The centre of Glasgow is nicely compact and very easy to explore on foot. Most visitors spend their time around the pedestrian zone enclosed by three main streets where Victorian architecture abounds and many of the city's museums, art galleries and monuments are clustered. Just next door is the lively Merchant City district where converted warehouses now feature trendy cafes, bars and boutiques. Through it all runs the Clyde River. Top collections of art can be found in the Southside's Burrell Collection, while the waterfront Lighthouse offers a constantly changing series of exhibits and events.

City Centre
The heart and engine of Glasgow centres around the Z-shaped pedestrian zone incorporating three of the city's main streets. During the day this district is filled with businesspeople, students and shoppers, but after dark the place buzzes with action as locals head to the many restaurants, bars, nightclubs and theatres. Other highlights such as George Square, Merchant City and the Clyde River are all next door, making this the best place for exploring on foot.

Glasgow Cathedral
This marvel of Gothic design built in the 13th century is Scotland's only fully intact medieval cathedral. Even if you're not a fan of old churches, this one is well worth a visit. Be sure and check out the amazing vaulted crypt where the tomb of St Mungo is located. For a different perspective and great view of the cathedral, cross the small gully and climb the opposite hill to the Central Necropolis. This ancient cemetery is another fascinating spot to explore. Phone: +44 141 552 6891; website: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Holmwood House
This incredibly original variation on the Victorian home is a spacious villa built in 1858 now run by the National Trust. Visitors have access to nearly every nook and cranny of the mansion, which is full of intricate and unusual details. The grounds encompass more than two hectares and are also a great place to explore. Phone: +44 141 637 2129; website: www.nts.org.uk

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Competing nicely with the Burrell Collection is this recently renovated art gallery and museum featuring Glasgow’s civic collection of art and artefacts. The Kelvingrove receives more visitors than any other museum in Scotland, and for good reason. Its collection of art includes works by Salvador Dalí, French impressionists, and Flemish and Dutch paintings from the 17th century. Local artists, the ‘Glasgow Boys’, architect Mackintosh and contemporary Scottish artists are also showcased. Excellent exhibitions of Scottish history, warfare, natural history and culture are also on hand to add some diversity. Phone: +44 141 276 9599; website: www.glasgowmuseums.com

The Burrell Collection
This is Glasgow's best art museum, formed from the donation of more than 8,000 pieces of art from Sir William Burrell, a Glasgow shipping baron. It's a wonderfully eclectic collection featuring medieval tapestries from Europe, stained glass from churches, ancient artefacts, Asian artwork and hundreds of paintings from the 15th to 19th centuries. It's really one of the world's greatest collections and well worth a lingering visit. Also on site is the fully restored 18^th-century Pollok House, the Pollok Country Park and a decent café. Phone: +44 141 616 6521; website: www.glasgowmuseums.com

The Lighthouse
One of Glasgow's landmarks has been transformed into a seven-storey cultural exhibition centre focusing on architecture and design. The only permanent fixture is the Mackintosh Interpretation Centre, which gives a broad look at the architect's groundbreaking design and artwork. The Lighthouse also contains four galleries, workshop centres and a cafe. Head up to the viewing platform for perhaps the most scenic panorama of Glasgow. Phone: +44 141 221 6362; website: www.thelighthouse.co.uk

Experience another way to view Glasgow aboard a paddle steamship on the Clyde River. The world’s last remaining paddle steamship capable of going to sea is the Waverley, built in 1947 and now moored at Glasgow’s Anderston Quay. During the summer months, this classic boat ferries passengers along the river to scenic and historic sites on the Firth of Clyde and out to the Isle of Arran. Vast shipyards that once built half of the world’s ocean liners can be seen along the way. Phone: +44 141 221 8152; website: www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk

Go ghost hunting around Glasgow with a Mercat walking tour. If you are looking for something different from your average city tour, consider joining one of the evening Mercat walking tours. Guides tell the ghoulish side of the city’s history, presenting the sites where famous murderers, hangmen and ghosts are said to have worked. The 90-minute tour is a fun way to see another side of Glasgow. Phone: +44 141 586 5378

Immerse yourself in the natural splendour of Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens. For a quick escape from the bustle of the city streets, duck into these lush and diverse gardens situated on 11 hectares. Running along the banks of the Kelvin River, visitors can enjoy the scenery of both water and land in this park. The Victorian Kibble Palace is a charming cast iron greenhouse that contains a rare collection of orchids, begonias and other tropical plants. There are a lot of different aspects to these gardens, and guides will help explain it all. Phone: +44 141 334 2422

See how the future is catching up with Glasgow’s past in Merchant City. Historic High Street runs through this district, anchored by Glasgow Cathedral on one end and the Renaissance Tolbooth steeple on the other. This area was once the centre of power for the wealthy traders of Glasgow, and their Victorian mansions and Georgian buildings have now been converted into trendy restaurants, bars and boutiques. Visitors can spend hours window shopping, lingering and snacking their way between Merchant City and neighbouring City Centre for the best that Glasgow has to offer.

Take in all the sights of Glasgow from the open-air deck of a sightseeing bus. One of the best ways to see all the major attractions in Glasgow and get some useful and entertaining information about them is to hop in one of the bright buses which depart from George Square every day. Your ticket is good for two consecutive days of running the loop, which stops at 22 highlights such as the University, the Royal Concert Hall and the Glasgow Green. Passengers can hop on and off wherever they like. Phone: +44 141 204 0444; website: www.scotguide.com

Wander the ancient paths of Glasgow's oldest park, the Glasgow Green. This wonderful patchwork of lush green lawns and wooded groves has been a city park since medieval times, and continues to attract residents throughout the year. As it runs along the Clyde River, it offers both water and land activities. The People's Palace museum dedicated to the city's social history with its lovely Winter Garden, Nelson's Monument and Doulton Fountain are all features of this park.