Overview to Glasgow: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
- Glasgow Information
- Eating & drinking in Glasgow
- Night life in Glasgow
- Getting around in Glasgow
- Things to do in Glasgow
- Where to stay in Glasgow
- Glasgow street map
There’s no doubt that Glasgow has completely transformed itself in recent years. The image of a sprawling rundown city of declining industry is long gone, and has been replaced by an energetic, culturally invigorated place.
The thrusting, ultramodern side to the city is all too apparent in the cutting-edge architecture of the Science Mall at the ‘Science Centre’. The three floors of interactive exhibits are housed in an inspiring titanium crescent overlooking the River Clyde.
But these modern buildings are set against a backdrop of some striking Victorian and, in the case of the ancient Glasgow Cathedral, Gothic architecture. George Square and the main buildings of the University of Glasgow are but two fine examples of the Victorian grandeur which can be found strewn across the city.
The city is enormously proud of the number (and quality) of its art galleries and museums. Many of them are free and the Burrell Collection, one of the finest in Britain, is a particularly good way to while away an afternoon.
No less impressive is the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), the second most visited gallery outside London. Housed in a large and somewhat imposing building, the gallery mixes exciting temporary installments and workshops with a fine permanent collection.
The city also has a number of notable open spaces. In the West End, Kelvingrove Park is a large area of leafy parkland to the south of the city center. Out along the River Kelvin, at the northern end of Byres Road, the city’s Botanic Gardens are well worth a visit.
Near the cathedral, the Necropolis is an atmospheric place to go for a stroll on a grey, windy afternoon. A generally eerie feel pervades, as pathways wind between the crumbling tombs and grave stones lying at cocked angles.
Glasgow has always suffered in comparison with its neighbor, Edinburgh. But while Edinburgh is accused of being too staid and respectable, Glasgow puts on no such airs and graces and offers a slightly edgier, but no less interesting, alternative to the capital.
