Welcome to Glasgow!
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About Glasgow
Glasgow is the most populous city in Scotland and the fourth-most populous city in the United Kingdom. In 2019, it had an estimated population of 633,120. Glasgow is situated on the River Clyde in the country’s West Central Lowlands. It is the fifth-most visited city in the United Kingdom.
Glasgow grew from a small rural settlement on the River Clyde to become the largest seaport in Scotland. With the establishment of the University of Glasgow in the 15th century, it became a major centre of the Scottish Enlightenment. From the 18th century onwards, the city also grew as one of Great Britain’s main hubs of transatlantic trade with North America and the West Indies. With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the population and economy of Glasgow and the surrounding region expanded rapidly to become one of the world’s pre-eminent centers of chemicals, textiles and engineering; including shipbuilding and marine engineering.
Today Glasgow is the perfect city to fly into (besides Edinburgh) and can be the gateway to an excursion in the Highlands. Whether stopping for the day or staying a few days, you will experience incredible history and architecture along with terrific food and drink. (Wikipedia: Glasgow)
A special thank you to GP126 for this drone tour of Glasgow! Click on the link below the video to be taken to the Youtube video.
City Planning Guide
Maps & Other Resources
Visit the GPS My City website: for self-guided walks in Glasgow. This site also contains information on some of the best places to see. You can even read about and choose the sites to create your own custom map. The maps cover everything from historical landmarks to world-class museums, charming neighborhoods and shopping. You will also find many articles that are super helpful as you plan your trip.
“GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities” can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store or Google Play to your mobile phone or tablet. Each walk comes with a detailed tour map as well as photos and background information for the featured attractions. It also works offline. Find out more by clicking Explore More below.
Eat Play & Stay
Explore more about the wonderful places to see, great restaurants and amazing accommodation in Glasgow! We have chosen one of our favorites for each. Click on the title to learn more, and click Explore More for other options.
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Named after a legendary 19th century Glasgow resident, Rab Ha’s is a welcoming bar and restaurant with rooms on Hutcheson Street. The very opposite of a bland chain, Rab Ha’s is an independent, family-run with business with oodles of character. It is a cosy and tranquil space with stripped stone walls, an open fire and wood panelling in the bar and restaurant. The owners have given a modern twist to pub food. Click on the title or hit Explore More for other pub options.
This steakhouse is highly rated, serving premium dry-aged beef and molecular plate dining. Porter & Rye is at the heart of Finnieston's thriving community, and they do their best to bring in locally sourced product with every dish. They are also known for their great selection of cocktails. Click the title to be taken to their home page or Explore More for other steakhouses in Glasgow.
There are some great sites to see in Glasgow including the famous University, the Cathedral and Botanical Gardens. The architecture is stunning. We suggest trying to visit a distillery as Whiskey is their pride and joy. The Clydeside Distillery is a great experience. Click on the title or picture to go directly to the website for tickets. Also click Explore More for other options in Glasgow.
If there is a Motel One in the city you are visiting, we strongly suggest checking it out first. It is always affordable with modern amentities. This hotel is a little over $100US which is a steal. It is right next to the train station if you care to make it your base with some day trips. Click on the title to be taken to the Booking.com page (or book diret). For other options click Explore More.
When traveling through countries known for castle hotels, we always try to fit at list one into our trip. This is a wonderful castle hotel, not far from Glasgow. If you are renting a car, it is easy to fit this into your itinerary. This castle is a great way to go back in time with the modern comforts of today. Click on the title to learn more or Explore More for other options.
For something off the beaten path (and a little adventure) choose a cottage from Airbnb along the way. This cottage is over 400 years old with a fantastic view of Stalker Castle (seen in Monty Python). It is very close to Oban which is a good base for trips to nearby islands. Click the title or picture for more and of course, Explore More for other options on Airbnb.
For the most comprehensive travel guides out there, click Trip Savvy and Culture Trip below! These travel sites hire local writers and expert travelers to share the most relevant articles and best tips in the industry! Branding belongs to each respecitve company.
Local Spotlight
Sam and Audrey have posted some great videos from all over Europe. They did a great job giving the highlights of Glasgow with terrific suggestions on places to eat all over the city. Click Explore More to visit their Youtube Channel for their travel videos.
Visit Scotland ~ Glasgow
This is the official travel website for Scotland. Here you can find so much information on Glasgow and many other destinations all over Scotland. Be sure to Click Explore More where you will find a great article on the top 12 things to do in Scotland and hear from influencers and their recommendations.
explore
Loch Lomond
Off the Beaten Path ~ Loch Lomond
Visit Scotland~ Loch Lomond
Visit Scotland gives great information on things to do in Loch Lomond. It is worth a look to determine if you can fit this breathtaking area into your itinerary.
Loch Lomond ~ John Harbour
For a great understanding of the history and landmarks in Scotland, John Harbour does a terrific job with his podcast (see below) or catch his videos on Youtube. Consider John as your driver for all are part of your journey. Your trip will be unforgettable. Click Explore More to be taken to his site.
Unique Scotland Podcast
John Harbour shares great tips on Loch Lomand and the stories that span hundreds of years about this area.
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Oban & Mull Island
Off the Beaten Path ~ Oban & Mull Island
Visit Scotland ~ Oban
Visit Scotland offers some good information to determine whether Oban and Mull Island is worth fitting into your itinerary. Oban is the gateway to the Inner Hebrides islands and a great central location for exploring.
Oban & Isle of Mull ~ Rick Steves
Oban is the gateway to the Scottish Islands. You. can use this area as the anchor for some island visits or venture out for some overnight visits to the nearby islands of Mull, Iona and many smaller islands. This travel guide will help you determine the best itinerary.
Visit Scotland ~ Isle of Mull & Iona
Visit Scotland offers some good information to determine whether Oban and Mull Island & Iona Island is worth fitting into your itinerary. Oban is the gateway to the Inner Hebrides islands and a great central location for exploring.
Virtual Walking Tour ~ Glasgow
by Pop Travel
