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As a born-and-raised Glaswegian I might be a little biased, but this Scottish city really should be on your bucket list. While most tourists think of Edinburgh as the place to see north of the border, and they do have a castle to be fair, Glasgow has the nightlife, food, culture and heart that anyone would want from an exciting city break.
In 2025 Glasgow is celebrating 850 years since it was founded as a small settlement next to the River Clyde, and it is coming alive with a programme of events to highlight this rich heritage and creative spirit. Glasgow's tagline is "People Make Glasgow", a way of highlighting the fun-loving attitude that makes it special. It is no coincidence that Billy Connolly, once voted the most influential British comic of all time, hails from this corner of Scotland's central belt.
So, head to Glasgow for the museums, galleries, cocktail bars, cafes, restaurants, green spaces, music venues, shopping districts and breathtaking architecture. But don't forget to toast this historic city's 850th birthday.
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A tour is always a good place to start, but make it interesting with an afternoon tea aboard the vintage double-decker Red Bus Bistro, while you take in all the main sights. You'll cover the University of Glasgow, George Square and some of the most famous murals and shopping streets, all while being entertained with local stories and legends. Remember to look up at the ornate Victorian and art nouveau architecture.
All of the main galleries and museums here are free, including Kelvingrove, which is perfect for kids; the Riverside Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid; the Burrell Collection, which has won awards for its innovative, interactive displays; and the Gallery of Modern Art.
No visit to Scotland would be complete without trying some whisky, and the newest distillery on the block is the Clydeside Distillery, where you can learn about the important part the city played in the whisky industry as well as the role of the river in Glasgow's social history. And of course, try a dram or two.
The word Glasgow means 'dear, green place' so there is no shortage of outdoor spaces. Try Kelvingrove Park in the leafy West End, where you will find wonderful views of the university, which was founded in 1451 and is the fourth oldest in the English-speaking world. The Botanic Gardens is also bustling with students on a sunny day, and the greenhouses are free to explore. Pollok Country Park in the Southside is the biggest green space, and home to the aforementioned Burrell Collection as well as a herd of Highland cows. Film buffs may also enjoy a climb up to the Victorian Necropolis cemetery, which was used as a backdrop for Gotham City in 2022's "The Batman".
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Glasgow is a creative hub and live music is on every night of the week. You'll find stars like Sting or Stereophonics at events like Glasgow Summer Sessions, and the Glasgow Jazz Festival attracts artists from around the world. In January, though, the city explodes with the sound of fiddles, guitars and lilting vocals as Celtic Connections brightens up the dark winter nights.
Where to stay
The dark, moody interiors at House of Gods
(Image credit: House of Gods)
The brand new House of Gods in the city's exclusive Merchant City has brought a unique hotel experience to Glasgow. Heavily inspired by burlesque and the Roaring Twenties, you can expect burgundy velvets, dark wood and gilded metalwork throughout. Guest rooms are dark and moody, with four-poster beds and copper bathtubs, while their Treat Me Like I'm Famous package promises to do just that. You'll be presented with prosecco, cookies, cocktails and more on your arrival, and the balloons and rose petals are a nice touch too. The Sacred Garden Rooftop has views of the city's architecture, and serves small plates and delicious drinks. Even the breakfast comes with champagne sorbet.
Eating and drinking
The Pot Still in Glasgow has a wall of whiskies
(Image credit: Kerry Elsworth/Alamy Stock Photo)
Glasgow was the host for the UK's 2025 Michelin Guide ceremony, reflecting the stratospheric direction of the city's gastronomic reputation. The old jokes about Scottish food being greasy, stodgy or just, well, bland simply do not hold true.
One of the most exciting new arrivals is Margo. Launched in the autumn, it was honoured by Michelin with a Bib Gourmand just months after opening. Here you'll find refined cooking in a relaxed setting. The skate wing with kumquat is the standout dish, but don't miss the cocktail menu either.
Elements is another newcomer that is shaking things up. Situated in the leafy suburb of Bearsden, this is fine dining worth getting the train for. Celebrating the wealth of natural resources Scotland has, chef Gary Townsend uses ingredients like Scottish lamb and Orkney scallops in innovative ways.
Stravaigin has been around for decades, and with good reason. It is a West End institution that serves traditional cuisine fireside, with an international twist at times. You'll leave with full bellies and a smile on your face. If you're craving steak, then the city centre's Gost is the spot. It's a hearty menu of ribeyes, fillets and sirloins, and, paired with a well-picked red, is there really any more you can ask for? OK, perhaps a garlic butter lobster steak topper will do the trick.
Glasgow and alcohol go together like, well, whisky and water, so you'll want to see some of the famous nightlife. If whisky is your thing head to the Pot Still for knowledgeable staff, tastings and a local crowd. Cocktails are the name of the game at Somewhere by Nico, from the Glasgow-based Six by Nico group. You'll find an exciting menu of drinks and small plates, and they cater well for non-alcoholic drinkers too. For beer, West Brewery is worth walking to, and has a wonderful beer garden, while Heraghty's and the Laurieston are proper neighbourhood pubs. The Ben Nevis in Finnieston holds fantastic trad music nights, and if you want a ceilidh then head to Sloans on a Friday. Late-night fun can be found in clubs across the city but The Howlin' Wolf Juke Joint has blues on most nights from 11pm, and Slouch is a raucous dive bar.
Jaymi McCann is a freelance journalist who writes extensively on travel for The Week, as well as publications including The Telegraph, National Geographic, Rough Guides, The i Paper and The Mail on Sunday. She has a degree in English literature from the University of Glasgow, a master’s in newspaper journalism from City University London, and 15 years of experience on Fleet Street. She specialises in writing about Scotland, as well as cruising, city guides and foodie travel. Jaymi loves to discover new places, particularly in Switzerland, Germany and southern Europe. Her Glasgow guide for The Week won a gong at the annual Media Getaway Awards.
