Glasgow Overview

Despite it being a fairly large city, it's easy to move about on foot. Neighbourhoods blend into parks and there are plenty of bridges crossing the Clyde River to help you move around. It’s obvious that Glasgow is a city on the ascent. It has been busy revitalising its neighbourhoods and charming old buildings into a haven for dining, nightlife and shopping. There's a pleasant mix of traditional, well-preserved old pubs and trendy new nightclubs to keep visitors entertained after dark. Pop into any pub and you'll get a warm Scottish welcome from this friendly confident city.

A wealth of excellent places to eat makes dining out a special part of visiting Glasgow. From ethnic cuisine to local favourites, there are plenty of restaurants and most of them offer creative, inspiring menus. Glasgow doesn't lack a cultural side either. Museums such as the Burrell Collection and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery are among the finest in the UK, complementing its thriving performance arts scene. The City Centre and Merchant City are two districts not to be missed. Their medieval atmosphere has a wonderful mix of shops, cafés and residences. There may not be a shining castle on the hill, but Glasgow's charms are found in the small details.

As Glasgow continues to grow as a popular travel destination, the range of accommodation options has also increased. The central district is the place to stay if you want to be in the heart of the action, while the upscale West End, which centres on the university, museums and parks offers a quiet and genteel environment. Visitors can find everything from opulent 5-star historic hotels to modest inns in nearly every quarter. For the best ambience try and stay in the medieval district.

The foundations of Glasgow can be traced back to the 6^th century when the Christian missionary St Mungo arrived and built the city's first church, which is now the site of the stately 13^th-century Glasgow Cathedral. Things progressed slowly for this village until 1175 when King William the Lionheart officially made Glasgow a burgh. Once in the spotlight, Glasgow became the site of many important historical events over the following centuries as Great Britain sorted itself out.

Famous military victories such as the English trouncing at the hands of William Braveheart happened right at the top of High Street in the 14^th century. The city also developed into one of the region's centres for learning and culture during this era, creating a tradition which carries on today. In 1451, Glasgow University became the fourth college to open in the UK, followed shortly after by the renowned St Andrews prep school.

While its universities and theatres were creating an atmosphere of culture, it was Glasgow's port that helped it to prosper economically. The 1707 Treaty of Union opened an incredibly lucrative trade route between Glasgow and the Americas. Goods such as cotton, tobacco, rum and sugar made many men rich.

The 18^th century saw the invention of the steam engine by local genius James Watt. This machine jumpstarted Glasgow's textile industry and paved the way for its own Industrial Revolution as cotton mills sprouted up everywhere. The next economic wave came from shipbuilding. By 1835 Glasgow was producing half of Britain's steamships, and this boom in prosperity sparked the era of building that created much of the city's grand architecture remaining today.

But like all booms, Glasgow eventually went bust. After WWII, the city's population nearly evaporated as residents migrated to the outskirts and the economy went into a slump. Most of the industries upon which Glasgow was built had become obsolete, leaving the city with little to offer the modern world. High unemployment and a general air of depression almost destroyed this once vibrant city.

In a bold move, the city decided to embark on a major urban redevelopment program in the 1980s. Tourism became a new focus, as the service industry was polished and many impressive new cultural attractions were opened. Glasgow's attempt to reclaim its position as Scotland's ‘Second City’ was a success. Now regarded as one of the top sites for urban charm, entertainment and culture in the UK, Glasgow looks set to capture the title of the nation's hippest travel destination.

Travellers to Glasgow should be aware that this city gets a lot of rain. Perhaps not as much as the myths suggest, but certainly enough to require a raincoat and umbrella virtually all year round. Bear in mind that it's this precipitation which keeps Glasgow and the surrounding countryside so incredibly green and scenic.

Glasgow has four distinct seasons, each with its own special quality that makes it appealing. The finest weather typically falls during the summer between May and October. Conditions tend towards dry and sunny days coupled with the warmest temperatures of the year. Summer highs only average 18°C, however, so be prepared for cool and potentially damp weather even in August. Winters offer the least pleasant weather as most days are cold, grey and rainy. But this doesn't stop the locals from going out so if you can handle the weather you'll see the most authentic face of Glasgow and practically no tourists.

Two of the nicest seasons to visit Glasgow are the spring and autumn. Late April through to early June is a wonderful time as spring rains and dappled sunshine coax the flowers out of the ground and everything holds an expectant air of impending summer. The autumn months of September and October are also very pleasant as the trees turn riotous colours against steely grey skies, a major component of Glasgow's unique ambience. The major tourist attractions are open but quiet during these lulls, and room rates are generally much lower.