Hotels in Glasgow

As the largest city in Scotland, Glasgow is quite an underrated tourist destination. Perhaps, it is for the same reason that this town has been branded as one of Britain’s most intriguing metros. Home to award-winning museums, fascinating architecture, and a thriving live music scene, Glasgow is a must-see for everyone who loves art and culture. Brimming with history and charm, this town is a worthwhile stop that is not to be missed.

How to Get There

There are several ways to get to Glasgow. Glasgow Airport (GLA) serves flights daily from several domestic and international points. The city is also well-connected by train and by coach from different locations in Europe.

The town proper is 13 kilometres away from GLA. Getting to and from the airport is most accessible via bus or taxi. The Glasgow Airport Express service 500 is GLA’s official bus service, bringing passengers to the city centre in just 15 minutes. It operates 24/7 and arrives at the pick-up point every 10 minutes. Taxi is another comfortable but pricier option. The cheapest options are the public buses, which depart conveniently from the front of the airport terminal building.

Getting Around

Built on a grid plan, Glasgow is easy to navigate whether by foot or by transport. The main modes of transportation in the city are the train, subway, bus, and taxi.

There are two rail stations in town. Glasgow Central is the main station that links the city to the South. Glasgow Queen Street station is the second mainline connecting the city to the North. When it comes to buses, First Bus and City Link are the preferred operators. It serves most of Glasgow’s main tourist attractions, making it a convenient way to go around the town. But the most efficient way to navigate the city is via subway. It only takes 24 minutes to complete a round trip of 15 stations, with 5 minutes service interval.

Top Things to Do

There are a plethora of exciting things to do in Glasgow. Kick-off your adventure by getting a glimpse of the city back in the old days. Pay a visit to the People’s Palace, a museum that tells the story of Glasgow from as early as the 1700s. Inside the main house, you’ll discover a fascinating collection of artifacts, photographs, prints, and films from across the centuries.

The city is also filled with stunning art galleries starting with Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Situated in West End, which is arguably the chicest area in town, this free-entry museum is home to Van Gogh’s portrait of Alexander Reid and Salvador Dali's Christ of Saint John of the Cross. Moving on to contemporary art, another one of unmissable tourist spots in Glasgow is the Gallery of Modern Art. As a breeding ground of award-winning artists, GoMA has already produced countless Turner Prize success stories over the years.

Spoil your eyes with more sights. As an architectural haven, every nook and cranny of the city is worthy of a snapshot. Here, you’ll find one of the last remaining medieval cathedrals in the United Kingdom. Glasgow Cathedral, which was built in the 12th century, is the city's oldest and most significant historic building. Adjacent to it is the Necropolis, a Victorian gothic garden popular not only in Scotland but also in the whole of Europe.

But if music is your kind of art, we highly recommend joining a guided walking tour where you will discover people, places, and performances that have helped shape Glasgow as the first city in the United Kingdom to be designated as UNESCO City of Music.

What to Eat

With Glasgow’s rise as a tourist destination goes the city’s growing food scene. From vegan cafes to burger bars, this town right here is a burgeoning food hub.

Meat lovers, check out Bread Meats Bread for their lip-smacking burgers. You may have to line up for a little while but what comes served on your table will surely be worth the wait. For vegan eaters, Mono is a highly recommended place not just for their food but also as a place to discover good music. After digging on a sumptuous meal, be sure to pop on over at Nardini's for a delightful scoop of ice cream or at Willow Tea room for afternoon tea and scones.

Nightlife

As a huge and thriving city, Glasgow doesn’t run out of options for a great night. More so with the fact that this town is a breeding ground for musicians and all kinds of artists. With a large variety of traditional pubs, hip bars, and trendy clubs, there’s surely something for all types of drinkers and party-goers.

Where to Stay

The city centre is the most ideal area to stay especially if you’re a first-timer. With two rail stations, numerous bus stops, and loads of recommended Glasgow hotels within the vicinity, this part of the town is as convenient as you could possibly get.

If you are looking for a hip area to stay in, Finnieston is the place to be. It was voted as one of the “hippest places to live” in the UK by The Times and one of the "top ten coolest neighbourhoods" in Europe by The Independent. It’s filled with artisanal coffee bars, trendy organic restaurants, craft beer bars, and chic boutique shops near a nice selection of international chain hotels in the area.

The West End, in general, is a lovely place to stay in. Dotted with parks and gardens, this area combines Gregorian and Victorian buildings with vintage boutiques and verdant parks. If you’re keen for a local vibe, Glasgow hotels in this area are a perfect choice.

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