Glasgow: Scotland's second city has just as much to offer

Scotland’s second city was given a welcome boost at the beginning of the year when it was named one of the top tourism destinations on the planet for 2014. Now preparations are well underway as the city of Glasgow gears up to host one of the world’s biggest sporting celebrations, as well as one of the most anticipated music events in the industry later on this year.  

According to Rough Guides, one of the world’s leading travel guidebooks, Glasgow is rated as one of the must-see cities of 2014. This may be partly due to the fact that the renowned Commonwealth Games will take place within the city this summer. The Games will run from 23^rd July until 3^rd August and, according to the official website of the Commonwealth Games, the event has been described as “A Cultural Celebration for all of Scotland”. The Games will highlight the city’s extensive sporting and events infrastructure and it is hoped that they will provide a boost to the city’s tourism industry and, in doing so, pave the way for more cultural events throughout the year. 

As well as the Commonwealth Games, the arrival of the £125 million SSE Hydro arena in Glasgow last year has helped accelerate the city’s growing status as a “cultural powerhouse”, as stated in Rough Guides. This year will see the arena host the opening gala for the Ryder Cup golf tournament in September, as well as the 20^th annual MTV Europe Music Awards in November.   

If sporting or music events aren’t really your thing then don’t dismiss Glasgow just yet. This modern European city has an abundance of attractions sure to entice any visitor including its arts and culture, vast array of restaurants and bars, excellent shopping facilities and must-do bus tours. 

If art and culture rouse your interest then the outstanding Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, located in the Bohemian West-End of the city, offers visitors the chance to view some of the finest art exhibits in Europe for free. During its refurbishment between 2003 and 2006, £28 million was pumped into the museum and it has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Glasgow.  

As well as the Kelvingrove Museum, the Riverside Museum, Glasgow’s Museum of Transport, is another must see. Since its opening in June 2011 the museum has gone from strength to strength. It now features over 3,000 exhibits and last year was named the winner of the 2013 European Museum of the Year Award.  

Speaking of transport, Glasgow is one of the most accessible cities and their public transport system is very reliable and easy to use.  Unfortunately the weather is very similar to Ireland and so, open top bus tours are not always a good idea. However, if you get a chance to ride on the hop on/hop off bus tour around the city then take it and embrace it. The tour gives a brief, but excellent, audio guide of the city and some of its main attractions including; George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Science Centre, Botanic Gardens, Kelvingrove, The Royal Concert Hall and many others.     

 

Once all the obligatory sightseeing has been done some retail therapy is most definitely in order, and where better to do it than Glasgow City Centre? The city boasts it’s very own ‘Style Mile’; a square mile in the centre of the city that is home to over 200 shops. Glasgow is home to every fashion style, from designer to vintage and niche to mainstream. The city also boasts top of the range shopping centres including the Buchanan Galleries, St. Enoch’s Centre, House of Fraser and Princes Square. 

Once the shopping and sight-seeing has been done and your belly is beginning to rumble then don’t fear. Like most cities, Glasgow is overflowing with fantastic restaurants, traditional bars, cafes and nightclubs to suit the taste and budget of every visitor. 

So if you're bored of the usual beach holidays or you’re just craving a night or two away, then make the trip across the water as this sassy Scottish city is an ideal destination.