City Guide: Glasgow

Home to the prestigious Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow is no stranger to championing up-and-coming talents in the fields of fashion, design and fine art.

Central to Royal Exchange Square is the GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art) which celebrates all of the above, with a revolving display of exhibits that include works by David Hockney, Andy Warhol and more.

Sculpture, paintings, furniture and even inflatables are all on display, set to intrigue and inspire and in many cases, shock—this is no traditional art museum.

Also recommended: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum / Transmission Gallery

 

Boasting a particularly lengthy high street, there are very few brands not represented in bricks and mortar within Glasgow’s city centre.

Buchanan Street is your go-to “style mile” with classic names such as Russell and Bromley, All Saints and House of Fraser all blending in with the likes of Monki, Zara and Jack Wills.

Peppered with eateries and cafes, you can easily while away a whole day here, taking advantage of the free shuttle Metro bus to get you around.

Also recommended: Princes Square Shopping Centre / Intu Braehead

 

Wider media would have us believe that Scottish food is all hearty meats and strange offal, but the Glaswegians do in fact have a way with a finer touch.

The Finnieston is considered one of the cities finest eateries, blending exceptionally fresh seafood with a highly curated gin bar for the perfect date-night ambience. Share a kilo of mussels and chase with rich Guinness and Pecan sponge, safe in the knowledge that all fresh produce is sustainably sourced.

If you’re looking to grab something on the go, Nirvana-themed café In Bloom is fast earning a name as a top vegan and vegetarian eatery.

Try the haggis and cheese sandwich, meatless meatballs or go rogue with one of the days specials…we’ve heard no complaints so far.

Also recommended: Ox & Finch / Nanakusa/ Bilson Eleven

 

Music is central to the Glaswegian way of life, and its venues are considered some of the best in the world.

The Barrowland Ballroom is a right of passage for any artist looking to dominate the world stage, and is instantly recognizable with it’s huge, glittery exterior.

For those looking to make an earlier discovery, King Tuts Wah Wah Hut contains just 300 people, but has played host to some of the earliest gigs from the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, Coldplay and The White Stripes.

They also serve their very own brand lager, perfect for kicking off a good night out.

Also recommended: Mono / Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

 

Drink in that fresh highland air by taking in some of Glasgow’s many outdoor activities.

Grab a coffee before a Sunday stroll around Pollok Country Park—recipient of a Green Flag award, there is plenty to admire by way of picnic areas, flowing rivers and even a few Highland cattle.

Should you be feeling more adventurous, you can even enroll on an orienteering course, purchased from the manager’s office.

Also recommended: Pacific Quay Powerboats / Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre