After a history littered with highs and lows, modern Glasgow is now one of the Britain’s most stylish cities with a thriving music, arts, sports and cultural scene. Scotland’s largest city was once a healthy industrial city, thanks to the River Clyde which runs through it. It was the wealthy tobacco merchants that can be attributed with constructing the spectacular churches, buildings and monuments that can be seen in the city today. Much of the urban decay that occurred as a result of the decline in industry in Glasgow has now been rebuilt, redeveloped and refurbished to reveal a city with a whole new image. This is most apparent on the banks of the River Clyde, once lined with derelict granaries, wharves, shipyards and docks; it is now a burgeoning residential and entertainment centrepiece.
Admire the beauty of Glasgow’s diverse architecture with its combination of styles such as medieval, Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and that of the 21st century. Visit the dark and imposing Glasgow Cathedral, a stunning piece of medieval architecture that was consecrated in 1197 and a must-see for any visit to Glasgow. The adjacent Necropolis is a fascinating Victorian garden cemetery with some wonderful monuments and strikingly beautiful when covered in snow.
Another piece of exquisite architecture is the spectacular Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Inside, it features 22 rooms displaying 8,000 extensive and wide-ranging objects including a painting by Salvador Dali while outside, you can wander around the beautiful public park it’s located on. For fans of modern art there is the GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art) or for something different there is the Sharmanka Kinetic Gallery – home to hundreds of carved figures and pieces of scrap that perform choreography to haunting music and synchronised light. The Burrell Collection is one of the greatest art collections in the world, collected by Sir William Burrell over 80 years. It’s located on the grounds of the Pollock Country Park which is an attraction in itself with its beautiful woodlands.
Explore the interactive Glasgow Science Centre that is not only educational but fun. Walk through the stately George Square, Glasgow’s principal civic square full of magnificent architecture or take a stroll through the expansive Glasgow Green. Enjoy a performance at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall or the Scottish Opera or Ballet. For sports fans, visit the Scottish Football Museum with its impressive collection of football related objects and memorabilia. The largest and best retail centre in the UK outside of London, the finest shopping spots in Glasgow are in the pedestrianised areas of Argyle Street, Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street.
