Getting Around Glasgow: From Big Gothic Buildings to Gritty Street Art
There is a lot of history, art, and character in Glasgow. It went from being a major industrial centre to a lively cultural centre without any problems. There is something for everyone in Glasgow, whether you like its amazing buildings, world-class museums, big parks, or the lively energy of its unique neighbourhoods. This is a list of the most fun things to do in this Scottish city.
Places and sites of historical importance
Glasgow has a long history full of beautiful buildings and historical treasures. You should visit these famous places before you leave:
- The Necropolis and Glasgow Cathedral: The stunning Glasgow Cathedral is a great example of Scottish Gothic architecture and has been around for more than 800 years. It is one of the few mediaeval cathedrals on the Scottish mainland that stayed mostly the same after the Reformation. After you see how beautiful the inside is, go next door to the Necropolis, which is a “city of the dead” from the 1800s. The cemetery has a lot of beautiful tombs and monuments that give you a good view of the city.
- The University of Glasgow: The University of Glasgow, which opened in 1451, is a beautiful place to visit. Many people say that its Gothic Revival style is similar to that of Hogwarts. Take a walk through its old courtyards and cloisters. The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery in Scotland is the oldest museum that anyone can visit. You can also go there. There are many things there, such as Roman artefacts and paintings by well-known artists.
- George Square: George Square is the city’s main public square. It’s a great place to start your tour of the city. There are a lot of people in the square, and there are big, fancy Victorian buildings all around it, like the City Chambers. From here, you can get to the trendy Merchant City. The buildings in this area from the 18th century are very nice. Now there are a lot of nice stores, bars, and restaurants there.
The best museums and art galleries in the world
Many of Glasgow’s museums and galleries are free to enter and have a lot of interesting things to see.
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: Many people, both locals and tourists, like to visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. There are a lot of beautiful and old things there. There are 22 themed galleries full of interesting things, such as dinosaur bones, ancient Egyptian artefacts, and famous European works of art like Salvador Dalí’s “Christ of St. John of the Cross.”
- Riverside Museum: This museum, which has won awards, is on the River Clyde and is all about travel and getting around. There are a lot of vehicles at the museum, such as old cars, trains, bikes, and skateboards. Zaha Hadid’s modern design is really cool. You should definitely take the time to board the Tall Ship Glenlee. It’s a sailing ship from the 1800s that has been fixed up and is now docked outside.
- The Burrell Collection: Sir William Burrell gave the city more than 9,000 works of art. They are now on display in the beautiful Pollok Country Park. There are many different kinds of art in the collection, including Chinese ceramics, mediaeval art, and paintings by well-known Impressionist artists like Cézanne and Degas.
- The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA): The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is in the middle of the city and has modern art from all over the world and from the area. Outside the gallery, there is a statue of the Duke of Wellington’s horse. There is almost always a traffic cone on it. It’s just as well-known as the shows that make you think inside.
Go to neighbourhoods that are full of life
If you want to really get to know Glasgow, you should leave the city centre and check out the different neighbourhoods.
- The West End: The West End has a smart and bohemian feel to it. There are no other places with streets like these that have trees, small shops, and cafes. Byres Road, a busy street, runs through the middle of it. This area also has the beautiful Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Their Victorian glasshouses are very pretty. The University of Glasgow and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum are also not too far away.
- The East End: The East End has a lot of history and personality, and it’s changing a lot right now. The oldest park in the city is Glasgow Green. There is a museum there called the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens that tells the story of the city’s social history. You can find just about anything at the Barras Market, which is a big market on the weekends. People know the Barrowland Ballroom as a great place to listen to music.
- Finnieston: Finnieston used to be an industrial area, but now it’s one of Glasgow’s coolest neighbourhoods, known for its creative and award-winning food scene. This is the best place to go out for a night of fun bars and good food. It is right next to the famous Finnieston Crane, which is a symbol of the city’s shipbuilding past.
Parks and Open Spaces
In Glasgow’s parks, you can relax and get away from the noise and stress of the city.
- Pollok Country Park: Pollok Country Park is a big park with beautiful wooded paths, well-kept gardens, and a herd of Highland cattle. There is also the Burrell Collection. It’s a great place to relax and get away from home.
- Glasgow Botanic Gardens: These gardens are a green oasis in Glasgow’s West End. The Kibble Palace is the best part of it. It has a national collection of tree ferns and is a beautiful Victorian glasshouse.
Glasgow has something for everyone, whether you like history, art, food, or just seeing and hearing new things.