Search

Glasgow: Travel Guide

Discover the authentic charm of Glasgow: between history, culture and conviviality.

Summary

TAILOR-MADE TOUR FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM

You want to use a travel agency to go to the United Kingdom.
Compare the offers from our partners.

General information

Welcome to Glasgow, a vibrant and vibrant Scottish city. With its rich historical heritage, renowned art galleries and vibrant music scene, Glasgow will captivate you from the moment you arrive.

POPULATION

Glasgow's warm and welcoming people will make you feel right at home. The locals, known as 'Weegies', are proud of their town and happy to share their local secrets with visitors.

CLIMATE

Glasgow has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild summers and cool winters. Expect frequent downpours throughout the year, so it is advisable to bring an umbrella and waterproof clothing.

CURRENCY

The official currency is the Pound Sterling (GBP).

LANGUAGE

English is the main language spoken in Glasgow. However, due to Scottish culture, you will also occasionally hear Scottish Gaelic, although less common.

A bit of history

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Glasgow, a city that has evolved over the centuries to become a rich and diverse cultural melting pot. Its origins date back to Roman times, when the fort of 'Clas-gu' was established at the strategic location where the River Clyde crosses. However, it was in the Middle Ages that the city began to take shape.

In the 12th century, Glasgow became an important ecclesiastical center with the foundation of St. Mungo's Cathedral, whose majestic towers still dominate the skyline. During this period, the city developed around the cathedral and the University of Glasgow, one of the oldest in Scotland.

However, it was during the Industrial Revolution that Glasgow underwent a radical transformation. In the 19th century, the city grew rapidly thanks to its flourishing industries, including maritime trade, shipbuilding, textiles and engineering. Iconic buildings such as the City Chambers and the Clyde Auditorium, nicknamed “The Armadillo” because of its distinct shape, bear witness to this prosperous era.

Glasgow's history cannot be mentioned without mentioning its role in the fight for workers' rights. In the early 20th century, the town was the scene of significant trade union and labor movements which helped shape working conditions and social rights in Scotland and beyond.

Today, Glasgow shines with its cultural heritage. Its world-renowned art galleries, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, house diverse collections ranging from classical to contemporary art. Music also holds a central place in the city's history, with a prolific music scene spawning legendary bands such as Simple Minds and Franz Ferdinand.

edinburgh

What to visit in Glasgow?

Discover the treasures of Glasgow with our selection of must-do activities.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery

Merchant City

Glasgow Cathedral

The Necropolis

When to visit Glasgow?

The best time to visit Glasgow is from May to September, during the summer months. Temperatures are milder and days are longer, providing ideal conditions for exploring the city on foot and enjoying its outdoor spaces. Festivals and cultural events also take place during this time, adding to the lively atmosphere of the city.

What to do around Glasgow?

Don't miss the captivating attractions that await you around Glasgow.

Loch Lomond

Edinburgh

Stirling

The Trossachs

Our selection of accommodation in Glasgow

Booking.com

TAILOR-MADE TOUR FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM

You want to use a travel agency to go to the United Kingdom.
Compare the offers from our partners.

Our selection of Restaurant in Glasgow

Discover a palette of flavors in Glasgow's renowned restaurants.

The Ivy Buchanan Street

Sugo Pasta

Las Iguanas

The Spanish Butcher

ℹ Do you want to highlight your restaurant on this page? Contact us

Not to be missed events in Glasgow

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Glasgow by attending these unique events.

The Edinburgh International Festival

Celtic Connections

This folk and traditional music festival, which takes place in January, attracts artists from around the world for exceptional performances throughout the city.

The Hogmanay

Glasgow International Comedy Festival

During the month of March, this festival brings together internationally renowned comedians for hilarious comedy shows at various venues around the city.

Transport in Glasgow

Subway

The Glasgow Underground is one of the oldest underground systems in the world. It comprises a single circular line that serves 15 strategically located stations, covering the main attractions and areas of the city. The metro is fast, convenient and an efficient way to get from place to place.

Bus

Glasgow's bus network is extensive and provides extensive coverage of the city and surrounding areas. Buses are an economical option for getting around and reaching destinations that are not directly served by the metro. Many bus routes pass through popular neighborhoods, tourist sites and shopping malls.

Train

Glasgow train stations are well connected to other Scottish cities as well as further afield destinations. The train service is comfortable and provides quick access to places such as Edinburgh, Stirling, Loch Lomond and more. Intercity trains offer a scenic experience as you travel through Scotland's scenic landscapes.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Glasgow and are a convenient option for getting around, particularly when it is necessary to travel to areas less accessible by public transport. You can find taxis on the streets, in front of train stations and near tourist sites. Taxi booking apps are also common.

Bike

Glasgow has a growing network of cycle lanes and shared lanes, making it a bike-friendly city. You can rent bikes at several points in the city and explore the neighborhoods at your own pace. It's also a great way to discover lesser-known corners.

The cost of living in Glasgow

0
Average Salary in Glasgow
Cost of living very expensive 75%

Be prepared to plan your budget to make the most of your time in Glasgow.

Accommodation

Accommodation options in Glasgow vary depending on your budget. From stylish hotels to friendly hostels, there's something for everyone. Rates can increase during peak tourist season, so book ahead to get the best prices.

Food

You will find a range of dining options to suit all budgets in Glasgow. From gourmet restaurants to affordable cafes, the city offers a variety of choices. Allow around 10 to 20 euros for a meal in a mid-range restaurant.

Transportation

Public transport in Glasgow is affordable, with bus fares starting at just a few euros and Tube tickets at similar prices. Taxis are more expensive but offer a convenient way to get around.

Activities

Entertainment costs vary depending on the activities you choose. Ticket prices for museums and tourist attractions are generally reasonable, while special events and shows can be a bit more expensive.

Things to do in Glasgow

Practical information

Glasgow is a safe city for visitors, but it is recommended that you remain vigilant in areas frequented by tourists and avoid leaving your valuables unattended. Emergency numbers are 999 for police, fire and ambulance. The electrical sockets are type G, with a voltage of 230V.

UK travel insurance

Travel insurance is particularly important if you plan to travel to the UK.

Although the country is relatively safe for tourists, it is always possible to encounter unforeseen situations such as health problems, lost or stolen luggage, or transport delays.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

Cash Management

When traveling to the UK, it is important to consider bank charges in order to manage your financial transactions efficiently. The easiest way and the one we recommend is to open an account Revolution Metal.

Here are the advantages of having a Revolut Metal account for your trips

  1. Currency conversion free of charge Revolut enables instant and transparent currency conversions without hidden fees. You can load your Revolut account with your local currency and convert money to Colombian pesos (COP) at the real exchange rate, thus avoiding the costly commissions charged by traditional currency exchange offices.

  2. Use without borders With Revolut, your account is usable worldwide. You can make online and in-store payments, withdraw cash from ATMs, and even use your Revolut card to pay for public transportation and taxis in Colombia. This saves you from carrying large amounts of cash and facilitates your daily transactions.

  3. Security and Control Revolut offers advanced security options to protect your account. You can easily enable and disable your card in real-time through the app if needed. Additionally, the Revolut app allows you to track your expenses in real-time, set spending limits, and receive instant notifications for each transaction, giving you full control over your finances.

  4. Budget and savings Revolut offers budgeting features that help you track your expenses during your trip. You can create budgets for different spending categories such as accommodation, food, and tourist activities. Additionally, you can round up your purchases to save money automatically in a separate savings account.

  5. 24/7 Support In case of any issues, Revolut's support team is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact them through the app or the website for any questions or concerns related to your account or transactions.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

Latest articles from Glasgow

Today, we're heading to the enchanting Scottish destination of Glasgow. If you're planning to...

Frequently asked questions

Glasgow is a destination that harmoniously combines history, culture and friendliness. With its world-class museums, vibrant music scene, vibrant neighborhoods and fascinating industrial heritage, the city offers a unique experience. Whether you are passionate about art, music, history or gastronomy, Glasgow will seduce you with its diversity and authenticity.

Stroll through the West End to discover eclectic shops, trendy cafes and the beautiful Botanical Gardens. The Merchant City neighborhood is ideal for strolling the cobbled streets and exploring art galleries and craft shops. Also, don't miss a stroll along the River Clyde, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city's iconic bridges.

Glasgow offers a well-developed tube, bus and train network to get you around the city and surrounding areas. The metro is ideal for quick trips within the city, while buses and trains cover a larger area. Taxis and bike rentals are also options. The city is also very walkable, especially in central areas.

The best time to visit Glasgow is generally from May to September. The summer months offer milder temperatures and longer days, making it easier to explore outdoor attractions and neighborhoods. In addition, many festivals and cultural events take place during this period.

Glasgow has experienced economic and social challenges throughout its history, particularly after the decline of its traditional industries in the 20th century. The closure of factories and shipyards has had an impact on employment and prosperity in the city. However, in recent years Glasgow has undertaken urban revitalization initiatives, showcasing its culture, heritage and creative sector to renew its vitality.

The inhabitants of Glasgow are called "Glaswegians". This term is used to refer to residents of the town and reflects the unique and proud character of the local community.

 

Was this Guide useful to you?

Rate us from 1 to 5 for this Guide

Total: 0 Average: 0

Share or send this page

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
E-mail
en_US