Glasgow - City Guide

Eating Out in Glasgow:

As with most UK cities, Glasgow is home to a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, bistros and fast food outlets offering a variety of cuisines to suit all tastes and budgets.

Budget: 279 Café Bistro - a family owned restaurant offering a choice of Italian and traditional meals at affordable prices.
Jack McPhee - for a tasty fish and chip supper at a very reasonable price, visit the restaurant located at the top of Hope Street, near the Theatre Royal in the city centre.
Byres Road - close to the university, this area of the city has many good value cafes and eateries. Try the University Café or Russell Café for a good choice of cheap food but make sure you arrive early as they can get busy.
Mid-range: La Lanterna - a family run pizzeria in the city centre, the oldest restaurant of this type in Glasgow, with a charming interior. Stravaigin - a fantastic restaurant located in Glasgow's West End. Here you will find locally picked ingredients transformed into imaginative dishes that take inspiration from around the world.
Chow - located in Byres Road this Chinese restaurant serves up tasty favourites as well as some modern surprises. Book your table as this restaurant can get very busy.
High-Range: Brian Maule at Chardon d'Or - Well renowned French restaurant, with Head Chef Brian Maule formerly of Michelin Star Restaurant Le Gavroche.
étain - Located in Princes Square in the heart of Glasgow's shopping district, this is Terrance Conrans only UK restaurant outside of London. Food served includes fish, Scottish beef and vegetarian options each cooked with French influence.

Nightlife & Entertainment in Glasgow:

Glasgow comes alive after dark. The city has evening entertainment to suit all musical tastes as well as venues to suit those looking for a quiet relaxing night out in the city. With 700+ bars and clubs to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice after arriving on cheap flights to Glasgow.

The well-known nightspots in the city include the West End, Ashton Lane, the city centre and the charming Merchant City. Some of the major clubs in Glasgow include The Viper, The Arches, Sub Club and Common with many, many more venues around town.

For fans of live music there are some brilliant music venues to be found in Glasgow. The Royal Concert Hall is Scotland's premier music venue which overlooks the city. The 2, 475 seat auditorium is a regular host of quality music from classical to folk, world, country, rock and pop.

The Old Fruitmarket is one of the most fascinating music venues around, hosting a variety of acts from different genres. As its name suggests, the venue used to be home to a fruit market and the venue has retained all of its period charm including its lofty vaulted roof cast iron columns and balcony.

Built in 1841 The City Halls are Glasgow's longest standing musical venue. The traditional shoebox style auditorium is renowned throughout the world for having some of the finest acoustics. This exciting music complex also houses top class rehearsal, recording, broadcasting and webcasting facilities.

There is also an O2 Academy hosting regular live acts and there are a number of smaller music venues. Those worth a mention include King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Nice N Sleazy and Brel.

Shopping in Glasgow:

Glasgow is the largest and best retail centre in the UK outside of London. The vibrant shopping district in the heart of the city is focused around the pedestrianised areas of Buchanan Street, Argyle Street, and Sauchiehall Street.

The Merchant City area and the West End have a wealth of unique bookshops, antique stores and second-hand clothing emporia. The Barras - the open-air street market between Gallowgate and London Road in the East End - is open for business at the weekend for the sale of antiques, clothing and food.

Along these main streets are shopping malls such as the Sauchiehall Street Centre, the Buchanan Galleries, the stylish and hip Princes Square, the St Enoch Centre, and the bright and sunny atriums of the Argyle Arcade.

Things to Do and See in Glasgow:

- Burrell Collection - Glasgow's major attraction, the Burrell Museum, is a Collection amassed by wealthy industrialist Sir William Burrell ship owner and art collector, before it was donated to the city in 1944. The collection comprises of over 8000 important historical items including stained glass, tapestries, oak furniture, medieval weaponry and armour, Islamic art, artefacts from ancient Egypt and China, modern sculptures and a whole host of other artefacts from around the world.
- Mackintosh Buildings - There are various buildings across the city that have been designed by Scottish architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Mackintosh was the main exponent of Art Nouveau in the United Kingdom; his considerable influence is felt across Europe and is no more evident than in his home city of Glasgow. Some recommended Mackintosh buildings are The Mackintosh House, The Willow Tea Rooms, Queens Cross Church and The Glasgow School of Art.
- People's Palace and Winter Gardens - The People's Palace, set in historic Glasgow Green, tells the story of the people and city of Glasgow from 1750 to the end of the 20th century. You can explore the city's history through a wealth of historic artefacts, paintings, prints and photographs, film and interactive computer displays. In the adjacent Winter Gardens you can wander among the exotic palms and plants or enjoy some lunch in the café.
- Celtic Park and Ibrox Football Grounds - Stadium experience tours are available most days at both of Glasgow's major Football Clubs; Celtic and Rangers. These tours provide the opportunity to see behind the scenes at the homes of the two most successful clubs in Scottish Football. If you go during the SPL Football season you might even have the chance to see the teams in action!

Cost of Living

One-litre bottle of mineral water - £1.50
33cl bottle of beer - £2.90
City-centre bus ticket - £1
Adult football ticket - From £26
Three-course meal with wine/beer - From £25

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