How To Visit Glasgow For A Weekend: 10 Tips to Help You Plan Your Trip!
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Scotland’s largest city and capital of the west of Scotland is a must-visit for every tourist. Whether you want to explore the city’s beautiful architecture, go on a leisurely stroll along its picturesque waterfront, or see some of the country’s most popular things to do in Glasgow, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.
With so many Glasgow attractions and places to visit in Glasgow during your short stay, it can be daunting trying to figure out what to prioritize. Fortunately, the following Glasgow guide covers everything you need to know about saving time and easing stress on your Glasgow travel.
Table of Contents
- Know Before You Go
- Stay up late
- Set your expectations appropriately
- Take in the view
- Eat your heart out at the foodie hotspots
- Increase your fitness level with a run or a walk
- Relax in one of Glasgow’s many spas or wellness centres
- Don’t forget to drink like you mean it – with whisky and beer of course!
- Frequently Asked Question
- Conclusion
Know Before You Go
If you plan your trip well, you will be able to visit the Glasgow city with less effort and stress, saving valuable time and money. Knowing what to expect in advance will also help you to get the most out of your Glasgow sightseeing.
The Scottish summer is long, hot and humid, with higher humidity than many other parts of the world. From mid-July to mid-August, daytime temperatures are usually in the high 30s Celsius, and low 20s Celsius at night.
Scotland does experience a semi-autumnal change of season, but this is very much dependent on the geographical location of the city.
If you plan your trip in advance using Glasgow tourist information, you will be better able to cope with the weather.
Stay up late
One of Glasgow’s many charms is its vibrant Glasgow nightlife. There are plenty of bars and clubbing hotspots that are open until the early hours of the morning.
If you are visiting during the summer, you can even expect to party through the night. The best places to be seen after the bars close are the many outdoor festivals. Glasgow is also home to many unconventional events, like the all-night film festival or the annual bike rodeo.
If you are staying longer than a week and want to see the Glasgow city centre at night, you can even make the effort to stay up late and check out some live music venues.
Set your expectations appropriately
Knowing what to expect is an important part of knowing how to visit Glasgow. Although other parts of Scotland and Glasgow are very similar in culture and heritage, Glasgow has its own specific culture.
While some aspects of the city will be very much familiar, others may be very different. Make sure you decide what aspects of the city you want to focus on during your visit and adjust your expectations accordingly.
If you have visited other major cities in Europe, you will recognize some of the architecture, but even here it is possible to find something new.
Likewise, there are many aspects of Scottish culture that will be familiar to you, but there are also many that won’t. Glasgow tourism is unique and offers a blend of old and new.
Take in the view
If you are staying in Glasgow for the day, the view from your hotel room will be the perfect opportunity to unwind after a busy day of exploring Glasgow tourist attractions.
For those who wish to explore the city’s beautiful Glasgow skyline, a visit to the city’s highest point, Cathkin Braes Country Park, will get your heart racing. For those who don’t have the time, or who feel up to the challenge, there is always the taxi ride.
The city has many other iconic views, like the view of the River Clyde from George Square, or the view of The Mound from Glasgow Green.
Eat your heart out at the foodie hotspots
Glasgow is a foodie’s paradise, and I can’t tell you how to visit Glasgow without mentioning this. The city has so many great restaurants, it is hard to decide where to start!
While you can enjoy great modern cuisine in the fashionable West End, or casual eateries around Sauchiehall Street, the city’s best-known foods are found on the East End.
The Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities, who were once very poor, have recently become famous for their culinary traditions and nourishing food.
If you want to try the local food, you can’t go far wrong by heading towards the docks. Many of the best-known Glasgow dishes are served here. If you are looking for something a little more refined, you can also find many high-quality restaurants in the city centre.
To make the most of the Glasgow foodie spots, you can save time by booking a city break to Glasgow. This can allow you to explore the city without the time pressure of needing to find a place to eat.
The coffee scene is also thriving, with many artisanal cafes to check out. And for plant-based eaters, there are plenty of excellent vegan restaurants as well.
Here are my top recommendations for places to eat in Glasgow:
Increase your fitness level with a run or a walk
The city has a few well-known parks and gardens, but for those that want to get a bit more exercise, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside. If you want to experience the city while getting some exercise, there is the chance to go on a city break or to stay in one of the many nearby towns.
If you don’t mind the cold, the city has outdoor gyms in many of the parks, and there are also opportunities to go on outdoor pursuits like mountain biking or hiking.
You can also enjoy many outdoor activities during the summer months. For those who want to try something new and unusual, the city has many options to offer.
Check out the Botanic Gardens and take a stroll through the stunning Kibble Palace. Or join one of the popular Glasgow Good Move Health Walks for some fresh air and light exercise.
Relax in one of Glasgow’s many spas or wellness centres
The city has many great spas and wellness spas in Glasgow to choose from. If you want to relax, enjoying the city from a different perspective, the view from the Glasgow Eye may be just what you’re looking for.
The city has many great options for wellness spas, from the traditional to the more modern. For those who want to enjoy the city in luxury, there are many luxurious options, from spa hotels to luxury spas.
If you want to try something new, there are many options for Glasgow day spa experiences, from traditional massage treatments to modern Glasgow spa treatments.
For those who want to relax after a long day, there are many options for those looking to unwind, from saunas to bubble baths. A great option is to stay in a spa hotel.
This is a great place to go back to at the end of the day and experience some relaxation so you’re refreshed in the morning. Many spas also have meditation centres and thermal suites to help you fully unwind.
Here are our top recommendations for spa hotels in Glasgow:
Don’t forget to drink like you mean it – with whisky and beer of course!
One of the most famous drinks in the world is, of course, Scotch whisky. While you can find single malt whiskies at many bars and restaurants, it is also possible to find blends.
Whisky is not just consumed neat, but many bars offer a selection of cocktails with whisky. For those who want to discover something new, single malt whisky can be very expensive.
With so many great bars and places to go, it is also possible to enjoy some tasty beers without breaking the bank. For those who want to sample something new, the city has many great craft breweries.
You can even visit a whisky distillery like the Clydeside Distillery right in the heart of the city. You can find more information about visiting Glasgow on the Visit Scotland website.
Some other top best things to do in Glasgow that showcase its cultural attractions include:
- Exploring the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Taking a stroll through the expansive Pollok Country Park
- Visiting The Burrell Collection
- Wandering around the historic Merchant City district
- Checking out the city’s famous street art on the City Centre Mural Trail
- Learning about the city’s history at the Glasgow Women’s Library
Top Things To Do When You Visit Glasgow
Check out Travel Scout’s video on the top 13 things to do in Glasgow, so you can plan the top trip for your interests.
Frequently Asked Question
Conclusion
With Glasgow’s nightlife, great food, hotels, museums, and entertainment, this is a fantastic place to visit to get to know modern Scotland. As you can see, there is plenty to be enjoyed in this metropolitan city and is a great way to see another side of Scotland’s culture.
Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to see you back here again soon.
Ta-ta for now! x
