500 stores waiting to be explored within Glasgow, the city is considered to be the second largest retail centre in the UK. It’s most famous shopping area is the Style Mile, where you will find an abundance of shopping malls, high-street brands, boutiques and designer stores - for plenty of style inspiration. For those looking for something a little more unique, Glasgow’s West End is an undeniably cool area full of vintage stores and designer shops.

• Buchanan Galleries: This modern display of over 80 famous retailers includes all the high street favourites such as John Lewis, Next, River Island, Mango and Hollister. Make sure you visit The Whisky Shop, to browse through their impressive collection of Scotland’s National drink.

• Merchant City: This cultural quarter offers workshops, studios and galleries, as well as incredible bars and eateries. Glasgow also hosts a craft fair that’s run every Saturday and Sunday, boasting around 70 stalls with handmade arts, cakes, gifts, decorations and blooming flower arrangements.  

• Shop Vintage: Glasgow sports some of the best vintage shops in the entire of the UK. We’d recommend heading to Beautiful Cosmo’s, Glad Rags, Glasgow Vintage Co and the indoor market Granny Would Be Proud, for an eclectic collection of clothes gathered from past decades.

Eating and drinking in Glasgow

You’ve so much choice with regards eating out when you stay at a hotel in Glasgow. The wonderful diversity of this city is reflected in its varied food scene. From simple and tasty delis, to fine dining gastronomic sensations, you really will be impressed by the huge selection of restaurant types. You’ll also have access to every type of cuisine imaginable: Japanese, Mediterranean, French, Indian, Italian, pub grub, steak or seafood – the choice is all yours.

• The Ubiquitous Chip: This impressive dining hot-spot boasts countless incredible reviews and awards, and a reputation as one of the best places to eat in Glasgow. The charming courtyard dining room is drenched in fairy lights and offers an exquisite fine dining menu. A brasserie menu in also served in the various bars and on the roof terrace.

• The Hanoi Bike Shop: The Hanoi Bike Shop is proud to be Glasgow's only Vietnamese restaurant, offering casual dining at its finest. Every single plate is made from scratch and includes plenty of locally-sourced goodness.

• The Pot Still: A weekend break in Glasgow is hardly complete without enjoying a glass of Scotch in a local taproom. We'd highly recommend visiting The Pot Still for a beverage, as this traditional and welcoming pub stocks over 600 different whiskeys – don't worry, the bar staff will be on hand to offer their professional advice, if you're struggling with too much choice.