Glasgow has tremendous destination appeal for delegates all around the world, as it’s an extremely friendly, cosmopolitan city with plenty of things to do. Whether you are looking to explore the West Coast, take in spectacular views, enjoy delicious food or even try out famous distilleries – Glasgow has everything you need in a destination and more. That’s simply why according to TimeOut Magazine it is known to be one of the "top 10 best cities in the world" to visit in 2019. Now is the perfect opportunity for you to come and see it for yourself and find out what Scotland really has to offer.
To help you plan your trip we have some key things we would recommend you do:
Glasgow has so many incredible museums and galleries (many of which are free), it's got fascinating history and stunning architecture that form the city's skyline. Lastly, it's home to some of the finest performing arts across the UK - it's definitely right to say our culture makes Scotland a unique and exciting place.
Please see below recommended museums, galleries, and architecture:
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Kelvingrove is situated in the West End of Glasgow. The collection is one that the people of Glasgow are extremely proud to share with tourists. If you come to see these exceptional art collections then you will be lucky enough to see the likes of Botticelli, Rembrandt and even Van Gogh.
Riverside Museum
The Riverside Museum is suitable for people of all ages and interests. You will be able to see a variety of transport from over the decades. Go take a look if you want to be taken on a historical journey.
The Lighthouse
Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture is a unique venue filled with history.
Mackintosh House at The Hunterian Art Gallery
Take a look at the Mackintosh House where you will get to experience beauty and a nice quiet atmosphere. The Hunterian House houses one of the most important collections from Charles Rennie Mackintosh (who was a Scottish architect, designer and artist) and Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh his wife (an artist). You can go take a look at the re-assemblage interiors of their home, where they lived from 1906 to 1914.
The Gallery of Modern Art
This will give you the opportunity to see one of Scotland's most popular modern art galleries - home to the city's modern art collections and stunning architecture.
The People's Palace
The People's Palace is located in Glasgow Green. Find out the story of Glasgow from 1750 to now. You will be able to listen to Glaswegian soundtracks of people going about their every day life, compare your shoesize to Billy Connolly's banana boats and take a quiz on local slang etc. This will give you a feel of what Glasgow was really like in the past and present.
Glasgow Necropolis
The Necropolis is a Victorian cemetery full of beautiful architecture, sculptures and fascinating stories. Located next to Glasgow Cathedral.
Glasgow Science Centre
Want to inspire and intrigue your imagination? Glasgow Science Centre will do just that with its £75m collection of attractions. The science centre has over 400 world-class interactive science, technology and healthcare exhibits, theatres, labs and e-learning resources. As you can probably tell there is plenty do at this must-see visitor attraction.
Please note: An easy and insightful way to get around the city to see these fascinating sites is by travelling on the Glasgow City Sightseeing Tour Bus. This will give you the opportunity to learn interesting facts through expert guides.
http://citysightseeingglasgow.co.uk
Why not also try get involved/ go see some of Scotland's famous traditions:
Ceilidhs
Why not give a ceilidh a try as this is a fun type of social dancing where any one of any age can take part. Don't worry though if you don't know what you are doing because the caller will go through the steps with everyone before the dance starts!
Glasgow is any shopper’s dream - as it appeals to people with different budgets. If you are looking for international brands, department stores or unique boutiques - Glasgow has all you need. Here is a list of stores we recommend to visit if you’re looking for the best shopping experience: Buchanan Galleries, St Enoch Centre, Ingram Street, House of Fraser, Princes Square, Glasgow Fort and Silverburn.
https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/things-to-do/shopping
Food and Drink
Glasgow has an ever expanding food and drink scene, one that suits all tastes. It is filled with a variety of bakers, coffee shops, restaurants, bars – so we know you will have plenty of choice. Glasgow’s food and drink is known to be all about its authenticity and ensuring you have the greatest experience during your trip.
Take a look at the People Make Glasgow website if you are looking for some food and drink inspiration. Whether you are looking for modern Scottish, international dining, takeaway food, afternoon tea’s or food on a budget then this is the place to go for some delicious recommendations.
A must see in terms of drinks is going to visit some distilleries! Did you know that Scotland is home to over 1000 malt and grain distilleries – making it the biggest production of Whisky in the world?
If you aren’t a whisky drinker then instead you could go try Gin Distilleries or Breweries (you have plenty of choice).
Here are a few links for some inspiration ...
Golf in the country that birthed the game
Scotland is the home of golf. You will find golf courses like no other and you will be completely spoiled for choice as there are over 500. If you are looking to walk in the footsteps of some of the world’s best golfers then take a trip to St Andrews, Gleneagles or Trump Turnberry golf clubs. You really won’t find a better place to play than the place it started.
Explore the outdoors
Make the most of Scotland’s great outdoors - no matter if are an experienced hiker or just a beginner you won’t be stuck for places to go in Scotland as there are over 2000 walks to suit people of all levels.
Scotland has some of the most stunning scenery even closeby to the city centre. There are a wide range of country parks and forestry walks to choose from. From Queen’s Park to Glasgow Necropolis you can find beautiful views looking over the city. It really is clear why Glasgow is known as the ‘Dear Green Place’ in Gaelic.
Take a look at this Visit Scotland web page for further information and perhaps some inspiration – go give it a try!!
http://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/active/walking/
Bike Tours
If you are looking for another great way to experience Glasgow we would recommend going on one of Glasgow’s Bike Tours. This tour will allow you to see some of the cities top tourist attractions – you will be taken places where only pedestrians can go. Your tour guides will be locals who have a lot of enthusiasm towards sharing Glasgow’s fascinating culture, architecture and history. Experience Glasgow the green way!
As you can see there is a large range of things do in Glasgow!! Glasgow is such a beautiful, compact city with lots of character. Not only is Glasgow bursting with activity and experiences, it is named as one of the ‘top ten best destinations in the world’, recognised for having the friendliest of people. This really does show that people do make Glasgow. What more could you want in a city! You don’t have to look far to have a great time.
According to the Glasgow Convention Bureau in 2016 – Glasgow became the first city in the UK to be included in a new sustainability ranking of leading international conference destinations behind Sydney, Barcelona, Helsinki, plus many more. Glasgow has now been ranked as the fourth in the world.
Did you know Glasgow is referred to as the 'Dear Green Place' ? It definitely holds this name extremely well especially with nearly 100 parks and gardens, as well as it having the second largest proportion of greenspace of any city in Europe.
