The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow, is blessed with some of the greatest representations of Victorian architecture in the world, most notably the works of famed Glaswegian architects Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Alexander Thomson. Eco-friendly travellers fly to Glasgow for the city's more than 70 stunning parks and gardens, earning it the Gaelic title of “the Dear Green Place”. Apart from its aesthetic beauty most Glasgow travellers are pleasantly surprised by the energy of the city, from its trendy bars to its artsy galleries and great shopping. In fact, the shopping is one of the main reasons visitors from all around Europe hop on a flight to Glasgow for a city break.
While strolling through the city music seems to fill the air, seeping through the thick walls of its opera houses and concert halls. Stop into a pub on a weeknight and listen to a band looking to break into the scene, after all many award winning bands including Franz Ferdinand and The Fratellis first began their careers in this inspiring city playing at such gigs. But serious music lovers booking flights to Glasgow should definitely visit at a time when the city plays host to some great music festivals, particularly the Glasgow Music Festival.
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Glasgow winters are cold and wet with some snow and little sun. November through March, temperatures are typically between zero and about seven degrees (Celsius). Spring brings warmer weather and the sun. Summer days start off a little foggy but typically clear up and warm up. July and August days are often in the teens. There is a chance of rain year-round, but that also brings all the lush greenery. May and June typically have the least amount of rainfall.
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Peak Season:
April to September is the tourist season for Glasgow, and the peak season is July and August. These two months are further inundated with visitors when the British schools are on vacation. For this time of year, reserve your hotel well in advance.
The best times to book cheap flights to Glasgow are late spring, early summer, and autumn. All the attractions are open, rooms are easy to find, and the weather is warm.
Off Season:
If wet weather doesn't dampen your spirits, visit in the spring. The flowers are starting to bloom and lodging rates and airline fares are reduced.
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Buses leave regularly for Glasgow, stopping off at the main railway and bus stations. The journey to the city centre takes 15 to 20 minutes. There are also trains to Glasgow Central Station, connecting to towns and cities throughout Scotland. Taxis are available outside the terminal 24 hours a day.
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Bring good walking shoes — the best way to explore the centre of Glasgow is on foot. The hop-on hop-off City Sightseeing bus is another great way to see the city. For exploring via waterways, try a cruise on Loch Lomond and to the islands in the Firth of Clyde.
Glasgow’s public transport is excellent. The local rail network is particularly good, and the bus system connects to the subway and train networks. Local buses provide frequent service, and there are limited night-service buses. The underground system is the best way to get between the city centre and the West End. The Roundabout Glasgow ticket covers all underground and train transport in the city for a day. The Family Day Tripper ticket gets two adults around the whole area.
Taxis are readily available and excellent, but expensive. The no-charge benefit is the wealth of information the drivers have about the city.
Between the congested traffic, one-way streets, and limited parking, getting around the city centre is easier using public transport than trying to drive. If you have a car, it is best left at a park-and-ride location at underground rail station outside the city.
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- George Square is right in the heart of the city, in the centre of the old town. Surrounded by huge and spectacular buildings, this is the perfect place to start a tour. The square houses information points and benches where you can relax and take in the architecture. It is also the host to many festivals throughout the year. The piping festival in August is especially worth visiting if you are in town.
- The University of Glasgow is housed in a spectacular building, right next to the Kelvingrove Museum. The second-oldest university in Scotland (to St Andrews), the original university was founded in 1451. The buildings used today date from 1870 when the campus was moved to its current location. The University is also home to the Hunterian Museum – the oldest public museum in Scotland. The art collection is impressive, including works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Whistler.
- The heavy Glaswegian accent can take some getting used. Don’t worry if it seems completely indecipherable at first...
- Whisky is one of Scotland’s biggest imports. The nearest distillery to Glasgow is at Glengoyne, 12 miles from Glasgow city centre. It is also located close to Loch Lomond so you could combine a visit to both in one day out. The distillery is open for tours and tastings throughout the year. Hire a car and drive, if you want to visit Loch Lomond as well, or take a taxi from Glasgow – which will take around 35 minutes.
- Much of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s best work can be found in the city. Architect, designer and painter, he was a spearhead of the Art Nouveau movement. The Lighthouse is a museum dedicated to architecture and design, converted from his 1895 Glasgow Herald office. You can learn all you’ll want to know about the designer and architecture in the museum. There is also the Mackintosh Tower, with excellent views of the city.
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